Caring for your Instrument & Bow Installing & Tuning
Strings Selecting the Proper String
Instrument care• When resting your instrument, lay it on its
side with the bridge
facing the wall.• Maintain the instrument at minimum 40%
humidity
by using a humidifier. Store the instrument in thecase to
maximize the humidifier’s effect.
• Have your bass inspected at least once a year by a qualified
technician. Repair any cracks as soon as possible.
• When traveling, always keep the bass on its back or side.
Place foam or a pillow where the neck meets the body to keep the
neck/scroll suspended. (See photo.)
• Always use a quality padded case with well stitched
handles.
Bow Care & Rosin• Avoid handling the bow hair directly with
your fingers.• Tighten the bow hair by turning the metal screw
clockwise.• The bow hair should be tight enough so that it does not
touch
the stick when played but still maintains a gentle curvetowards
the hair.
• When not in use, loosen the bow until the hair touches the
stick.
• Bow hair should be replaced at least once a year.
• Apply rosin by pulling the bow hair across the rosin cake 6 to
8 times using complete, long strokes.
• Store rosin in a cool dry place.
Preparation1) You will need replacement strings, a sharp pencil
and a tuner.2) Loosen and replace one string at a time. Removing
all of the strings
together could cause the sound post to shift or fall.
Remove the old string1) Lay the instrument carefully on its
back.2) Loosen the string by moving the tuner handle
clockwise. A string winder can aid in this process.3) Pull the
end of the string from the string roller hole
and remove the ball end from the tailpiece.
Install the new string1) Rub the tip of the pencil in the empty
string grooves
of the nut and bridge.
2) Thread the string through the tailpiece, catchingthe ball in
the narrow slot.
3) Insert the string through the stringroller leaving about 3"
sticking out.Twist this 3" end once around thestring at the
opposite side of the roller.
4) Using a winder, turn the handle counterclockwise to tighten
the string. As you tighten, allow the string to cross over itself
to prevent slippage. Do not pinch the string against the peg box
wall.
5) Tune the new string up to full pitch before replacingthe next
string.
Tuning tools• Electronic tuner – Best for beginners as it
works
for each individual string.• A440 tuning fork – Good for
advanced players
to tune the A string and then tune the rest ofthe strings by
matching harmonics.
General notes about bass tuning:• Bass strings are usually tuned
in fourths –
E, A, D, G (lowest to highest).• When tuning using the machine
handle,
adjust slowly up to the proper note, listening to the pitch
change while plucking the string.
• Be careful not to over tighten string above correct pitch as
this can damage the strings.
• After playing for a few minutes, check and adjust the
tuning.
Bass playing encompasses many styles, each with different
performancerequirements. Bass strings are often crafted using a
stranded steel corefor flexibility and response. Design variations
create strings suitable to all styles of performance:
Helicore Orchestral – Designed for arco playing.Warm tone,
exceptional bow response, and even balance. Excellent blend in
ensemble settings.Available in fractional sizes.
Helicore Pizzicato – Crafted specifically for pizzicato
technique. Brighter tone, maximum sustain, crisp attack and “growl”
for plucking.
Helicore Hybrid – Ideal for a mix of both arco and pizzicato
performance. Good bow response with excellent sustain and
attack.
Helicore Solo – Designed for orchestral soloist,tuned to F#, B,
E, A (lowest to highest). ‘Solo’ strings are appropriate when
performing solo literature calling for this “scordatura”
tuning.
Prelude – Optimized design for developing bassists.Clear, warm
tone. An easily playable and economicalstring set for students.
Available in fractional sizes.
String durabilityString deterioration occurs as a result of both
normal use and corrosion. Any string’s tonewill naturally degrade
over time and also may eventually break. Strings should be
replacedregularly rather than waiting for them to break.
Apply rosin
StringWinder
Humidifier 1
2 3
4
Electronic Tuner and Tuning Fork
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