String life expectancy?

Ravagence · #1 12-01-2011, 07:44 PM

So I just broke my G string today (Hahah, always have wanted to say that now it sounds so sad), and it's been about 3-4 months since I replaced them.

I play and hour a day on average playing slap and other styles (yes I broke it popping). They are nickle roundwounds at a generic gauge.

My question is; did I have a good life for my strings? Did they last long or just as long as they should? Or am do I treat them horribly and they didn't last long?

EDIT: They are Ernie Ball Hyrbrid Slinkys (45-105, orange package, etc.)

AmadeusXeno · #2 12-01-2011, 08:06 PM

EB's are the only strings I have ever broke. However most of the time breaking a string is usually from playing too aggressivly. I was a beginner when I broke those. You will find some people on here are using strings that are x amount of years old. Some people change their strings as soon as they loose the zing you get with a new set. Kinda depends on personal preferance on when to change strings besides them breaking.

Ravagence · #3 12-01-2011, 08:13 PM

So I would assume 4 months is pretty young to break? Are flat wounds easier or harder to break, because I was thinking I might like to try out some different strings as I develop better playing skills.

Marty Forrer · #4 12-01-2011, 08:20 PM

First: slapping and popping puts an extra strain on strings if your technique is not that good (I dont mean to be insulting, but some guys beat the hell out of strings).
Second: The PH factor of your sweat and skin oil can destroy strings. I have a friend whose strings last one gig and then they're dead as a dodo', whereas my strings have lasted for 12 years.

Ravagence · #5 12-01-2011, 08:24 PM

Okay, I think Ishould learn to pop lighter. I think I do it slightly more aggressive than needed. I used to be aggressive with slaps but I fixed that when it hurt my thumb.

And don't worry, I don't take offence to what you say about bad technique. After all I am learning. I believe this is like my 6th month playing. My first strings were rusty rounds. It's like the person who fiurst had my bass played it in the shower which is a disturbing thought.

soulman969 · #6 12-02-2011, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravagence

So I would assume 4 months is pretty young to break? Are flat wounds easier or harder to break, because I was thinking I might like to try out some different strings as I develop better playing skills.

Flats aren't typically a good string for slap style but they will last longer. Try a slightly heavier gauge G and don't play quiet as aggresivelly when you pop that string.

klejst · #7 12-02-2011, 10:52 AM

I usually try to change my strings every 1-2 months. It's just personal preference of mine. I would say pound them till they sound dull...or break

dustinfennessey · #8 12-02-2011, 10:54 AM

Black Diamond (black coated) strings on both of my basses are over a year old and sound awesome....but i dig the broke in string sound compared to new springy ones...i've never broke a string but maybe thats because i play with my fingers?

wmheilma · #9 12-02-2011, 11:01 AM

3-4 months is not bad lstring life at all IMHO. If you keep breaking strings, watch to see if they are breaking at one end or the other in the same spot. You may have a burr in the saddle or nut slot. I seldom break strings, but once in a while it happens, especially when I am too broke (or cheap) to change them for about a year.

**iriegnome** · #10 12-02-2011, 12:53 PM

I only change my strings when the frets wear into them giving them flat spots on the strings. That, for me, usually happens after about a year or so.

Ravagence · #11 12-02-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustinfennessey

Black Diamond (black coated) strings on both of my basses are over a year old and sound awesome....but i dig the broke in string sound compared to new springy ones...i've never broke a string but maybe thats because i play with my fingers?

I play with my fingers and only my fingers. I can't use a pick because I need to practice.

But other than that; thank you for all your input. I'll try to be nice to my strings now

**iriegnome** · #12 12-03-2011, 07:05 AM

I play finger style only. Our shows are 4 hours long and we don't take breaks. When we play we play and I play hard. You don't have to be nice to them. If you like the bright crisp tones, change your strings often. If you prefer a dead low thump and a dead high end, then use them much longer!

carlos840 · #13 12-03-2011, 08:52 AM

I never broke a string and the longest time i have had some rounds on a bass was 5 years (rotosound swing 66 nickel) so no, IMO you didnt get a good life from your strings!

On the other hand it is a very personal thing, some people like fresh string Zing and change the often, some people like a dull thump and keep them forever!

Mikhail1 · #14 12-03-2011, 09:14 AM

I've broke exactly one string since I started playing in 1976. That was a Rotosound E string that broke right at the tuning machine as I was stringing it up. I've seen guys break G strings before but it was always because of a heavy attack. Bottom line on stringlife; if YOU think they're dead, they're dead. Everybody's opinion is different. Go with what works for you.