How often do you change your strings and why?

[AntekStalich]

Strange thing. A Google lookup for "How often do you change your bass strings" hasn't bring any TB thread reference, certainly not in the top results. Similarly, search for "change strings" here on TB hasn't shown me any integrated thread of this kind. In case such popular thread exists, please delete this one and point me to the right place.

While playing acoustic and electric guitars, I was used to change string sets every 20-30 hours of use, and before each recording or a gig. With bass guitar, I found it reasonable to change the string sets every 3 months of using the bass. Yes, I understand you can clean the strings by soaking them in alcohol. True, bass strings hardly break. Indeed, some prefer dull tone and do not change the strings for years. Bass strings are expensive, too. But isn't it that new strings give fuller tone and perfect intonation. and less mud?

What are your experiences?

[spaz21387]

I go till they sound dead... or break it depends on the string but ernie balls seem to last 9 months to 12 of constant gigging and practice. but I also have 3 basses i like to switch it up between so that could explain why they last so long.

[BluesBear]

The following comments were also posted in another topic and are repeated here by request of AntekStalich

I used to refer to hours of useage when I'd discuss strings with other players, but I'd get such looks of confusion that I started going by number of gigs or weeks. I agreee with the 20 hour guideline for guitar strings. For basses I tend to log about 200 hours between changes.

One of the things I strongly dislike is NEW bass strings. Too harsh and brittle for my tastes. When I finally do change strings (or buy a new bass) I'll play that bass in rehearsals and around the house for at least a week before I'll take it on stage. By then the harshness is gone and the high end has mellowed down to better match the mids. Now don't get me wrong, I also can't stand to play dead strings. You know, when the only tone they have left is that dull throb that sounds like a poorly tuned kickdrum.

There have been a few times over the years when I found myself forced to play guitar for a living. Playing five nights a week, I'd usually change guitar strings once a week. Whereas I'd change bass strings about once a year.

Now before some of you have a conniption fit and start calling me names please consider this... since I play multiple basses no single one gets a lot of hard use. So, I don't have to change strings quite as often as those of you who play one bass all of the time. I wash my hands before each set and also wipe* down the fingerboard and strings before putting each one back in the case, my strings seem to keep their tone longer than some.

*I wipe down the neck and strings and then give the strings, fingerboard, tuners and bridge a liberal application of Fast Fret, (I do NOT wipe off the excess) right before putting it in its case. They are nice and clean and ready to go the next time I take them out to play. I don't get corrosion on my bridges and my tuning keys stay bright and shiney. Even gold plating lasts much longer with this treatment.

Years Ago^TM, I worked with a very talented guitarist who would eat greasy foods like buttered popcorn or chips or salted peanuts during breaks and then walk onstage and start playing without even wiping the crud from his hands. Then he'd p!$$ and moan about how he had to change his strings every other day or they'd just go dead.

[Low Sound Love]

I replace about 6 times a year, depending on how much usage they get.

[faulknersj]

My Flats on my 73' jazz are like fine wine. 6 months in they sound better with each coming day. They have probably logged about 95 gigs ime. Rounds on my Sterling and Custom Shop Jazz get changed as needed..probably 2-3 times per year, but my 73' with flats sees most of the action these days. For the record, I am not a big 'strings' guy...in that I think strings have very little to do with tone compared to the capabilities of a studied and dedicated players fingers. To me, there are only 2 meaningful dtring categories; flats and rounds.

[AntekStalich]

Originally Posted by BluesBear

The following comments were also posted in another topic and are repeated here by request of AntekStalich

Thanks a lot!

[cnltb]

Originally Posted by AntekStalich

Strange thing. A Google lookup for "How often do you change your bass strings" hasn't bring any TB thread reference, certainly not in the top results. Similarly, search for "change strings" here on TB hasn't shown me any integrated thread of this kind. In case such popular thread exists, please delete this one and point me to the right place.

While playing acoustic and electric guitars, I was used to change string sets every 20-30 hours of use, and before each recording or a gig. With bass guitar, I found it reasonable to change the string sets every 3 months of using the bass. Yes, I understand you can clean the strings by soaking them in alcohol. True, bass strings hardly break. Indeed, some prefer dull tone and do not change the strings for years. Bass strings are expensive, too. But isn't it that new strings give fuller tone and perfect intonation. and less mud?

What are your experiences?

Till they don't tune well any more.
I don't mind the tone of old strings.

[Rockmusician]

I change them about every two to three months. More often if I am playing alot.

[lowgroove677]

I used to change rounds about every three months. Now I play flats, they get better with age and more finger funk...I just got tried of buying and changing strings.

[Floyd Eye]

When they're dead. Wipe them down every time you play and they will last longer. BAss strings are expensive, but dead strings sound like crap.

[AmadeusXeno]

When I'm in a band and plaing gigs frequently I change my srtings every 3-4 weeks. I also practice about 4 hours a day on my time and band practice is usually 6 or more hours a few times a week. I prefer the new string tone and the better intonation that comes along with it. I use stainless steel roundwound strings.

[Din Of Win]

When i can afford them... haha


For rounds; i change them about twice a year. Flats i only change when they break.

I don't really like the tone of new strings in any case, flats OR rounds.

[bluesdogblues]

Almost never :P
LaBella Jamerson 0760M Deep Talkin' Flatwound strings here..
Just like the Jametson itself.. Or Joe Osborne, etc..who never bother to change their strings..
I like dead Labella strings sound, it always fits the need of recording sessions I do.
Good for the wallet too

[hasbeen]

on fretted, every 20 hours. On fretless, double that.

[funknasty]

I used to buy strings and change them once a week but now having a kid makes it expensive so I soak them in denatured alcohol and they sound like new again. I do a lot of slap so I prefer the zingy sound of new strings but I understand why people dont. BTW I never throw strings away so I have hundreds od old sets!

[T-MOST]

I never changed strings on a weekly basis. I change strings about 4x a year. Even If I got strings for free I wouldn't change them much more than that. I like getting past the zingy rattle of new strings.

[gre107]

It really depends on your style of playing and tone preference.
If you slap a lot then your strings will tend to dull quicker especially if you like the "bright" sound.
String gauge and material have a lot to do with it as well. Thinner strings will tend to "dull out" quicker than a heavier gauge and have less flexibility.
So in a nutshell when they sound like they are "gone" change 'em.

[funknasty]

Originally Posted by T-MOST

I never changed strings on a weekly basis. I change strings about 4x a year. Even If I got strings for free I wouldn't change them much more than that. I like getting past the zingy rattle of new strings.

Some people have told me its a bit extreme! I will take any free strings you get as well. Also I only use stainless steel.

[echoSE7EN]

Originally Posted by hasbeen

on fretted, every 20 hours. On fretless, double that.

Every 20 hours (of play time I assume)?! That seems a bit much. You don't make it a full month with a set? Ouch.

[Nev375]

I like the sound of fresh bass strings, but I hate being broke. therefore it depends entirely on my financial situation

When I was a lot better off than I am now, I'd change about every 4 weeks.
Now, i go for about 2-3 months between changes.