Bass Setup | How to Restring a Bass Guitar with John Carruthers | ELIXIR Strings

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  • Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
  • Master Luthier John Carruthers walks you through restringing a bass guitar.
    Check out Elixir Strings: www.elixirstri...
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Комментарии • 145

  • @ericschwartz9982
    @ericschwartz9982 5 лет назад +8

    To help your strings last longer, wash your hands before you play and wipe the strings down after you finish playing. John's videos are always helpful and informative. No fluff. No filler. Excellent job.

  • @Andydoesales
    @Andydoesales 9 лет назад +52

    As a new bass player, I really find these videos by John so helpful....managed to set up my home made bass with no problem. Quite proud of myself, but John made it so easy.

    • @khennybothier6191
      @khennybothier6191 9 лет назад

      Pouvoir vous avez reçu ce message

    • @Redhollow
      @Redhollow 3 года назад

      Hey man, out of curiosity, how goes your bass playing journey?

    • @Andydoesales
      @Andydoesales 3 года назад +2

      @@Redhollow All good, still learning as we all are, playing in a band.... Well, will be again when covid buggers off.

  • @PeterPrestonUK
    @PeterPrestonUK 4 года назад +18

    Most informative video I've seen on the subject, and good to hear a string company not telling us to cut our old strings in half. Strings can be reused, and aren't always changed because they're dead. Thanks for the honest, helpful non-sales instruction.

  • @tun-tunninc.6492
    @tun-tunninc.6492 2 года назад +4

    Stretching the strings is something I never thought of doing while restringing. Very appreciative of this video.

  • @Asthmos
    @Asthmos Год назад +1

    best video for restringing a bass right here . measure, kink, cut, and wind. when you do it the way this guy shows, it comes out looking good every time

  • @GfnWiz
    @GfnWiz 2 года назад +6

    Dude…out of appreciation for your videos…just wanted to thank John Carruthers… (I bought your book) it is amazing I could be changing my strings for years and always got upset when I ruined a string because it unwound…the most simple things in the world often allude us.

  • @ryanbennett8434
    @ryanbennett8434 8 лет назад +136

    I love how johns videos aren't 594748473 mins long. They're short and too the point.

    • @dylanmeredith5417
      @dylanmeredith5417 7 лет назад +2

      Ryan Bennett I know right

    • @behindthen0thing
      @behindthen0thing 2 года назад

      Yeah

    • @Joetime90
      @Joetime90 2 года назад +1

      He seems like a sweet guy. Granted the video is ten years old, wonder what he's up to now?

  • @macdongr
    @macdongr 7 лет назад +3

    Simple, short video that explains everything with enough detail that makes it easy to understand for people who have never done this before.

  • @skinnydoggyz
    @skinnydoggyz 3 года назад +6

    one thing i would add to this, although it doesn't happen too much, is make sure the strings aren't twisted before tightening them. I took an old pair of strings off once to work on the guitar, and weeks later after having them back on, I noticed one of the strings had fret marks in a spiral pattern, versus on the underside only as I would have expected (they were a couple years old). so what i've been doing is wrapping the string a couple times around the tuning peg, then pull it tight towards the bridge, so that i can see how the ball-end is oriented. Then I will proceed to pull the string tight and tune it up making sure the ball-end wasn't twisted in the process, if that makes sense. Like flattening out a wrinkle in fabric. I don't think the twisting would affect the sound or feel very much, but now I try to prevent it all the same.

  • @Luqmas
    @Luqmas 11 лет назад +1

    Mad props for these vids, the whole series on bass guitar setup. There are tons of vids on this by all kinds of people, but it adds a sense of safety when it's done by a professional and you wanna follow it.

  • @Martin-gg1up
    @Martin-gg1up 8 лет назад +6

    Fast Bass setup with all important steps and all need to knows is right here. Haven´t seen it better. Watch before you setup your base and save money before making mistakes. Thank you very much, you saved me time and money.

  • @VegetaSoup
    @VegetaSoup 7 лет назад +5

    Not even 5 minutes after playing my new bass did I accidentally break the G trying to tune it. I never had luck with strings and breaking them, especially violin ones.
    That being said, since I'm new to having a bass guitar, thank you for posting this video so I can restring it on my own.

