Flatwound abuse question. Flatwound longevity question.

owensea777 · #1 07-16-2007, 02:36 AM

This used bass I'm gonna get has flats. When I look at the strings under the light, I can see little discolorations on them. Little dark spots up and down the fretboard (but on the strings), if I recall correctly. I've never noticed that on other flatwounds. This used bass, with the discolored flatwounds, do you think the strings have been abused on it? Has anyone noticed this on their strings?

The reason I ask is b/c I've heard that some flatwounds sound better and better as time goes on.
Is this true for most types of flats, or a few of them? Do they only sound increasingly "better" (which is very relative) if the strings are never played abusively (also relative, but abusive meaning harshly or wildly).

Any help is highly appreciated.

JimmyM · #2 07-16-2007, 03:16 AM

You're thinking too hard. Strings get fret dents if you use them. If it bothers you, put new ones on. If you like the sound of the old dented strings, keep them on.

JKT · #3 07-16-2007, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owensea777

This used bass I'm gonna get has flats. When I look at the strings under the light, I can see little discolorations on them. Little dark spots up and down the fretboard (but on the strings), if I recall correctly. I've never noticed that on other flatwounds. This used bass, with the discolored flatwounds, do you think the strings have been abused on it? Has anyone noticed this on their strings?

String abuse is very hard to prove. Usually the neighbors don't want to get involved. In some states, music stores and repair techs are required by law to report signs of string abuse when they see it. If you can get the bass alone you may be able to gain its trust and slowly get it to open up...
I hope you catch those b*****ds.

JKT

joelb79 · #4 07-18-2007, 06:54 PM

I'm sorry but this HAS to be the funniest post i've seen in a long time.

peterpalmieri · #5 07-18-2007, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owensea777

.......abusive meaning harshly or wildly.

Any help is highly appreciated.

I have subscribed, this will be a fun ride!

steve66 · #6 07-18-2007, 07:25 PM

This is definiatey a case of a PH imbalance. The previous owner probably didnt the realize the increase in acid levels. He should have gone with stainless.

At any rate, dont sweat it. (No Pun intended)

As JimmyM mentioned, you can change them if you dont like them. But from my experience, it takes a long while to break in a set of Flats and they sound much better with age. IMO.

ibnzneksrul · #7 07-18-2007, 08:08 PM

Contact String Protective Services, they might already have an open case file on this.

Jim Carr · #8 07-19-2007, 05:42 PM

The spots are probably corrosion from the salts in sweat. If the surface of the strings is smooth, I wouldn't worry much about it, as it will likely wear off with playing.

You could try wiping them down thoroughly using a cloth moistened with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol or even just a few drops of warm water. Dry everything well afterward. I'd keep the alcohol off the finish and fingerboard, to be safe. Then, each time after you play, wipe the strings off really well.

As far as flats sounding better with age is concerned, this is a matter of taste. I find they start to lose their sustain, and once they are dead, the pitch tends to drift a noticable amount after a loud note is struck. I'd say change them whenever you want to.

owensea777 · #9 07-23-2007, 12:58 AM

Thanks steve66 and Jim yea yall're probably right...
I was about to file a police report but forgot that I probably reek of weed. Damn string abusers, they should just be put in a field and shot!

One Drop · #10 07-23-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owensea777

Thanks steve66 and Jim yea yall're probably right...
I was about to file a police report but forgot that I probably reek of weed. Damn string abusers, they should just be put in a field and shot!

I say string 'em up.