I thought my strings were going dead... I was wrong.

[shaginwagin]

So for quite a while I was replacing my strings about twice a month. I practice a few nights a week for an hour, maybe more. I would purchase new strings every payday from the local music shop. It wasn't to big of a deal to me to keep the sound I liked. Two sets a month seemed a little extreme but whatever.

I had used a peavey 15" combo, black widow 150 watt (I think) and more recently been using a fender rumble 75. Brand new EB slinkys would seem to go dead after about two weeks.

A few months ago I put together a little stack. An eden E300 with an swr workingman's 410T. The day I brought the amp home I also picked up a set of EB power slinkys. I have not changed my strings since!

I was wondering exactly why? Are the power slinkys made of magic? How could they last so much longer?

I think the answer is in the rig!

I've used the slinkys on every bass I've ever played. Which really isn't that many. A couple of squier P basses and a dean and ltd both with the double humbucker configuration. Im not a rich man. Although I did spend enough on strings over the past few years to have a couple nice fenders... damn. Anyway I've tried a couple other brands of strings, but, never really dug them. I really like the way the slinkys sound when they are brand new. The power slinkys are awesome strings. They sound way meaner than super or regular. But now I kind of have to start trying other strings again to see how they sound on this rig! Crap!

I am so stoked I have found a way to keep the new string twang!

I run the amp flat most of the time. Maybe a little cut on the bass. Maybe a little contour, sometimes not. Squier VM P, tone full up, or down for the dub stuff.

Just had to share.

[lowfreq33]

Did your old rig have a tweeter? If not I'd say that's the answer.

[NYCbassist]

I think you hit on something here for sure. I keep my strings for a long time maybe 50 hours playing time. I love Slinkies. Right now I have Rickenbacker OE strings on my 4003 so I'll have to see but I really like 'em so far. If your slinkies start to fade a bit, You can always adjust your Eq a bit but then you'll know The time is near for new ones.

[shaginwagin]

Originally Posted by lowfreq33

Did your old rig have a tweeter? If not I'd say that's the answer.

No they didn't, very good point.

I know its there but its not intrusive.

[shaginwagin]

Originally Posted by NYCbassist

I think you hit on something here for sure. I keep my strings for a long time maybe 50 hours playing time. I love Slinkies. Right now I have Rickenbacker OE strings on my 4003 so I'll have to see but I really like 'em so far. If your slinkies start to fade a bit, You can always adjust your Eq a bit but then you'll know The time is near for new ones.

Yep! Yesterday I even noticed some dirty spots on the strings. That usually doesn't have time to happen. I wash my hands before I start yo play just to squeeze all the life out. Ill wipe down with alcohol once in a while too... the strings not me.

[golower]

I would try DR hi beams .I always used slinkies on My Stingray but now DR Hi beams are my string of choice .They last longer than slinkies and I feel they sound awesome.They are worth a try .I was looking for something longer lasting and that was the ticket .I tried the lowbeams and they were real stiff and hard to play .I wouldnt mind trying the sunbeams but like the hi beams so much I figured why change .I also liked Smith Strings .There are probably alot of great strings out there just expensive to find out you dont like a set .Definately check the DR HI beams .Crispest longest lasting good sounding string I have ever played .Thats just my two cents .

[Duckwater]

You must have some corrosive sweat, I get 3-6 months out of a set of rounds playing 2-10 hours a day.

[shaginwagin]

Originally Posted by golower

I would try DR hi beams .I always used slinkies on My Stingray but now DR Hi beams are my string of choice .They last longer than slinkies and I feel they sound awesome.They are worth a try .I was looking for something longer lasting and that was the ticket .I tried the lowbeams and they were real stiff and hard to play .I wouldnt mind trying the sunbeams but like the hi beams so much I figured why change .I also liked Smith Strings .There are probably alot of great strings out there just expensive to find out you dont like a set .Definately check the DR HI beams .Crispest longest lasting good sounding string I have ever played .Thats just my two cents .

I have tried the low riders. I didn't like them right away.

I will try out the hi beams, thanks.

Although I do appreciate the help, im not really looking for string recommendations. I just wanted to pass on my experience. Maybe keep another poor soul from spending hundreds of dollars on strings to keep the sound they like. Maybe...

[shaginwagin]

Originally Posted by Duckwater

You must have some corrosive sweat, I get 3-6 months out of a set of rounds playing 2-10 hours a day.

Possibly.

I have been using the same set since I got my sew amp, approximately 4 months ago.