    • @mastod0n1
      @mastod0n1 7 лет назад

      Sionnanful did you get really heavy gauge strings so that you needed a lot of tension? I have abused the hell out of sets of strings and have never broken one. they're super hard to break

    • @JameseyFrey
      @JameseyFrey 5 лет назад +1

      Sounds like you were tuning it too high. Probably an octave higher than needed. Resulting in far greater tension.

  • @NICUofficial
    @NICUofficial 2 года назад +2

    This is so cool, just stumbled upon it while restringing my bass - for the past 14 years my finest guitar has been a vintage Blue Paisley Fender Strat with an aftermarket hand-turned neck supposedly made by John Carruthers. I've never cared enough to verify the supposed providence of this guitar or its neck, mainly because it sounds and plays so stupidly amazing that I wouldn't care if it was made out of balsawood by a 3rd grader.
    Anyway, that's all I've got to say

  • @dangermoose666
    @dangermoose666 6 лет назад

    Wish more video's were like this. Short, accurate and to the point.

  • @avaadorey1
    @avaadorey1 9 лет назад +4

    I love these videos where they do it with their hands. I don't have all the fancy tools.

  • @michaelmilburn3094
    @michaelmilburn3094 Год назад +2

    Thanks for video. I laughed at around 1:16-1:32 when he referenced box: "this is our 45 to 105 set" then opens box and the low string is 100, not 105. ;-)

  • @SadowskyGuitars
    @SadowskyGuitars 3 года назад +2

    Perfect, John. Could not have done better myself!

  • @Vdeogamer
    @Vdeogamer 12 лет назад

    I got some RotoSound 45-130 and I'm just about ready to restring. This guys video is very informative and helpful. Thanks!

  • @KZHX
    @KZHX 11 лет назад +10

    I always come back to this video so I can get the cut off point (12cm) :)

  • @jackpops3613
    @jackpops3613 7 лет назад +1

    Interesting. I was taught by a local guitar shop to cut my
    Bass strings 2" past the tuning post. Thankfully we now have expert advice at the touch of a button!

    • @vinniebasile9404
      @vinniebasile9404 3 года назад

      I actually believe that 4.5'' is a better length to cut from. It gives you enough length for two full winds and it eliminates extra slack responsible for tuning instabilities. I am firm believer in having as little amount of string on the post as possible. But that's just me.

  • @dylanmeredith5417
    @dylanmeredith5417 7 лет назад

    thank you John carruthers without you I wouldn't be able to fix my bass guitar

  • @tonyperri5663
    @tonyperri5663 2 года назад +1

    This is great INFO, thank you very much for sharing!

  • @sagsquad5ever
    @sagsquad5ever Год назад +1

    thank you, john! easily explained for me to do it myself :)

  • @kerseya
    @kerseya 4 года назад

    Re strung my bass for the first time I forever and this really helped! Thanks!!

  • @whyush.k
    @whyush.k 9 лет назад +5

    John Carruthers is Da Man!!!! :D

  • @TheJazzocaster
    @TheJazzocaster 12 лет назад +1

    You can change all strings at once, it shouldn't hurt the typical (maple) neck, but it's good idea to recheck the relief is too your preference.

  • @Brad5161
    @Brad5161 2 года назад +1

    Good video.
    While that general measurement for string length is cool, bear in mind that the posts can vary in diameter from bass to bass and that could be way too long on a thinner post. I go for the maximum length to have the maximum downforce at the post and nut.
    IME through trial and error you can figure out what extra length you need to have the string end up pressed down by the wraps above on the bottom of the post.
    Once you've done that, use the old string to measure the length of the new one. Easy.
    Also, I've experienced less neck movement when I change strings one at a time. YMMV

  • @littlemisspurrfect4000
    @littlemisspurrfect4000 3 года назад

    I'm brand new to bass so this was really helpful. Thank you John!

  • @lurklingX
    @lurklingX Год назад +1

    thank you!! new bass, popped e-string and figured needed new ones anyway. coming from regular guitar was like............. "what am i looking at?" didn't know about putting the end in straight down. and whoever owned this one before me apparently didn't either. (unless some come without it, gonna check)
    thanks for the no TALKYTALKYBLAHBLAH spacefiller fluff.
    this will be a great reference vid!

