Strings unwinding when fitting to my bass.

[jazzyvee]

In recent years i have taken a liking to Dunlop superbrights for my short scale basses. However i have not been able to find medium scale ones so have been using long scale strings. Problem is that whenever i cut them to length one or more have unwound when bringing them up to pitch.
So last time I changed the strings i didn't cut any of them prior to fitting. Then as I tightened up the E-string, that one unwound.
At the weekend just by chance I passed a guitar shop and went in to get a string. They only had rotosound in steel so i got a set and spoke to the guy about the unwinding issue. His suggestion was to line up the string  on the bass and mark it somewhere between beneath where you want to cut the string, then solder the string at that point, then it would be safe to cut the string above the soldered point without risk of it unwinding. So my question is, has anyone here ever done that. Sounds a pretty good idea though not sure stainless steel would be easy metal to solder.

[adriaan]

Hook the string up in the tailpiece, lead it to the tuner, then 3 to 5" past the tuner you put a sharp bend into the string, then you cut the string about 0.5" beyond the bend, you hook the bent bit of the string down into the slot that runs down the centre of the tuner shaft, and gently bring the string up to pitch. If the string still unravels, it's just not going to work.

[rv_bass]

Instead of solder, maybe try a dab of super glue.

[cozmik_cowboy]

I have never done it at that end or at that gauge, but when I'm feeling industrious I'll solder the wrappings at the ball end on my guitar strings (got the idea from Dan Erlewine).  No ill effects.

Peter

[chrisalembic]

Really like Dunlop Superbrights as well and I use them a lot. I order them from a shop called Lordofthestrings in Netherlands. They also stock medium scale ones and should ship to the UK. Of course there would be import tax for you though.

[jazzyvee]

Hook the string up in the tailpiece, lead it to the tuner, then 3 to 5" past the tuner you put a sharp bend into the string, then you cut the string about 0.5" beyond the bend, you hook the bent bit of the string down into the slot that runs down the centre of the tuner shaft, and gently bring the string up to pitch. If the string still unravels, it's just not going to work.

Hey Adriaan, i have been trying that method for a while for these strings and in my experience, at least, it is hit and miss as to whether it unravels or not. :-(
My D'addarios and alembic strings have never had that problem, i just cut them and wind them up to pitch. But i prefer the slightly lighter gauge for the Shorty.

[jazzyvee]

Instead of solder, maybe try a dab of super glue.

Good idea and hope it holds under tension.👍🏾

[jazzyvee]

Really like Dunlop Superbrights as well and I use them a lot. I order them from a shop called Lordofthestrings in Netherlands. They also stock medium scale ones and should ship to the UK. Of course there would be import tax for you though.

Just had a look and don't see any 4 string medium scale listed in Stainless Steel.

[chrisalembic]

Ah okay, they seem to have 5 String sets in medium scale but then you end up paying for a low B that you dont need.

Just did a quick search and found this string store in Finland that have Superbrights stainless medium scale 45-105:

https://www.strings.fi/en/electric-bass-strings/dunlop/dunlop-super-brightTM-stainless-steel-bass-045-105-medium-scale

With shipping and import tax you might also just order from Dunlop in the US right away.

Btw. my all time favorite roundwound strings are Fodera strings in nickel or steel. They are quite similar to Superbrights but to me sound a little more defined and last longer. They sound terrific on alembics and I have used them on medium scale and short scale Spoilers without any problems of strings unwinding. 

[xlrogue6]

Soldering to stainless ain't gonna happen, unless you have a pro iron and the right solder and flux. Super glue doesn't have much flex, epoxy might be a better bet for the glue method. I have on occasion used strings built for a longer scale than the bass. Best results came by winding them v-e-r-y  s-l-o-w-l-y.