Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'd put an arc onto the bottom of the winder's cavity, with a file or some sandpaper, if I was going to keep it.

Just do without. How often would you need to fully wind up strings anyway? You might need to change strings a couple times a year, I would suspect. Those things are nifty if you're putting strings on a lot of guitars, but . . . .

If you cut your strings down to no more than 2-3 inches beyond the key each belongs on, there's not really much winding left to do and plenty of string left on the key.

At least that's the route I took with similar scratching results of these key winders.

"You might need to change strings a couple times a year, I would suspect"

If you put flatwound strings on, you'd only have to do it every 10 years or so!

Stewart Macdonald makes a great winder . The head is removable and fits right on to an electric drill . I have about 12 basses and use the winder all the time . I like to experiment with different string types , also installing and removing new flatwound strings several times breaks them in faster . I've used this winder on 4001 and 4004 basses , no problem .

I have one of those, but I never use it as a string winder. Just like having the snipper around, for guitar or bass strings.

Just a note: you're not alone. The same problem exists when using a Jim Dunlop winder on twelve-string guitars ... the holder doesn't fit the keys right, so after frustration sets in, it's easier not to use the winder.

Strings? You guys change strings?

As one of the world's worst about making a set of light flatwounds last 20 years, I have never found a string winder that worked well for the bass. Guitars are a different story, I change strings fairly often and use a winder.

For bass, I do the same thing as David, cut the string (3 inches in my case) past the peg first, then use a small needlenose to do a 45 degree bend at the tip, then hand-wind it up. I prefer not using a winder, because I want to "feel" the string seat on the end of the tuner peg and wind down almost to the bushing as it tightens. I cannot do that and still maintain the "feel" with the other finger on the coiling string as it winds down.

I have a matching miniature dikes to cut the string. I got both the dikes and the needle nose from Xcelite, their Diamond series. The needlenose are special - they have smooth jaws. Helps keep the string or the silk binding from being damaged as the string is pre-bent the 45 degrees

Both are 4 inches long and featherweight - so they both fit perfectly inside an empty plastic string pack for safe transport inside the HSC itself, along with a couple packs of new strings. Please note, my photos are not the same size, but the tools ARE both 4 inches long To see the full specs on the tools, just click the links under each photo.



http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/xcelite/popups/l4g.htm



http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/xcelite/popups/ms543j.htm

Streeeng winders????? We donna need no steeenking streeeng winders!!!!




Disclaimer:
This post is not intended to offend anyone. Just simply my weak attempt at being funny.
Scott Doseck

Scott: It is funny.

And it is inspired by one of my favorite movies!

Scott, I thought it was funny, and I always use those D'Addario string winders when I'm changing strings!

I usually trim my strings about 2-3 inches past the peg and use the string winder God put on the end of my arm. Works just fine. I've never had it fail me. Oh, and another cool thing about that winder is that it also winds up speaker, guitar, power, AND microphone cables, loads cases, amps, and other assorted gear, and once all that is done, it's really efficient at cracking open a cold beer and guess what?! It's even a convenient place to put your favorite beverage so you don't misplace it! What a fabulous invention!