  • @_istudywater
    @_istudywater 5 лет назад +3

    He’s like the Bob Ross of guitar maintenance.

  • @dontbelievethehype4149
    @dontbelievethehype4149 4 года назад

    Best videos on the subject I have ever seen.thank you

  • @be4stable
    @be4stable Год назад +1

    great video thank you

  • @Flux799
    @Flux799 2 года назад

    Good to see Arn Anderson found another job after WCW.

  • @Rockford03
    @Rockford03 8 лет назад

    I would clean the neck while I have the strings out .Very helpful video and made easy thanks .

  • @geoffstokes
    @geoffstokes 8 месяцев назад +1

    Very helpful thanks

  • @xsodxgeez
    @xsodxgeez 10 лет назад +12

    this dude is the shit

  • @mattermontaigu1646
    @mattermontaigu1646 6 лет назад +2

    To furthermore prevent twisting, resist the temptation of winding the string by hand around the tuner pole, take the time and wind it with the tuning key. And about the bending of the string before cutting, it’s to prevent the string core from slipping back into its own actual winding, which like John said will result in a dead string. Nothing like your own experience will determine better your ability.

  • @GrimSchwede
    @GrimSchwede 7 лет назад

    great info, just had to do this for the first time, video was is to the point and did help me with what I came here for.

  • @ppanamenoify
    @ppanamenoify 4 года назад

    Great to-the-point tutorial

  • @50BurntIncenseSticks
    @50BurntIncenseSticks 5 лет назад

    Thanks John. Bless you.

  • @TThompson79
    @TThompson79 8 лет назад +2

    Great video, thank you very much!

  • @radiodjkevin
    @radiodjkevin 3 года назад

    Well done the right way, thumbs up!

  • @4ster15
    @4ster15 13 лет назад

    this is so relaxing

  • @Sickmetal396
    @Sickmetal396 Год назад +1

    Thank you sir

  • @quintinolix1035
    @quintinolix1035 7 лет назад +5

    man, I love elixir strings, but it hurts that a single one of these bass strings will cost more than an entire set of your average guitar strings

  • @hdrjunkie
    @hdrjunkie 2 года назад

    I love the big milling machines in the back ground….lol I can just imagine people seeing those and thinking, “if I had access to those types of machines, I’d be a great bass player too!” Lol,lol,lol,lol,lol.

  • @waitin4winter
    @waitin4winter 11 лет назад +3

    5 inches past the peg head results in a fair number of windings (4 or 5) around the peg head. Is this common? I thought I'm looking for 2 to 3 wraps around the peg head.

    • @fullmetal_3961
      @fullmetal_3961 2 года назад +1

      I've seen people say anywhere from 3-5 myself

  • @5amJones
    @5amJones 5 лет назад

    Thanks John.

  • @james3727
    @james3727 4 года назад +2

    Thank you for your video. It was so helpful. If worked out how to restring it but I didn’t know about stretching the strings to get the inequity out, that’s a really good tip.
    I’m getting back into bass at 34. I bought one at 14 but fell out of it due to various reasons.
    I have a question and am hoping you may be able to help. I’m using the same bass I bought 20 years ago and it has been say unstrung for about 5 years. When I changed strings today it was really rattley.
    I adjusted the little spring things on the bottom so they stand higher which has fixed the issue as they’re further from the neck now. But I was wondering, do you think leaving the bass unstrung for so long has caused the neck to warp and that’s why it rattled so much?

  • @guilhermemello553
    @guilhermemello553 10 лет назад

    Great video ! Thank you !

  • @fndr4strngr
    @fndr4strngr 11 лет назад

    I should have also mentioned that the bridge/tailpiece looks very similar to what is on the Epiphone Allen Woody Bass.

  • @WILLIAMSESSIONS9305
    @WILLIAMSESSIONS9305 10 лет назад +2

    I would like to work with you and your shop!!

  • @davewebbmail
    @davewebbmail 11 лет назад

    You skin does three things to strings, the oil makes the strings dirty because dust and other dirt sticks in the oil that gets on the strings, the sweat speeds the corrosion (rusting) of the strings because there is salt in your sweat, and skin particles rub off and fill the grooves of the strings. all this shortens the life of your strings. there are several things you can use to reduce these effects (ways of cleaning your stings) that you can do right after you finish playing.

