Swapping Strings Between Basses.. Harmful?

[Dub56]

Hey everyone, I searched this but saw some mixed answers.

I just got a set of flats I've been wanting to try, and I've got a Lakland Jazz style and a Lakland P style.
I'm curious to try these flats on BOTH to see which I prefer.

Only problem is that I've got a fairly new set of DR Sunbeams that I like a lot on my Jazz, and a fairly new set of strings (looks like D'Addario) on my P that aren't bad either.

If I do multiple swaps, say take the Sunbeams off my Jazz, put the flats on, put the Sunbeams back.. Will they still be the same?

I've read some concerns about intonation going bad after doing it. I've done this before, but not very often.
PS: I am NOT going to clean the strings in any way, no boiling or alcohol bath.

Thanks for any help!

[Mikhail1]

No problem at all. Other than neck width (which may or may not be the same) they are practically identical. Go for it!

[Mikhail1]

Didn't mean to be so short but do check intonation. It can change but again, it's no biggey.

[Dub56]

Originally Posted by Mikhail1

Didn't mean to be so short but do check intonation. It can change but again, it's no biggey.

Agreed, if the intonation changes a bit it's fine. As long as the string will still intonate.

[GM60466]

Only if it leave one bass without any strings

[seanm]

I switch strings between basses all the time. There is a small risk you will stress it and cause it to break sooner.

[Pilgrim]

No problem for the bass, or you'd never be able to change strings.

The strings may fail earlier, but even that is debatable and it's not a big deal. Swap 'em all you want.

[Dub56]

Thanks for the advice!

Don't worry, I wasn't worried about harming the bass, only the sets of strings.

I stuck a set of GHS precision flats on my Jazz.... Now we'll see if I actually like them

[Nev375]

Originally Posted by seanm

I switch strings between basses all the time. There is a small risk you will stress it and cause it to break sooner.

What?
How?

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by Nev375

What?
How?

The string(s), not the bass. Depending how the string attaches to the peg (down the middle or though the peg), taking them off and putting them on repeatedly can fatigue the string at that point and cause it to fail. I've broken strings that way a couple of times.

[Nev375]

Originally Posted by ggunn

The string(s), not the bass. Depending how the string attaches to the peg (down the middle or though the peg), taking them off and putting them on repeatedly can fatigue the string at that point and cause it to fail. I've broken strings that way a couple of times.

I figured he was talking about the strings, but back in my days of boiling and re-using strings dozens of times I never broke one.

Just be careful not to kink them anywhere (obviously) and you should be able to swap them until they rust.

[seanm]

Originally Posted by ggunn

The string(s), not the bass. Depending how the string attaches to the peg (down the middle or though the peg), taking them off and putting them on repeatedly can fatigue the string at that point and cause it to fail. I've broken strings that way a couple of times.

This is exactly what I meant. Sorry if it wasn't clear.

Originally Posted by Nev375

I figured he was talking about the strings, but back in my days of boiling and re-using strings dozens of times I never broke one.

Just be careful not to kink them anywhere (obviously) and you should be able to swap them until they rust.

Years ago when I was trying out different types of flats I was swapping them between all my basses. I managed to break the G string on a Fender set at the peg. I believe at the time the G was a 055, so not a small string.

And I think changing from bass to bass is probably harder on them then just replacing them on the same bass. You are more likely to hit a weak spot. But that is just an assumption, I have no proof.

And I currently have a set of chromes that have been swapped between at least 3 basses at least a half dozen times. Including being the top 4 strings on a five string and the top three strings for BEAD They are still going strong.

[Nev375]

Originally Posted by seanm

And I think changing from bass to bass is probably harder on them then just replacing them on the same bass. You are more likely to hit a weak spot. But that is just an assumption, I have no proof.

Oh after I boiled they did not necessarily go back on the same bass. After I removed the strings, I'd immediately put whatever the last set I had boiled a few weeks prior right back on it. Later I'd boil the ones I took off and get them ready for the next bass that needed a string change. So they almost always went onto a different bass.

And I was using BC rich, Ibanez and Kramer type basses at the time. So not even swapping between 2 fender types.