It's new string day!

SmittyG · #1 03-10-2007, 09:36 AM

I change up the strings on my gigging basses about every four to six weeks. I would probably do it more often if time and finances allowed as I just LOVE the sound of fresh strings on my basses. There is just something so exciting and promising about first opening up the package--it's like a mini-birthday present. And then that "zing" as you pull the strings from the packaging--if there is any sound more enticing than that, I don't know what it is. And finally, the feel and sound when you get them installed and tuned up and get to play them for the first time--you feel like you can just do no wrong as you play. Oh my; I'm all atingle just thinking about it.

Yeah, I know there isn't much information here for those wanting another "what is the best string for . . ." thread, but I just wanted to share my excitement with my bass brothers and sisters. And, yes, I realize I'm a sad, sad individual who probably needs to get out a bit more.

Tony G · #2 03-10-2007, 09:38 AM

Yup, fresh strings rock!

Brass Nut · #3 03-10-2007, 10:14 AM

Just like popping open a fresh "cool one" on a hot day.

Audiophage · #4 03-10-2007, 10:39 AM

Oh wow, I usually change my strings like every 6 months, but I haven't changed mine in like 8 months now.

Timmayx · #5 03-10-2007, 10:43 AM

I need some new strings, but had to get myself and my mate some poi (she doesn't know she's got them yet, tis a bday pressie

)

santucci218 · #6 03-10-2007, 11:21 AM

i hate when people boil their strings...makes em sound like poo, and they loose ALL clarity in the low end.

Pilgrim · #7 03-10-2007, 04:19 PM

Isn't it interesting how people's tastes differ when it comes to changing strings?

I'm primarily a flats player - they're on 7 of my 8 basses. The other is a 2000 Jazz, and it has the original factory roundwounds on it.

Nothing to argue with anyone else's opinion - all our ears are different - but I dislike the sound of new strings. That first six months is tough, while I wait for the strings to lose what I consider that nasty zingy sound. However, if the strings on a new bass are rounds, I usually replace them with flats anyway. And I'm one of those who says the only reason to ever replace flats is if one breaks. Otherwise, just leave 'em alone and play 'em.

The age of the strings on my basses now varies from 1 year to 35 years. The newest strings are on a Rogue violin-bass that I got a year ago. It came with horrible tinny rounds on it, and a set of Labella Hofner flats improved it instantly. However, now that those strings have been on a year, they're sounding even better.

And I have a '63 P that still has the strings I put on it in 1972 when I had the neck replaced. No zing left, just thump. It sounds wonderful - like the daddy of all P-basses.

OTOH, I spoke with Dick Dale's bass player Sam Bolle when they played here last year. When playing with Dale, Sam uses only Dean Markley Blues and changes them EVERY DAY while touring. Dick likes incredibly fresh, bright strings.

Takes all kinds, dunnit?

Gene Leone · #8 03-10-2007, 04:27 PM

I put fresh strings on two of my basses yesterday.

Maybe we should have a "New Bass String Day"? After all, there are plenty of other national something or another days. Why not one for bass players??????? We deserve it!

Hallmark would support it naturally, and maybe people would give us strings.

xshawnxearthx · #9 03-10-2007, 04:37 PM

i thought i was the only one who called it "new string day". i like this day as much as i like the day when my new strings finally break in.

Elemetal · #10 03-10-2007, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brass Nut

Just like popping open a fresh "cool one" on a hot day.

But a hell of a lot more expensive than a cool one.

SBassman · #11 03-10-2007, 11:17 PM

Different strokes:

I can't wait for time to pass after changing strings. I like them broken in, with some funk on them.

vindy500 · #12 03-10-2007, 11:25 PM

feel free to send me your old worn out strings

SpankyPants · #13 03-10-2007, 11:28 PM

I feel the same way! I love putting on new strings!

GSRLessard14 · #14 03-10-2007, 11:31 PM

I just put on some Dean Markley XL Nickelsteels. Been breaking them in for a couple days.

Rickenbasser · #15 03-11-2007, 12:56 AM

there's nothing like a brand new set of rotosounds to make my ric growl like a monster. I love new strings...I would change them everyday if I could but I'm not rich so I just boil them once a week and they sound practicaly new after that and I still get a clear defined bottom. you have to put a drop or two of dish soap in the water then boil for around 10 minutes and then your in "new string sound" heaven.

Stuggi · #16 03-11-2007, 04:21 AM

NEVER EVER BOIL YOUR STRINGS!

It totally kills the tone, and after a while, they are even worse then before you boiled them.

What you want to do is to give 'em a bath in pure alcohol for about 48 hours. That really gives 'em the vibe back, and when they finally go muddy again (much more later than if you boiled them) they are at least as good as before the bath.

Koki · #17 03-11-2007, 05:01 AM

Yeah. I feel like Mark King with fresh new strings

fearceol · #18 03-11-2007, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Isn't it interesting how people's tastes differ when it comes to changing strings?

I'm primarily a flats player - they're on 7 of my 8 basses. The other is a 2000 Jazz, and it has the original factory roundwounds on it.

Nothing to argue with anyone else's opinion - all our ears are different - but I dislike the sound of new strings. That first six months is tough, while I wait for the strings to lose what I consider that nasty zingy sound. However, if the strings on a new bass are rounds, I usually replace them with flats anyway. And I'm one of those who says the only reason to ever replace flats is if one breaks. Otherwise, just leave 'em alone and play 'em.

The age of the strings on my basses now varies from 1 year to 35 years. The newest strings are on a Rogue violin-bass that I got a year ago. It came with horrible tinny rounds on it, and a set of Labella Hofner flats improved it instantly. However, now that those strings have been on a year, they're sounding even better.

And I have a '63 P that still has the strings I put on it in 1972 when I had the neck replaced. No zing left, just thump. It sounds wonderful - like the daddy of all P-basses.

OTOH, I spoke with Dick Dale's bass player Sam Bolle when they played here last year. When playing with Dale, Sam uses only Dean Markley Blues and changes them EVERY DAY while touring. Dick likes incredibly fresh, bright strings.

Takes all kinds, dunnit?

+ 1

I'm fairly new to bass and never liked that zingy sound. I changed to flats and I love the warm mellow tone from them. It a lot cheaper too as they dont need changing too often.
However, as stated above , it takes all kinds.

Polyamarous · #19 03-11-2007, 05:47 AM

I chnge mine when they break .
Any one got any opinions on Pedulla strings?

SmittyG · #20 03-11-2007, 06:11 AM

I keep trying the flats. I have a set of TIs, a set of Fenders and a set of Rotos that I keep in my string bag. (Yes, I have a gig bag just for my strings; doesn't everyone?) About once a year, especially after reading how much some of you fine folks love that thump, I get the itch and throw a set on one of my basses. For about 30 minutes I think, "This sounds great!" Then the "new" wears off of the sound and I realize that 1) I can't stand the feel of flats and 2) I really don't like the "thump" near as much as I like the "zing". But, as you say, it takes all kinds. Use what makes you happy; life is too short to do otherwise.