String Changing Scenerio

shawshank72 · #1 12-17-2009, 12:22 PM

I have 2 basses, one with DR Lo-Riders Nickel and one with
GHS Precision Flats. I want to interchange the strings to see how the different basses sound with the others strings.
Im only looking to do this for about a 2 day period for a test
drive. When I am done Im going to put said strings back on the original basses. Will doing this have any major effect on the necks? And does changing used strings cause any accelerated aging of the strings life? I know someone playing as long as I have should know this kind of noobie question, but I am very protective of my Electra bass and I dont want to harm it in any way nor do I want to spend lots of money buying new strings that may or may not get used.
thanks

dmusic148 · #2 12-17-2009, 12:27 PM

Provided the basses are the same scale, and have similar headstock layouts(tuner locations) it's not an issue. Just swap one string at a time.

JimmyM · #3 12-19-2009, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Provided the basses are the same scale, and have similar headstock layouts(tuner locations) it's not an issue. Just swap one string at a time.

if they're different, however, you may want to reconsider.

Meatrus · #4 12-19-2009, 06:32 AM

There shouldnt be an issue with the necks, but it will deaden the strings fast. And also fatigue the metal of the strings, so they will be weaker and more prone to snap at some point in the future. But I'm sure you would have to do it a good few times before worrying about that.

ggunn · #5 12-19-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Provided the basses are the same scale, and have similar headstock layouts(tuner locations) it's not an issue. Just swap one string at a time.

Swapping one string at a time is not necessary; I never do that on any of my 4 basses and 7 guitars. If you have a Floyd Rose bridge on a guitar then yes, you'll want to do that, but otherwise don't worry about it; the neck will be fine.

I agree about the scale and headstock layout being the same, though. If the windings are different it will fatigue the bend points and potentially cause problems.

JimmyM · #6 12-19-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ggunn

Swapping one string at a time is not necessary; I never do that on any of my 4 basses and 7 guitars. If you have a Floyd Rose bridge on a guitar then yes, you'll want to do that, but otherwise don't worry about it; the neck will be fine.

that all depends on the bass. i have some basses i would do that with, but i have a couple whose necks get a little goofy if you take all the strings off, so it's not always something you can get away with.