So, how often do most pros out there change strings? What about you?

MistaMarko · #1 05-25-2008, 01:15 AM

Bah. I start recording with my band this Monday, but I've had these Ernie Balls on my bass for about a month and a half now, and I don't know if it's me, but they already sound dull and dead. If not that, definately not new. I'm not sure if with studio mixing, or recording through DI, that I can shape the tone to get the sound I want regardless of string age, or if I should really go buy new strings. Do old strings have a harder time cutting through the mix? Or is any of this even a concern with good studio programs/equipment? (I guess this is a semi-recording question too.) Then again, I'm not sure if I could really consider ~2 month old strings "Old".

How often do you guys change strings? Bass strings get expensive, $25 a pack locally here. I can't really tell if they're DEAD, or just really broken in, or what. The intonation is still PRISTINE! 12th/24th fret harmonics are perfect, all 12th frets are perfect, and all 24th frets are within 3-5 cents of in-tune. So they're not to the point of bad intonation yet. I used some string cleaner, but I don't know how that does with tone.

How often do pros change strings? People who do 3-4 shows a week..I know they have multiple instruments, but I'm saying hypathetically.

I guess it's a 3-part question...

Thanks guys.

nastyn8c · #2 05-25-2008, 01:22 AM

Your strings are dead when your ears say they are. I have to change mine once a month, if not more. $33 a set. You deal with it.

I found that D'Addario XL strings last much longer than Ernie Balls or the GHS Dingwall strings I use now. There's talk of D'Addario Dingwall strings, and I can't wait to try them

You can also try soaking your strings in something to bring them back to life by cleaning them. I use mineral spirits. It's the only solution that's seriously worked.

GeneralElectric · #3 05-25-2008, 01:26 AM

String sounds are all about preference. Some change them before every session and show (Steve Harris) and some leave them on for a decade (James Jamerson)

FrizzleFry · #4 05-25-2008, 01:42 AM

I have a set of Ken smith Steels on my 6 string, they've almost been on there for a year, best sounding strings!

Mr-Bassman · #5 05-25-2008, 06:47 AM

I've had the same experience with Ernie Balls. At around 6 weeks they go dull and dead. Usually don't go past 2 months with them, but at 20-25 a set they're 10 cheaper than DRs which go 3 months but end up the same cost per month. Just a cost of doing business if you like a bright sound.

peterbright · #6 05-26-2008, 08:19 PM

Depends on how well you care for your strings, how often you play & your technique. If you can't tell your strings are dead, leave them alone.

ShowKing · #7 05-26-2008, 08:54 PM

personally i like fresh strings
and i would put on new strings before a good gig or recording, etc.

Solarmist · #8 05-26-2008, 09:03 PM

A lot of people here just clean they're strings when they stop sounding as good. Personally I boil them on MED for 15/20 min with a little dish soap, and let dry. Others use alcohol, and are against boiling in dish soap. Some people boil in alcohol over an open flame .... LOLOLOL

LowBSix · #9 05-26-2008, 09:05 PM

When I had a string endorsement, I was silly and changed every day... After 2 days I realized that was just stupid, I changed to once a week, because I love the sound of fresh strings.

There are some that swear by ELIXIR strings cuz of the "goretex" micro coating that keeps the "gunk" out of the winding....

I've gone as long as 10 years without changing on my 4 string, but change my 6 string = workhorse about every 2 to 3 months... I change when my ears and fingers tell me and in fact, I'll be changing this week!

JimmyM · #10 05-26-2008, 09:07 PM

All pros are different. Some won't ever change strings, some change them daily, some change them ever hour or two. I did a gig with Barry Manilow's producer Ron Dante last week and he said they'd do three songs a day with Will Lee and Will changed his strings before every song. Anthony Jackson is also like that. I believe Marcus said he likes his strings after they've been played in a couple days. It's all personal preference.

LowBSix · #11 05-26-2008, 09:10 PM

If I have the funds or the right endorsement, I'm in between Will and Marcus... FWIW

OptimusPrime · #12 05-26-2008, 09:35 PM

How often do you change your strings?

When we're on tour I change strings once every four or five days in the summer. On tour during the rest of the year, once every ten days or so. When I'm home doing studio work I change them once every four or five weeks.
I sweat very little so that contributes to the life of my strings. Just listen to your bass. When the sound starts to change, it's time to change the strings. That is unless you really like that new wiry sound like Anthony Jackson. Then you better find a way to buy strings wholesale!! I like the sound of strings after they've been on for a couple of days.
When I was doing a lot of sessions in NY, I heard that Anthony Jackson discarded his strings after every session, sometimes after every song. I started showing behind him to collect the "old" strings. Yo, as far as I was concerned, those were perfectly good strings!! And strings were expensive!! Then I find out that he doesn't just discard the day-old strings, he clips them first with a cutter, then throws them out. I was pissed!!

Marcus Miller.

T. Brookins · #13 05-26-2008, 09:38 PM

I get two pairs of prosteels. When the first go dead, I install the second set and put the firsts in a windshield wiper fluid bottle full of DENATURED alcohol, SHAKEN WELL for two minutes and left to sit overnight.
I shake the bottle again in the morning for one full minute and put them into the gig bag, where they wait until my current set go dead.
I may repeat this process until:

-The strings become mechanically unstable
or
-the strings become less affected by cleaning (this takes many cycles)

etc.

To preserve that bright, full of harmonic content tone:

I try to keep my hands clean.

I try to develop a no-worry, fluid playing morale that encourages less sweat.

I try to eat less spicy or salty foods pre-session, less caffeine or alcohol, and try to chill out. These habits encourage less acidity and perspiration.

I move my action up a bit. I tend to sweat more with a low action. Most of this is worry based, as I don't like to clack or slop on most sessions.

So...

I clean my strings every week.

sonicvi · #14 05-27-2008, 06:38 AM

I think I last changed mine on my Jazz Bass in October 2006.

JimmyM · #15 05-27-2008, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptimusPrime

How often do you change your strings?

When we're on tour I change strings once every four or five days in the summer. On tour during the rest of the year, once every ten days or so. When I'm home doing studio work I change them once every four or five weeks.
I sweat very little so that contributes to the life of my strings. Just listen to your bass. When the sound starts to change, it's time to change the strings. That is unless you really like that new wiry sound like Anthony Jackson. Then you better find a way to buy strings wholesale!! I like the sound of strings after they've been on for a couple of days.
When I was doing a lot of sessions in NY, I heard that Anthony Jackson discarded his strings after every session, sometimes after every song. I started showing behind him to collect the "old" strings. Yo, as far as I was concerned, those were perfectly good strings!! And strings were expensive!! Then I find out that he doesn't just discard the day-old strings, he clips them first with a cutter, then throws them out. I was pissed!!

Marcus Miller.

Marcus is the man! He looks so angry in his photos, but he's one of the nicest celebrities I've ever seen on the internet. Answers every question, never has a bad thing to say about anyone, very helpful. It makes me wish I liked his tone better. Good songs, even better playing, but dang, that slicy tone...