Old vs new strings. My brief studio experience.

[Papersen]

Here`s the story.

Since my studio experience is quite limited (my 3rd album so far), I`ve read a lot and started experimenting a little bit.

Like everything else there`s no "unique recipe" to obtain a particular and there are many factors involved (strings, basses, setup, micing, plugins, etc.). You can find great recording with fresh strings (Stu Hamm, Geddy Lee for example) or old strings (Joe Osborn, James Jamerson).

I mostly play hard rock and like a solid tone but with presence. I`ve found that sometimes old strings tend to sound muddy and fresh strings tend to sound clacky.

Tried many basses during the first 8 tracks (Zon, Peavey Cirrus, Warwick) and finally decided to give my active Fender Jazz Deluxe a try (it`s upgraded with an Audere preamp).

I`ve been using the same strings (DR Hi Beams) for about a month now and looked for a defined but deep sound. Let me say that way the preamp flat I couldn`t get it. The overall sound was good to my ears but sounded more like a Precision than a jazz. Then switched to a Peavey Cirrus for a more slap oriented sound (Elixir strings, 5 months of use) and although the sound was more defined, the bass didn`t deliver the mids the Jazz had.

So far, I`m not 100% pleased with the results and plan to get new strings for the Jazz next time

[fretlessguy]

Good observations. I keep several basses with strings of different ages for those reasons. Some tracks sound better with a certain age string that fits the mix, while others sound better with a string that is totally opposite.
I know a couple of guys which will use only one or two basses for a recording gig, but will have several different ages of strings that they can change to if needed. One even puts dates and the number of gigs played on the string package. Since all the strings are dated, he has a string that he can sub of about the same age in case he breaks one during a session or live date. Ready to go, and already cut to fit the bass.