I like my strings like I like my shoes

[nocontrols]

I hate them brand new... too crisp and stiff. I need them to be broken in but if you go too far in that direction, they're dead.

Some people LOVE new strings and change them constantly. I've heard of pros that change them every show. New strings are too bright and clanky and metallic sounding. I need it to be warmer and darker. It does them good to be a bit worn in. On the other hand, absolutely blackened strings only go "thump" and I need them to ring out a bit more. I don't want dead strings any more than I want a piece of foam stuck under the strings at the bridge.

Does anyone else feel the need for that perfect balance or am I just choosy?

[dukeorock]

OR...with little velcro straps across the top

[FunkMetalBass]

At first I thought your thread read "my shoe laces", and I instantly visualized a bass with strings tied in bows.

[UncleFluffy]

Black and shiny?

[otis_thick]

Originally Posted by nocontrols

I hate them brand new... too crisp and stiff. I need them to be broken in but if you go too far in that direction, they're dead.

Some people LOVE new strings and change them constantly. I've heard of pros that change them every show. New strings are too bright and clanky and metallic sounding. I need it to be warmer and darker. It does them good to be a bit worn in. On the other hand, absolutely blackened strings only go "thump" and I need them to ring out a bit more. I don't want dead strings any more than I want a piece of foam stuck under the strings at the bridge.

Does anyone else feel the need for that perfect balance or am I just choosy?

I am with ya!!

[tjh]

I was sure I would open the thread and see somethng about a little 'soul' built into them ...


... and, dont be picking on my little trick bridge foamies now

[bluesdogblues]

I use Jamerson LABella sets and I'm very happy. But I like Dead strings tone

[nocontrols]

Originally Posted by UncleFluffy

Black and shiny?

ha ha... Not quite.

Originally Posted by tjh

I was sure I would open the thread and see somethng about a little 'soul' built into them ...


... and, dont be picking on my little trick bridge foamies now

Originally Posted by bluesdogblues

I use Jamerson LABella sets and I'm very happy. But I like Dead strings tone

I resisted the urge to go with a pun. I like that one, though

I understand the dead and/or muted string tone. It certainly has its time and place. But I need a bit more zing, just because I play rock. Not too much... I still consider my tone basically warm and dark but it has to have some kick to it. Flats sound great for jazz, though. There are jazz guys who NEVER change their strings.

[Darren Low]

Guess I'm not alone

[SquierJazz72]

I don't like a sharp, new string sound on bass strings. Don't mind it on guitars, but it kind of hurts my ears on a bass.

I put brand new D'Addarios on my Jazz and couldn't stand to play it. Switched to Rotosound Swing 66. They still sounded fresh, but weren't so sharp. Much happier with strings that have a mellower "new sound".

[AwesomeWithAQ]

I can't stand 'em! I just put a fresh set of DRs on my bass and I can't wait for them to mellow out. I usually play ground wounds for this reason. I think the DRs will be nice though once broken in. Looking for sweetness without zing.

[Ziggy_Starbucks]

what, on your feet? that won't do them too much good.

seriously though i like a both but in different situations. newer strings are always nicer to play but sometimes i want a broken in sound

[RedMoses]

Takes at least 2 weeks till strings sound right IMO

[iiipopes]

I put my set of Fender 9050CL 45-60-80-105 flats on a couple of years ago and they just keep getting better with every gig on my P-style fanned fret bass.

[Technotitclan]

Elixir strings. The coating makes them sound a little worn in and will keep them sounding that way. Each set always lasted me about 3 years. starting sounding more dead after 2.5 years.

[Pilgrim]

I've found that perfect balance.

The strings on my P-bass were installed in 1972. They're as close to perfect as anything I've ever heard. It takes all kinds.

When I install new strings, I find that I need at least a couple of months before they settle down and start to sound right.

[4-string]

Originally Posted by RedMoses

Takes at least 2 weeks till strings sound right IMO

Then they are dead to me. I'd change strings every day if I could.

Love flats too, but rounds must be fresh. Perhaps I should start selling "broken in" strings.

Don't like new shoes...

[cfsporn]

It's funny. I love the feel of new shoes, and I love the sound and feel of brand new rounds.