Noob in Need.

[imnotindenial]

I'm relatively new to bass, and I was wondering whether I should be replacing my strings periodically, or just when one of them breaks? If periodically, once every how often?

[meev992]

noobs need to learn how to use the search function.

[tbwilson]

haha ill help you out man. string get very expensive for myself and probably some other people to change often so this is how i know i need knew strings. if they break well ya of course. but like once i start seeing there is crud on my strings. and if you let it get really bad you can hear the strings not in tune or not staying in tune. theres a chart thing that actually says if you play for this many hours change your string this much but i personally would have to change my strings every week and ya im not throwing away 20 bucks every week because i feel there is nothing wrong with them

[meev992]

get tapewound strings, they last forever.

Same goes with flatwounds.

[Gashaponcito]

Originally Posted by meev992

noobs need to learn how to use the search function.

Come on man, chill out u were once a noob aswell...

Anyway, I would recommend changing all the strings even if one breaks, why? because "aging" affect a lot the tone, feeling, etc etc of the string so u better have all the strings at the same "age" and you should change them when you don't like anymore the sound you get from them, some people like to change strings every year others don't like to change them at all, try to experiment a little bit, also it depends in the type of music and tone u r looking foward too if u provide us more info maybe we can help a little more.

[meev992]

Originally Posted by Gashaponcito

Come on man, chill out u were once a noob aswell...

yea, I searched for this exact same topic, and got plenty of good results. Particularly, the one about my specific string brand: Fender 9120

[m.oreilly]

Originally Posted by meev992

get tapewound strings, they last forever.

Same goes with flatwounds.

what a noob

imnotindenial, Gashaponcito said it. do you know what brand/gauge you have now? you can always do a change to try different gauges and makes, regardless of the age of your existing strings. different tensions and materials can have a big effect. i found using a lighter gauge, and a tighter tension give me the feel i want. and i change them when i don't hear/feel the sound i want.

[meev992]

Originally Posted by m.oreilly

what a noob

rawr

[PrimusNut]

I change mine when they get so old they sound dull (if I can afford it), or when one breaks... usually its 3-6 months before I change them.

[EddieN]

I might suggest searching for threads about removing & cleaning strings in denatured alcohol. Greatly extends the life of rounds & works. Saving you plenty.