How often?

peanutsfan1995 · #1 05-31-2011, 07:32 AM

How often should I swap out my strings? I'm still playing on the strings that were on my bass (Epiphone Limited Edition Korina Explorer Bass) when I got it out of the box. There's no visible "damage" and I haven't heard any serious degradation in tone, but I still think it's been a little bit too long. I mean, I got the thing 8 months ago! Also, I mainly play rock and metal, fingerstyle. I'll occasionally do a little pick playing and sometimes I'll play some funk.

snyderz · #2 05-31-2011, 07:38 AM

If you are happy with your tone and playability, leave them. If you want to see how different strings sound and feel, drop the coin and try new strings. I've had the same flats on my P for 9 years.

**Gary_RP** · #3 05-31-2011, 07:47 AM

A couple of things... you say no 'visible' damage to the strings but dirt and grease from your fingers will build up on the strings and degrade them. I think if you swapped them out right now, you'd be surprised at how much your tone changes. You don't notice it, but after 8 months of playing, those strings have lost a little zip.

When buying a new instrument I never leave the factory strings on for more than the time it takes me to make certain everything else on the instrument is OK. Most factory strings are pretty crappy (not always, but in most cases). If the instrument has been on the wall of a store, it has been played and those strings are already on their way downhill as far as tone goes. Swap 'em out asap.

Finally, you may want to experiment with different types/manufacturers of strings. This would be a good time to try something different just to see how that instrument responds. I don't know for sure what comes on the Epi's other than that it is probably a round wound string. Look up some threads in the string sections of the Forum and read what other players are using and why they like them. That is a starting point.

Good luck,

G

peanutsfan1995 · #4 05-31-2011, 07:55 AM

Well, I got mine right out of the box. They had three, two were on the wall. I asked if they had one in the back, they did. Was still sealed.

Alright, that sounds good. And if I'm doubtful as to how to re-string myself, do you think I should go to GC and ask them to show me how to do it, but have them replace this first time around?

**Gary_RP** · #5 05-31-2011, 08:07 AM

Um... depends on the Guitar Center you go to. There are some where I wouldn't let anyone in there touch one of my instruments. Your mileage may vary.

Changing strings is something you need to learn to do. It isn't that hard, really. Go to the link below first, sign up and download this manual...

The Ultimate Guide To The Perfect Bass Setup

The above will tell you all you ever need to know (OK, 'almost all you need to know') about maintaining your instrument. He describes the correct process for changing strings and proper setup (setup is another skill you need to learn to do on your own). I didn't look but I wouldn't be surprised if there are links in the String section of this forum on changing strings that have some visuals as well.

Good luck and enjoy,

G

dave64o · #6 05-31-2011, 08:43 AM

There are really only two reasons I change strings:

1) I'm planning to sell a bass. In that case I'll give it a pro set up and a fresh set of strings and also have the luthier I go to check it out for anything I should disclose. That way I know the bass is in peak condition when I do sell it (you WANT to buy basses from me!

).

2) I bought a new bass and either didn't like the strings the previous owner had on them or they were DEAD when I got it (and by dead I mean *REALLY DEAD*, I'm someone who likes old strings)

Other than that, I don't think I've ever changed strings on any of my basses. I've never broken a string so I can't use that a reason, not yet anyway.

If you like the sound and feel of the strings you have, then keep them. No sense spending money on something for no reason. If you don't like them or GAS is getting the best of you, then go ahead and experiment with new ones. Strings are a relatively inexpensive way to change your tone (inexpensive compared to new basses, heads, and cabinets).

Bassamatic · #7 05-31-2011, 09:03 AM

Your strings are probably roundwounds, so by now they will have lost a lot of the airiness and zing that rounds are known for, and they are probably sounding more like flatwounds (which isn't a bad thing).

However, if you are truly happy with the sound and don't want more treble and clarity, leave them on! When you are ready to change buy yourself one of the string winder / cutter gadgets to help in the change and find a friend that can help you with it for the first time. It takes me no longer than 5 minutes to change strings and tune the bass back up.

One reason you might want to change though, is that factory strings are notoriously poor quality unless you buy a high-end bass. Put on a nice set of Sunbeams or even D'Addario XLs and you would hear and feel a huge difference.

Mushroo · #8 05-31-2011, 09:17 AM

I typically change strings once every 5-10 years, but sometimes sooner if I want to try a different sound. You need to learn how to change strings, your teacher should be able to help you with this.

AmadeusXeno · #9 05-31-2011, 04:01 PM

Depends on the kind of tone you like. I personally like the bright tone of new round wound strings. When I was playing gig's all the time I would change my strings about once every 3-4 weeks. If you like the tone you have now with your aged strings then just keep using them. I have some basses that I use flats on and haven't changed those for almost 3 years now. Flats to me don't seem to change in tone over time like rounds do.

