Installing a Bass String

[Avery Todd]

List,

   While we're on the subject of replacing broken strings, I'd like to
pass along a tip I got MANY years ago about getting a new bass string on
without removing, or even tilting, the action.
   To prevent having to struggle with the string trying to loop back
toward the keybed (or wherever it tries to go) while trying to get it
behind the action and down to the hitch pin, just take a medium size
safety pin, hook it around the string next to the empty spot, put the loop
of the new string on the pin and close the pin. Depress the damper pedal
and just slid the new string down to the bottom, release it from the
pin and attach it to the hitch pin. Occasionally it will try to do funny
things, but usually it just slides straight down. Do the coil, pull it up
and you're done. (Don't forget to put the twist(s) in the string).
   Bingo. Not much patience needed and no swearing (just in case the owner
is within earshot). :-)
   I picked this up in a "bull session" at a convention in Dallas early in
my career. That one little trick has more than paid for the cost of that
convention. Especially in lack of aggravation.
   I hope this will be as useful to someone who has never heard of it as it
has been to me.

Avery

>Amen.  With just the right tension on the new string, I use my fingers, a
>work lamp, and a long thin bladed screwdriver to manipulate it into place.
>The tension on the string and the patience of Job are the secrets to
>sucessfully complete the task and stop the swearing     :-)
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Keith A. McGavern

_____________________________________
Avery Todd, RPT
Moores School of Music
University of Houston
713-743-3226
atodd@uh.edu
http://www.uh.edu/music/
_____________________________________