  • @TeeAreify
    @TeeAreify 12 лет назад

    @eggobass Those are actually what I've used for years on my other basses and loved them. Finally picked up a set of HiBeams last week for the J and I'm hoping they work out. I agree with the overpriced notion, and I also don't care for coated strings. Thanks a lot for your input!

  • @hades18360
    @hades18360 4 года назад

    I should probably get new strings for my bass but I'm just learning how to restring it cause my frets NEED to get cleaned

  • @rosienieder7081
    @rosienieder7081 10 лет назад

    Very helpful, good job :)

  • @maddogk5667
    @maddogk5667 3 года назад

    I can't understand what holds the string onto the spindle since the wrapped string doesn't cross over itself once it's tuned. I'm trying hard not no string it like my banjo but I'm just not seeing how my bass strings are held on the tuning peg.

  • @TheEviltaco666
    @TheEviltaco666 12 лет назад

    nice and very informative, but who would dislike this?

  • @warthog5562
    @warthog5562 2 года назад +2

    What a gorgeous p bass that is.

  • @TylerMillsftw
    @TylerMillsftw 11 лет назад +4

    Why does the set gauge say 45-105 but when he opens the package there's a 100 instead of 105.

    • @terrapin6352
      @terrapin6352 6 лет назад +5

      Tyler Wylie Mills
      Unsolved Mysteries
      John Carruthers Exposed!

    • @JameseyFrey
      @JameseyFrey 5 лет назад +1

      It's doesn't say 105. He just mispoke.

  • @JapanoiseBreakfast
    @JapanoiseBreakfast 2 года назад

    Does the 5" rule of thumb also apply to flatwounds, which tend to have thinner ends?

  • @patrickhale424
    @patrickhale424 2 года назад

    Did you get a wrong set of strings? You showed the box being 45-105 but when you pulled them out of the box you said it was a 45-100 set. What's up with that?

  • @marktimmer2212
    @marktimmer2212 9 лет назад

    We love utube.we would no sjit withoutit.

  • @JonathanMirus
    @JonathanMirus 11 лет назад

    all the roto sound strings are expensive but yet powerful

  • @fndr4strngr
    @fndr4strngr 11 лет назад

    Purchased a set of Elixir Medium .045-.105. Started with the new E string and found that the ball end is too large for the ferrule. I stopped there.
    Is this telling me I purchased the incorrect gauge ? Does ball end correspond with string gauge ? I did tell the sales person at Guitar Center the type of bass I have.
    Great tip for cleaning the fretboard btw. Would never have thought to use steel wool

  • @billys5965
    @billys5965 6 лет назад

    John, thank you very much. I’ve watched your series. Would the same approach hold for a short scale bass?

  • @jasonmare33
    @jasonmare33 5 лет назад

    thanks

  • @tetra3000
    @tetra3000 6 лет назад

    looked like there was too much string around the post especially after you stretch the string and re tune (which isn't shown in this video) I would go for 4 inches of slack to prevent that instead of 5

  • @alexc61972
    @alexc61972 12 лет назад +3

    dam my string keeps flying out of my peg every time i try to turn it and tune the guitar.
    Any help?

    • @usupim
      @usupim 4 года назад +8

      It has been 7 years, did it stay in the peg?

    • @f.androo
      @f.androo 4 года назад +2

      It’s now been 8 years, and I’m curious as well. Did it stay in the peg?

  • @deo.strengthspan.project
    @deo.strengthspan.project 12 лет назад +1

    I've heard it may be better for the neck to not remove all the strings at once before replacing them and instead remove and replace each string one at a time. It does seem to make sense to me that removing all the strings at once will relieve the neck of the tension due to the strings and may affect the neck in some way.
    Anyone have any experience or thoughts on this?

    • @Ffwee
      @Ffwee 3 года назад +4

      I realize that I'm responding to a question that was asked many years ago, but someone else may have the same question. I was always told to change my strings one string at a time, for the reason mentioned above This was a royal pain and made it extremely difficult to clean my bass. I own a Ken Smith bass (google it if the name isn't familiar) and I asked Ken himself this exact question while he was doing some work on my bass a year or so ago. He said there is no reason for you to change the strings one at a time. Take them all off, clean your bass if you want, and put them all back on. In other words, exactly as shown in this video. Seems to me that a man who owns a company that hand makes basses that sell for $7,000.00 (and up) and who once employed Vinnie Fodera, probably knows what he's talking about.

