New Strings Day of a Show?

Okcomputer9 · #1 04-16-2010, 01:05 PM

Hey everyone, my band is playing our first show tonight in about seven hours and I am debating slapping on a fresh set of strings before the gig.

I've had my current set on for about three months and they have lost quite a bit of tone. Would it be wise to get a fresh tone for the show or too risky, as new strings tend to go out of tune quite frequently?

Opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Spinal Tapper · #2 04-16-2010, 01:10 PM

I've done it with some D'Addarios after I got a setup on my jazz once - I didnt have tuning probs, but the bass was a lot brighter that I was used to, so I had to set my EQ differently, and the strings had that bit of "new grit" to the feel of them for most of the set...I probably wouldn't do it again, but you'll be fine,

LowEnd88 · #3 04-16-2010, 01:12 PM

i've done it lots. Just make sure you play it for a while and re-tune a few times prior to the show. If you don't your just asking to be way out of tune through the set

stflbn · #4 04-16-2010, 01:12 PM

Depends on your style of music. If you like and need hte high end Zing, then go for it. But if not... be prepared to roll off the tone knob.

Phalex · #5 04-16-2010, 01:46 PM

Personally, I wouldn't do it, but I'm a fan of mud!

How long are you playing for? If you're doing 45 minute sets, sure thing, just check the tuning. If you're playing for 2 hours non-stop, I don't think I'd do it if I were you.

johnboy65 · #6 04-16-2010, 01:56 PM

I change strings the day of a show all the time.

That said, I don't think you should. It's your bands first show and it's just one more thing to worry about. Leave them on and have fun. I promise that nobody's going to say "that band was great, but the bass player had old strings!"

NKBassman · #7 04-16-2010, 01:59 PM

Yeah, I change my strings at least once every 2 months while actively gigging, and usually right before a show if I can. I love that 'zing'!

I use Rotosounds and never have any problems with staying in tune on a fresh set.

Ric5 · #8 04-16-2010, 02:07 PM

New Strings Day of a Show?

Chris Squire with Yes did this for every show back in the 70s. I don't know if he still does.

dalkowski · #9 04-16-2010, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnboy65

That said, I don't think you should. It's your bands first show and it's just ONE MORE THING TO WORRY ABOUT. Leave them on and have fun. I promise that nobody's going to say "that band was great, but the bass player had old strings!"

This, 100%.

NKBassman · #10 04-23-2010, 11:32 AM

If you're worried, change them a couple days before the show, and you should have absolutely no problem.

superhand · #11 04-23-2010, 11:39 AM

Once you stretch them out really good they should not lose there tuning too much. I would be more concerned about your tone. If you like that extra zingy new string tone then it won't be a problem. I personally don't like the sound of brand new bass strings. There are just way too many overtones competing with the fundamental frequency, for my taste.

EQ can help but I like to get the tone I want out of the bass itself and keep the EQ kind of minimal, sometimes even completely flat. I think that gives you a more natural sounding tone.

darkstorm · #12 04-23-2010, 03:03 PM

If its with the same brand, make and gauage as youve been useing. Its ok to do. Otherwise Id wait till after. Since could otherwise need small truss rod tweak or other action change. For first gig, Id say no even if same strings. Just raise the treble around 6k a tad if wanting more top end zing. Dont need to be thinking about new strings for first show. Hope your gig goes well for the whole band.

Pilgrim · #13 04-23-2010, 03:43 PM

I don't even LIKE strings until they've been on for more than three months!

To me, you should install the strings at least a couple of months before you gig with them.

Unless you're Sam Bolle, Dick Dale's bass player - he installs new Dean Markley Blue Steels every day before the gig. Bright? Yessir.

Lorenzini · #14 04-23-2010, 03:57 PM

For 1 to 3 nights in a row, always.

Labi · #15 04-23-2010, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKBassman

If you're worried, change them a couple days before the show, and you should have absolutely no problem.

Yeah. Get in a time machine and travel 2 days back in time.

**pacojas** · #16 04-23-2010, 04:04 PM

some new strings are way too sticky.

NKBassman · #17 04-26-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labi

Yeah. Get in a time machine and travel 2 days back in time.

Hahaha, don't get me wrong, I'm a 'day-of' kind of guy myself, but if the OP is worried about it, 2 days of moderate playing should be more than enough time for the strings to settle in.

doctorpunch · #18 04-26-2010, 11:55 AM

I try to do it a week or two before a gig, it breaks 'em in an still has that zing.

shadow_FIX · #19 04-26-2010, 01:50 PM

I don't like strings until they've been broken in. Too tinny and bright...gotta play on 'em for a little while IMO.

FunkMetalBass · #20 04-26-2010, 02:00 PM

7 hours? Sure. Make sure to stretch them really well, and if you have a floor tuner, mute yourself between every song and check tuning.

Usually, about 24 hours before the show, I pull my strings off and soak them in denatured alcohol. A few hours before the show, I pull them out, wipe them with a clean, dry rag, put them on the bass, and tune them up. At the show, I re-check tuning, wipe them off again, and go. It cleans them to the mildly-broken-in stage and I don't have to worry about stretching them out.

Plus, saves $$$.

I always change strings before recordings, though.