school basses

thatdude · #1 10-13-2011, 12:01 AM

My band directoy bought a Squier jazz bass. As far I know the strings have never been changed. They've been on for about 10 years, time to change or no?

elgecko · #2 10-13-2011, 12:02 AM

Flatwounds? No. Otherwise, maybe.

soulman969 · #3 10-13-2011, 12:24 AM

How much was the bass played, what type of strings are they, what kind of shape are the strings in and most importantly how does the bass sound? The last should be your best indication.

Flats tend to last longer than rounds but I don't believe any string will last forever. A bass that's 10 years old and has a lot of questions to be answered about it but if it sounds and plays well why worry about it. Play it for a while and see what you think.

lowfreq33 · #4 10-13-2011, 12:27 AM

Longest I kept a set of rounds on was 7 years, playing at least a couple hours a day, finally I broke one and changes the set. But I like dead rounds.

Probably wouldn't hurt to put a fresh set on, I doubt there's been a lot of care or cleaning done to a school bass.

darkstorm · #5 10-13-2011, 02:38 AM

Of course its time to change the strings. Studants deserve decent sounding strings. So unless its got flats with great sound for the music being done in class, its well past time to change them. Lol. The bass should also be giving a complete set up for best low to low medium action to. If its not had strings changed in that long, prob hasnt been given a good setup recently either.

Martin89 · #6 10-13-2011, 04:39 AM

Definitely replace the strings and I would say change them to something coated, if a bunch of students are going to be using it who knows how long a normal set will last.

mmbongo · #7 10-13-2011, 05:27 AM

Personally I'd change the strings at least twice a year.

And I do like the coated string idea. Give these a shot:
D'Addario EXP Coated Nickel Round - 4-String Set

Jason will get you a better price if you sign up on his site as a TB user!

darkstorm · #8 10-13-2011, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin89

Definitely replace the strings and I would say change them to something coated, if a bunch of students are going to be using it who knows how long a normal set will last.

Yeah, some DR Neons. Wont get fuzzy like elixers, and will help protect strings from fingers of kid who got fingers greasy or covered in ketchup from hamburger & french fries, at lunch and forgot to wash hands. Nope thats not blood on the string, its ketchup from little jonnys fingers. Lol.

96tbird · #9 10-13-2011, 11:09 PM

If they fit the music, Yeah DR neons or black beauties. Resistant to finger funk, but fine for funky music.

My money is on flats being the best bet for school band. Fender are like 22 bucks. LaBellas are pricey but so sweet. My fave.

thatdude · #10 10-13-2011, 11:13 PM

I'm the only one that plays aside from the orchestra director. But he bought a set of eb slinky 5 125-35. I'm considering having him set it up to take the low 4

96tbird · #11 10-13-2011, 11:36 PM

Whoa, you mean the .125 as the E, or B? That might be too much tension tuned up to an E for a jazz neck. Plus the E tuned to A, the A tuned.... Chime in guys, seems they might run into relief issues at the least?

thatdude · #12 10-19-2011, 11:48 PM

I have two upcoming competitions, pluss countless more varsity games to play and concerts, so would .95 be too light even for jazz?