  • @sandsnakesinmypants
    @sandsnakesinmypants 8 лет назад

    ugh i started stringing my bass before looking up the details, ended up cutting the E string too short (2") and now it's impossible to wind

  • @fndr4strngr
    @fndr4strngr 11 лет назад

    Hi John,
    I have a 2000 Epiphone Les Paul Standard Bass.Bought the bass second hand. I have no idea what gauge or how long the strings have been on the bass.There is some discoloring in spots on the E and A strings. Wanted to change them out.

  • @mugz90
    @mugz90 5 лет назад

    The round part that you twist the string around it
    On my bass guitar that part came out of the socket and idk how to put it back, can anyone help me plz

  • @def2008
    @def2008 11 лет назад

    Vous enlever toutes les cordes en meme temps pas peur pour le manches?

  • @tosborne9854
    @tosborne9854 6 лет назад

    What tool does he use to cut the string, and where can I get one?

  • @davewebbmail
    @davewebbmail 11 лет назад

    I've never seen a guitar tech do anything but twist the string around the tuner like that. the twist does make a very small difference because it stiffens the string a little, but it is a very small difference that isn't enough to notice when playing. the reason techs do that is speed. if you had 10 guitars to restring every night you would twist the strings too. as to the oil,sweat on you hands. get serious... just clean the strings after every time you handle them, it only takes a second.

  • @xGoldriever
    @xGoldriever 11 лет назад +1

    how are daddario bass strings? anyone?

  • @TeeAreify
    @TeeAreify 13 лет назад

    Just wondering, what Elixer strings would you recommend for a Fender J-Bass?

  • @my79kz
    @my79kz 5 лет назад

    The box said .45 thru 105. Yet when you pulled them out of the box they were .45 thru 100 ????

  • @jameshunt8373
    @jameshunt8373 3 года назад

    So we've got a set of strings 45-105
    So we're going to take the first string which it a 100....
    He's been setup!!!

  • @NiegelDK
    @NiegelDK 11 лет назад +1

    the more wraps the better it stays in tune. im usually wrap mine with 4-5 inch extra string. if you only use 2 wraps the bass will go out of tune all the time

  • @tekonix6211
    @tekonix6211 8 лет назад +9

    Is it just me or does this guy sound like Adam Sandler?

    • @mastod0n1
      @mastod0n1 7 лет назад

      Tekonix I didn't notice before, but now I can't not hear it lmao

    • @clinteldorado
      @clinteldorado 7 лет назад

      No. Adam Sandler's a dick, John sounds like a nice guy.

  • @AshtrayAnnie
    @AshtrayAnnie 12 лет назад

    GHS is also great

  • @AWrinklySnake
    @AWrinklySnake 12 лет назад

    But I can get 2 sets of similar electric guitar strings for around 10 bucks. Not to mention the bass strings he is using in this video are around 30 bucks for 1 pack.

  • @feliciastuddard6458
    @feliciastuddard6458 10 лет назад

    is that a vintage fender bass guitar?

    • @Pinnethewoo
      @Pinnethewoo 9 лет назад

      It's a vintage p bass remake

  • @stratodude9219
    @stratodude9219 9 лет назад +3

    When you're treading the nanoweb strings through the bridge, you have to be very careful. If not, you're scraping off the thin coating on the strings. I'm just saying man.

    • @jehovahuponyou
      @jehovahuponyou 9 лет назад +10

      Stratodude92 IF YOU USE SELF-HEALING SPIDER MAN COAT STRINGS, THE NANNER WOB WILL REPAIR ITSELF, UNLESS IT HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO FROST DUST.

  • @hognip
    @hognip 7 лет назад

    I've heard that it's important to restring one string at the time not removing them all at once.
    Is there any merit to this?

    • @JameseyFrey
      @JameseyFrey 5 лет назад +1

      That's just to avoid "shock" to the neck. If you're changing them right away there usually isn't an issue.

