Should I get new strings?

Balog · #1 01-03-2011, 12:13 PM

Getting back into playing after a long break, and wanting to be a bit more serious about it. Finally upgrading from a tiny guitar combo a friend lent me to a fEarful 12/6 driven by a PA amp and a couple different pre's to try out. I have an old Peavey Foundation 5, and while I'm waiting for the Crown to get here I want to get it set up properly (first musical instrument I've ever owned so I'd rather not try it myself). This brings me to my question...

I currently have some random set of Yamaha SS rounds on there, and I'm considering switching to, say, D'Addario Chromes. However, here are my concerns.

1. Waste. These are pretty new strings, I'd hate to toss em' if they're still good.
2. Inexperience. I'd just started learning when life came up and I stopped playing for over a year. Do I (as a pretty serious newb) really need ie will be able to make good use of better strings?
3. Other gear. These strings have never sounded that good to me, but is that a string issue or a bass/setup/amp/cab/technique issue?

DiabolicLow B · #2 01-03-2011, 12:20 PM

A lot of variables there to say for sure but strings are not really that expensive.
Buy the chromes and trow them on but keep the old strings as an extra set, you can always put them back on if want, no need to toss them.

Floyd Eye · #3 01-03-2011, 06:17 PM

I agree. There is a significant difference between rounds and flats. It's hard to tell what you prefer without trying them both.

Remember after you have your bass set up professionally, if you decide to put the old rounds back on, change one string at a time. It might not make a difference, but then again, it may save you from another truss rod adjustment.

Balog · #4 01-04-2011, 12:07 AM

Thanks guys, sound advice.

I think I'll order up some Chromes and see about local luthiers.

Anyone try using OD/fuzz with Chromes? Not something I'll do right away, but just curious if I eventually move that way.

bassist4dalord · #5 01-04-2011, 12:35 AM

Chromes are great! Last I checked, Amazon.com had them for $29.66 shipped (the 5-string set!!). I ordered a set for my Squier Standard Precision V. Not sure how much the 4-string set is; gotta be less.

FunkMetalBass · #6 01-04-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

It might not make a difference, but then again, it may save you from another truss rod adjustment.

Unless the amount of tension from the old set is exactly the same as the tension on the new set, it doesn't matter if you string them through one-by-one or all-at-once - the neck will react to the tension change.