How long do your strings last?

[eotpr]

I put a set of nanoweb Elixers on lasy August. I like the strings but they are shedding. I thought that they would last longer than "normal" strings. Have they? I like the sound and feel of them. Would I be Happier with something like DR BBs? Does anyone have any idea how the DRs last in comparison? I only use my fingers, no pick. How long do you usually get out of a "normal" set of strings? Are my Elixers really lasting longer?

[Dbassmon]

Depends... if you like an alive sounding, zingy string, they last a couple of weeks. If you don't care if they thud, leave em on.

[makaky]

they last for about 1 week but thats the ideal sound. I usualy make em lasts for 6 months.

When in studio, i change them everyday if my employer is willing to pay ( Serious producers always do)

[Kompensator]

Well, I play strings until I think they sound "empty" (in a way...it's rather hard to describe, how they actually sound then). That usually takes me 2 to 3 months of intensive, everyday playing

[Fuzzbass]

Originally Posted by eotpr

I put a set of nanoweb Elixers on lasy August. I like the strings but they are shedding. I thought that they would last longer than "normal" strings. Have they? I like the sound and feel of them. Would I be Happier with something like DR BBs? Does anyone have any idea how the DRs last in comparison? I only use my fingers, no pick. How long do you usually get out of a "normal" set of strings? Are my Elixers really lasting longer?

Don't worry about the shedding. Judge with your ears, not your eyes.

Yes, Elixirs last longer than the other strings I've tried, including uncoated DRs (haven't tried the coated ones yet). The great thing about Elixirs is the consistency. Example: I can kill an uncoated strings in the course of one gig in hot and humid conditions. This is because of sweat, not because the strings wear out. The Elixir coating keeps the sweat out. I played three outdoor summer gigs in a row, and my Elixirs still sounded fresh. That same trio of gigs would have cost me three sets of uncoated strings.

[Fuzzbass]

To answer the question in general: an uncoated set of strings can last me anywhere from one one-hour set at a gig to six months or more. This depends on:

1) How often I play that particular bass
2) The ambient temperature and humidity when I do play it
3) How well I keep my hands clean and dry
4) Rounds or flats? Flats take forever to wear out.

It might also matter how hard I hit the strings. That is, I hit 'em harder when I play rock than I do when I play blues or country. So I expect that rock music kills 'em faster!

[sjb64]

I usually get 2 to 4 months out of roundwound Nickel strings such as Ernie Ball or D'Addario.

This is going to sound crazy but, I was once told that it helps with the strings longevity to not play the bass for 24 hours after restringing. I know that sometimes this is impossible, especially if you only have one bass. I do it, and it seems to help the strings last longer.

[BELLATOR]

I'm still using a set of DR high beams after 3-4 months and they still sound amazing. They aren't quite as bright as when I first put them on though. I play with clean hands and wipe my strings every time after playing and my strings last pretty long. I've had strings last 6-12 months by keeping them clean. String life also depends on if you really like the "new string sound".

[doc5string]

I change mine every 2 weeks.

[eotpr]

"Don't worry about the shedding. Judge with your ears, not your eyes."

That is what I am doing wrong....I have been changing them when they shed. Thanks Fuzzbass. I might try the coated DRs next and see how they do but It sounds like I can wait a while. Now what color.....

[Bassamatic]

I read somewhere that Chuck Rainey has NEVER changed the strings on his P-Bass.

Can anyone validate this?

[murph.vienna]

I keep all my strings in best shape possible, but there are issues with light strings and slap playing. On the slap bass, a roundwound light (.40-.95) set sounds fresh for about two hours, sounds great the next 12-15 playing hours and then loosing their "knack". After that I can keep em up as long as I am happy with it (usually 6-8 weeks).
Different goes for flatwounds and differing string diameters.
I didn't change my flatwounds on the spector for about 4 months... sound hasn't changed a bit.
I didn't change my flatwounds on the ibanez for 2 months intensiv playing... sound hasn't changed.
I didn't change my 5string set Ernie Ball Medium Gauge (.50-130 or 135) for about 4 months intensive playing.

The lighter the string, the quicker it will get fret grooves and the quicker the overtones will die.

[Captain Chaos]

Originally Posted by doc5string

I change mine every 2 weeks.

Same here.

[EADG mx]

it all depends on how often you play
if you wash your hands first
how you play
if you sweat

the list is endless really

I do maybe every 4 months, not as much as I should but the damn things are expensive.

[Rumblin' Man]

I use flats so I only change them if one breaks.

Anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. I mostly play La Bella 760FL's which are .043-.104 Light Gauge Flatwounds.

George

[colorblindbass]

rounds go dead in 2 hours for me
and i like it.
Dirty, Dirty Rounds.

i make a point to not wash my hands, and to eat super greasy food

i like dead and dirty flats and dead dirty rounds lol

the moral of this story, is if you like Zing, wash your hands, and dont eat fried Chicken

[WarriorJoe7]

you mean you are supposed to replace those things? :/

[joninjapan]

Originally Posted by WarriorJoe7

you mean you are supposed to replace those things? :/

TI Flats on my Tacoma... it's been years...