  • @mr.hedgehog420
    @mr.hedgehog420 2 года назад

    I wish this guy would lean over my bed at night and read me stories to put me to sleep

  • @pastrings
    @pastrings 12 лет назад +2

    Bass Strings? Expensive? Did I hear that right? 2 sets of EXL 160's for $28.

    • @_Majoras
      @_Majoras 2 года назад

      it gets very expensive if you always want the new string sound constantly replacing sets

  • @miketheterribleguitarplaye6074
    @miketheterribleguitarplaye6074 7 лет назад +6

    i did it the way you said and fucked up my tuner. i sure as hell aint gonna give it no 5 inches of slack next time

  • @perpetualgrimace
    @perpetualgrimace 2 года назад

    2:00

  • @kosmicbubble5
    @kosmicbubble5 7 лет назад

    is this the nerdy guy from Office Space??

  • @christopherfidler3019
    @christopherfidler3019 2 года назад

    I wonder how many Homers poke themselves in the eye with a string 🤔

  • @dscdrkel5546
    @dscdrkel5546 6 лет назад

    VERY HARD TO UNDERSTAND ***DR KEL

  • @xasia_
    @xasia_ 3 года назад

    who cut him off Dx haha

  • @dominiccrimmings6925
    @dominiccrimmings6925 5 лет назад +3

    There's one big mistake he makes in this - you should only replace one string at a time to maintain the tension on the truss rod - if you remove all 4 strings at once, your most likely going to have to make a small truss rod adjustment afterwards.

  • @deancomeau2894
    @deancomeau2894 7 лет назад

    First who changes bass strings ? I have had the same set on my p bass since 1976. Something is screwy in this video as he shows the package as being 45-105 then when he describes what is inside its 45 alright but 100 for the heavy side. 5 inches is too much on most basses as you will run out of peg for winding. I measure past the peg I am doing two full pegs and it works out just right.

    • @alexmurphy5289
      @alexmurphy5289 7 лет назад +9

      98% of bass players change strings, I bet if you changed yours you would be amazed at how much better it sounds. John knows more about bass guitars than you do, trust the man.

    • @dietwater9772
      @dietwater9772 7 лет назад +6

      Dean Comeau rule #2

    • @SpectrumAudiophile
      @SpectrumAudiophile 7 лет назад +3

      JoeyLP it makes me very happy to find Glenn's influence in random places

    • @joshstarkey8883
      @joshstarkey8883 7 лет назад

      I think people usually don't replace or clean flats, but if you're playing rounds you probably want the sound of new, clean strings

    • @JameseyFrey
      @JameseyFrey 5 лет назад

      The box very clearly says 100. He just says 105 by accident.

  • @seanm.9942
    @seanm.9942 6 лет назад

    Yeah, this guide was not clear enough. I broke the part of my guitar between the scroll and the neck that has grooves for the strings

  • @johnnybgoode2333
    @johnnybgoode2333 7 лет назад +3

    Bass strings expensive? Compared to replacing drum heads a pack of bass strings is nothing...

    • @alexis9198
      @alexis9198 7 лет назад +2

      John Michael Halbig those are two completely different things. Why even compare them?

    • @johnnybgoode2333
      @johnnybgoode2333 7 лет назад

      Because I play both drums and bass, and changing out drum heads is the equivalent of changing out bass strings. My point is bass and guitar players are lucky that changing strings is not expensive compared to other instruments.

    • @atoka2206
      @atoka2206 7 лет назад +5

      Bass strings compared to guitar strings are very expensive

    • @clinteldorado
      @clinteldorado 7 лет назад

      They are indeed. I can get a pack of guitar strings for under £10. The pack of bass strings I recently bought that I'm putting on my bass now cost me over £30. Guitar players don't know how bloody lucky they are.

    • @JameseyFrey
      @JameseyFrey 5 лет назад +2

      How often do you need to replace drum heads?

  • @NiegelDK
    @NiegelDK 11 лет назад

    Please tell me, how does body oil ruin strings? Your argument is invalid since you play bass with your FINGERS! or do you play on your brand new strings with gloves on?

    • @ThomasCYallouris
      @ThomasCYallouris 5 лет назад

      So aggressive

    • @thatoneguy611
      @thatoneguy611 2 года назад +1

      It takes a toll on the strings over time.
      By the way it’s been 8 years. Have you calmed down yet?