Bass strings are thick, so they need far fewer wraps than guitar strings. Leaving the full length on the string usually makes winding impossible, which is why most bass strings get trimmed before they go on the post.
How to cut a roundwound bass string:
- Install the ball end at the bridge.
- Pull the string straight past its tuning post.
- Measure about one post width (roughly two to three inches) beyond the post. Mark the spot with your fingers.
- Bend the string sharply to 90 degrees at that mark.
- Cut about a quarter inch past the bend with sharp wire cutters.
- Insert the cut end into the post hole, bend it down and wind.
Important exceptions:
- Flatwounds: do not cut them. Choose the correct length so they fit without trimming.
- Wrong length: cutting can't fix a string that's too short. A string must reach the post with its thinner end section, not the full winding, sitting on the post.
String length matters more than the cut. Long scale strings have about a 37.25" usable winding length and fit most 34" basses, short scale strings about 32.5" and extra long about 38". These are approximate. Check our Power Wound Nickel Bass, Power Flat Flat Wound Bass and Bass Guitar Singles collections for the length that fits your bass.