BigOldHarry · #10 05-31-2011, 04:06 PM

strings age. Since you are a new player, you want to hear every possible option; I suggest you put some new rounds on it and see if you like that sound. If not, try a set of flats. One thing most folks seem to agree on: Rounds age in a way that no one much likes, where flats age very well. The reasons for this perception are subject to discussion, but I think that the basic idea holds.

jaywa · #11 05-31-2011, 04:07 PM

If you don't like the sound anymore, change 'em.

If they won't stay in tune anymore, change 'em.

Those are really my only two rules. Unless you absolutely demand the sound (and feel) of new, out of the box roundwounds -- or you just like spending money for no good reason -- don't be afraid to work the life out of them. I personally can't stand how brand new rounds sound and play... but others will have it no other way.

So many things impact the usable life of a set of strings that it's really impossible to lay down any hard and fast, one-size-meets-all rules.

chadhargis · #12 05-31-2011, 04:26 PM

I'm a newbie player and I've tossed a lot of coin at trying different strings. I'd say strings make the biggest difference in how your bass sounds. I've put on some strings that sounded horrible and others that were good.

Duke21 · #13 06-02-2011, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary_RP

A couple of things... you say no 'visible' damage to the strings but dirt and grease from your fingers will build up on the strings and degrade them. I think if you swapped them out right now, you'd be surprised at how much your tone changes. You don't notice it, but after 8 months of playing, those strings have lost a little zip.

When buying a new instrument I never leave the factory strings on for more than the time it takes me to make certain everything else on the instrument is OK. Most factory strings are pretty crappy (not always, but in most cases). If the instrument has been on the wall of a store, it has been played and those strings are already on their way downhill as far as tone goes. Swap 'em out asap.

Finally, you may want to experiment with different types/manufacturers of strings. This would be a good time to try something different just to see how that instrument responds. I don't know for sure what comes on the Epi's other than that it is probably a round wound string. Look up some threads in the string sections of the Forum and read what other players are using and why they like them. That is a starting point.

Good luck,

G

There nothing wrong with "factory strings", the stock fender strings are good and many buy them separately. Music Man bass's comes with EB strings which are quite popular. I've just bought Marshall strings which turned up to be "made by Ernie Ball", these strings were plain slinkys but for half the price. They sounded great on my CV p bass, I for sure going to buy these again.
There is lots of hipe around strings, some are better some are worse, but many of the "better" strings are overpriced. Want to pay twice for D'dario, fine, but the fenders made by D'dario cost half of the "branded" ones.

JustDavid · #14 06-02-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary_RP

dirt and grease from your fingers will build up on the strings and degrade them.

"Degrade" is an incorrect & invalid assessment of the situation, since people are getting decades of life from "degraded" strings.

"Degrade" is merely an opinion, one of many. If you prefer the tonality of fresh strings then the dirt & grease do indeed degrade the strings' tone.

john grey · #15 06-02-2011, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmadeusXeno

Depends on the kind of tone you like. I personally like the bright tone of new round wound strings. When I was playing gig's all the time I would change my strings about once every 3-4 weeks. If you like the tone you have now with your aged strings then just keep using them. I have some basses that I use flats on and haven't changed those for almost 3 years now. Flats to me don't seem to change in tone over time like rounds do.

I've experienced the 3-4 week thing; especially if I bought a new bass and simply couldn't stop playing it. I've put in an average of 2-3 hrs a day practicing (round wounds)- couldn't keep my hands off a new one.... and they obviously lost that sharp mid/high "zing". But that's generally Boomers (or what ever's on sale); which for me anyway, loose their 'new twang" the fastest.

I have flats on a jazz and see no need what so ever to change them. But round wounds are a different story entirely. If I had the money, I'd change them every time they went dull. The really strange thing is when they don't go dull gradually; but one day ...."thund".
But some folks love that "old round wound" sound. I actually don't understand why they don't use flats and eliminate a lot of string noise too.

**jmattbassplaya** · #16 06-02-2011, 05:55 PM

Like others have said, it depends on what tone you want to get. I've personally began moving to flats because I'm sick and tired of swapping out strings just to get that extra zing for a week with rounds.

darkstorm · #17 06-02-2011, 08:24 PM

Its time to change them then. If you where not thinking about changing them it'd be ok to leave em on little longer. But yes, new strings will sound better as will freshly broken in ones.

For DR neons I find I kinda want to go ahead and change them at about 5 and 1/2 months to 6 months max. Could leave on little longer. But still, theyve been on long enough to earn their cost compared to the 3 to 4 months max Id leave Rotosound swing 66 on for before changing. And while they havent lost newly broken in sound perse. Just feels it time for new set.

Gonna retry Dean Markley blue steels for a change of pace sound. They'll prob stay on about 4-5 months max.

**Staccato** · #18 06-02-2011, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snyderz

If you are happy with your tone and playability, leave them. If you want to see how different strings sound and feel, drop the coin and try new strings. I've had the same flats on my P for 9 years.

^^^ Serious playing time, and serious sweat will shorten the life for some.

My time is spent on different axes near the sofa, so I get months of use-from strings...