Old Strings; what exact tone do you lose ??

keyboardguy · #1 12-10-2009, 04:31 PM

Hi all,

Just wondering. I know that you lose treble when strings get old, but does anyone know exactly what is lost?

I strive for a more 'old school' sound as opposed to a modern sound.
So for me, do I lose any bass or low-mids? or do I get more lows?

I also know an old string may no sustain as much. But if you're not playing 'footballs' (whole notes) is it really going to matter?

Anyone have any actual experience with this?

Regards,

Mike

Jaco who? · #2 12-10-2009, 05:26 PM

I've started stringing my MIM jazz fretless with the old highbeams from my ESP. When they lose their zinginess for slap/pop sounds, they still have tons of sustain. Just as much if not more than the Dunlop nickels I took off.

I don't think you gain any lows, but your ears are tricked into thinking you hear more because the highs are reduced.

Meatrus · #3 12-10-2009, 06:05 PM

You may lose some high mids and obviously the treble, but you wont gain anything bass wise I'm sure. Best way is to just play your strings till they are dead and use your ears. Sustain isnt going to be a problem, chances are they will still have more than flats.

JimmyM · #4 12-10-2009, 11:54 PM

I think sustain is overrated. But I played my bass with 12 year old flats on my gig tonight, and I've learned that I actually like a little bit of sustain, which those strings have zero.

keyboardguy · #5 12-11-2009, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I think sustain is overrated. But I played my bass with 12 year old flats on my gig tonight, and I've learned that I actually like a little bit of sustain, which those strings have zero.

12 year old strings huh?

We'll start calling you "The Hook"

he he

JimmyM · #6 12-12-2009, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keyboardguy

12 year old strings huh?

We'll start calling you "The Hook"

he he

I wish! I can barely play his lines with 2 fingers.

rosanne · #7 12-12-2009, 01:01 AM

When my roundwounds get old I can't tune the E string properly. It's either a little sharp or a little flat.

eyecandy · #8 12-12-2009, 01:31 AM

when strings get old they lose their top and begin to sound mellow.. well this is great especially with flats,they age like fine wine... but rounds errr...