How often should I change the flatwound strings?

[skaliwag66]

Do they have the problems of gunk building up on them like normal roundwounds?

[fenderhutz]

The more gunk, the more funk.

I don't know, it just sounded good at the time.

[NickyBass]

I haven't used flats for a few years, but when I did, I just left them on forever.

[Mushroo]

As long as you are still happy with the sound, flats should last indefinitely.

[kelleysdad]

Never

[JTE]

Joe Osborne used the same set of LaBella original flats from 1961 or so until the late '90s. Then he started using something else only becasue he got a new bass from Lakland.

Carol Kaye never changed the strings on her Precisions when she was doing all that session work, she just bought a new P bass when her 850s' started wearing out.

If they're playing in tune and you like the way they sound, there's no reason to change strings- either round or flat.

jte

[Bassisgreat]

not until dec 21 2012

[Parabolic Box]

Originally Posted by Bassisgreat

not until dec 21 2012

lol The End of the World?

[Nick Kay]

When they start sounding bad or falling apart. Both should take upwards of a few years if you picked the right strings for you in the first place.

[arthurzen]

I've had a set on for a couple years now. Just wipe them down with a good, soft cloth after playing and they should last forever (or at least until you start not liking the way they sound)

My uncle has a '77 P bass that had the original strings on until a couple years ago when he finally restrung it....

[Phalex]

I change mine once a year. I love the tone of them when they get some miles, but having one break on a gig is unacceptable. I have a lot of love for well worn flats, but I just don't have a lot of trust in old strings.

[ExaltBass]

Originally Posted by Phalex

I change mine once a year. I love the tone of them when they get some miles, but having one break on a gig is unacceptable. I have a lot of love for well worn flats, but I just don't have a lot of trust in old strings.

Same here...

[acleex38]

I run Chromes strung through-body - the oldest set I had burst winding over the saddle at 7 months. It's only the second time I've broken a string in 22 years, and I was admittedly abusing the string (playing hard AND stringing it with the sharp angle). If they don't break, I'm not replacing again - but I'm carrying extras just in case.

[arthurzen]

but having one break on a gig is unacceptable

This is usually in the back of my mind, but I always have a backup set of strings in my "bag o' stuff" and a spare bass ready to go! :-)

[Jobiebass]

i change mine every few months because I have no clue about anything. (true story)

[vcs700s]

I have a set of Chromes on my Sterling. They have been on for a year and sound great. The key for me is to wipe them with a clean cloth after I play and once a week I use a string cleaner on them. They sound as good today as they did new. I have no plans to change them for quite awhile.

[Darkstrike]

When they break, no sooner.

[WayneS]

I guess I am the exception here. I use Rotosound RS77 flats and I @#%$@^& love the way they sound. Nothing can even get close to touching them. I play them for two shows (about 4 hours each) and then put new ones on. The money isnt coming out of my pocket per se... I buy them with what I make from playing.

[droskobass]

fyi Steve harris changes his flatwounds every show.

Right out of the package some flats can sound incredibly bright. but generally flats are left on for years and years.

[Bass Tees]

Originally Posted by Jobiebass

i change mine every few months because I have no clue about anything. (true story)

That is hilarious.