Taking off strings, and putting them back on

[Sharp Objects]

For the past year and a half, I've had flats on my P-bass. Now, I'd like a different sound, so I'm going with rounds (yes I know, flats and a P-bass go hand in hand, but I do need something different).

The thing is, I'd like to keep the flats after I take them off. What I want to know is will taking strings off and after a long time (say 1-2 years) putting them back on, possibly hurt the strings? I probably shouldn't be too worried, since flats are built like tank armor anyways, I'd just like to be sure. Thanks.

[projectMalamute]

I've got the bottom 4/5ths of a five string set I play around with from time to time. They have been off and on one of my basses several times. They are totally dead at this point, but not really damaged in any way.

[glwanabe]

Just be careful with the tuning peg winds that you dont stress them to much. If your careful you should have no problem putting them back on later.

Two year old flats are aged just right. I hate waiting for flats to mellow out to the proper tone.

[dragoon419]

I did it all the time when I started playing and needed to find "my strings". Trust me, as long as you're careful you shouldn't have any problems.

Cheers.

[Sharp Objects]

Alright, awesome. Thanks for your input guys.

[kyral210]

You wont have any 'problems' but dirty, worn down, or otherwise dead strings will sound uneven across the neck. Then mix them in with other sets of strings and the whole thing will sound even more uneven. Trust me, new strings every few months :-)

[ksandvik]

Originally Posted by kyral210

You wont have any 'problems' but dirty, worn down, or otherwise dead strings will sound uneven across the neck. Then mix them in with other sets of strings and the whole thing will sound even more uneven. Trust me, new strings every few months :-)

Yes, strings have a surprisingly big aspect of the total sound, so if you want to sound constant and have your own 'signature' sound, you need to put in new strings frequently. Worn strings also have points here the sound is dull. --Kent