Ideas/opinions on holding onto used strings for future basses

[UnderDogbassist]

I know this sounds retarded but hear me out. I've been trying out a couple sets of strains on my jazz bass, and I've had resorted to just trying a bunch whether or not the old ones need to be switched. For example I've been trying some d'addario flats which just doesn't feel right, IMO I think flats should stick to more straightforward sounding basses like precisions and ricks. Anyways, I was wondering if it's bad on strings for me to just set them aside to try them on any future basses I get, instead of just tossing em and spending money for a new set. The answer is probably yes, but I was also wondering if there's a proper way to store them, I was thinking of just laying then out straight in a closet or something, Thx.

[jasper383]

As long as they aren't dead, dead, dead, keep them. They will be fine on another bass. Eventually, after about three times, they won't wind well around the tuning pegs, and you will have to toss them.

I put used sets in gallon sized plastic bags, and write on the bag what brand, gauge, and bass they were on.

[AmadeusXeno]

I've held on to used strings before. I coil them up kinda like they usually are out of the package, then I just put them in something. Could be a bag, a box, or a storage compartment in one of my cases for the bass they came off of. I'm not sure of this but I think if you were to leave them out where they could collect dust and everything that might kill thier tone. Another option if they aren't compleatly dead but you didn't like them, sell them on here in the classifide section. There are people who would like to buy broken in strings.

[fretlessguy]

I wipe them off with a rag then wind them like they came new. I then put them in a ziplock freezer bag and store them in a big plastic (like the Sterling brand with a lid on them) box that I keep my spare parts, strings and other musical odds n ends into. Sooner or later I will try them on another bass.
I had a set of GHS flats that sat on 3 basses before giving up the ghost. So...yes it's okay to keep them and use them on another bass instead of chunking them in the trash if they are still in decent shape.

[Doctor Dirt]

I began playing in 1960, at these prices today I will play my flats till they fall off the bass!!! When the La bella's are dead (years & years) I hold a funeral and give thanks that the lil' Italian guy knew his stuff. Bless that man. Doc