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Topic: Poll/Survey: Do you stretch your strings? |
Steve Pawlak
From: Arizona, USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2017 11:57 am
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I use a cable stretcher I got in my lineman days |
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Jordan Beyer
From: Ohio, USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2017 12:35 pm
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Can someone explain what streching your strings acually mean? Is it when you over tighten the string and then tune it down where it should be? I'm lost
Jordan |
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ajm
From: Los Angeles
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Posted 25 Mar 2017 7:37 am
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Sorry if this did not appear as a "Poll" with a tabulation of responses. I guess I need to do a research on how to implement this.
I wanted to get a feel for who/how many stretches and who doesn't. This is something that I've read about, somewhere, in the past year or so.
I had always stretched my strings when changing them, but after reading about it started to wonder if it *really* made sense to do it.
For starters, how do you keep from over stretching a certain area?
Will this affect the tonality/response/overtones?
Will it weaken the string or reduce its life?
The last few times, on my 6 string beasts, I've not stretched them out and just let them settle in by themselves over time. After a short period they seem to stay in tune fairly well. As a bonus, and it may be imaginary on my part, they seem to maybe last a little longer as well. |
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Charlie McDonald
From: out of the blue
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Posted 25 Mar 2017 7:42 am
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Sounds like a good argument for not stretching. |
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Rich Upright
From: Florida, USA
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Posted 26 Mar 2017 6:47 pm
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I just change 'em a couple days before a gig so they stretch on their own for those couple days. I NEVER break a string, even a G#. NEVER! _________________ A couple D-10s,some vintage guitars & amps, & lotsa junk in the gig bag. |
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Tony Glassman
From: The Great Northwest
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Posted 27 Mar 2017 6:11 am
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I stretch the crap out of new strings after I tune them a half step beyond the desired pitch (except the 3rd string). Then I retune them once they stabilize. My impression is that the strings will hold pitch sooner.
I can't believe "stretching" has any bad effect on them, as repeated string stretching is what pedal steel is all about. |
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Larry Hobson
From: Valley Grande (Selma) Al USA
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Posted 27 Mar 2017 6:56 pm poll/survey:do you steetch your strings
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Splitting hairs ? |
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Dave Mudgett
From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
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Posted 27 Mar 2017 7:30 pm
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Yes, I stretch my strings, either on guitar or steel. I think nothing of changing strings right before I play, and expect them to be stable right away.
I think one needs to exert some reasonable judgment about how hard to stretch them - especially an .011 or .0115 3rd string G# on pedal steel. If you stretch too hard, they will flat-out break, and pretty easily at that. I stretch from near the middle of the string, and a few moderate stretches is usually enough to settle them in. Sometimes, especially on the 3rd, I push down lightly instead of pulling up. Heavy wound strings usually require more coercion.
On guitar, I change tunings quite a bit for slide. If I change a string's pitch and expect things to stay in tune, there's really no choice but to stretch.
I have never noticed any adverse effect on string longevity from moderate stretching. Yes, if you yank 'em real hard, it can be an issue. But as noted earlier - pedal steel raises stretch the string every time. I don't think a few moderate stretches, as needed, makes much, if any, difference. |
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Bill L. Wilson
From: Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 27 Mar 2017 7:35 pm I Just Put'em On.
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Tune'em Up and Play'em. Tune'em Up and Play'em. About the third time, I just Play'em. |
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Tony Prior
From: Charlotte NC
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Posted 28 Mar 2017 1:35 am
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YES I stretch them by giving them a gentle pull. This is supposed to secure the bend at the tuner. Which I think it does.
I probably tune and pull 3 or 4 times before it's pretty darn secure . _________________ Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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Kevin Mincke
From: Farmington, MN (Twin Cities-South Metro) USA
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Posted 2 Apr 2017 10:44 am
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I usually change strings a couple days before a known gig and I typically tune them sharp and let them settle in, then retune. On occasion when I haven't had the time & changed them at the last minute before a show, I will stretch them out a 1 1/2" or so a few times each and they seem to stay in tune well. |
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ajm
From: Los Angeles
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Posted 3 Apr 2017 2:38 pm
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I see now how to set up a "poll" (I think).
The next time, I'll make a new mistake. ;>))
The results are kind of difficult to tabulate just by reading the posts.
Some don't stretch them.
Some do.
Some only stretch certain strings and not others.
Some stretch them depending upon whether or not they're at a gig.
All that said.........
To date, as best as I can tabulate, it's even.
Stretch: 14
Don't stretch: 14 |
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