Is there a rule of thumb on how often to change strings

[dbull]

How often do you guys change strings and if there isn't a set time frame, what signs do you look for in determining whether it is time. I bought a 3 year old Rick, but I have no idea if these are the original strings or not.

[LilRay]

If it were me I'd change the strings to your favorites anyway. As far as changing frequency, it's all personal preference. Just whenever you no longer like the sound.

God Bless, Ray

[Tony G]

No rule. Change them as you see fit. Some people like the bright zing of a new set of stainless steel strings, so they change their strings more often. Then you have the complete opposite of people who like the thuddy, dead sound of old flat wound strings, a hardly if ever change them.

For me, as long as a string continues to feel good and sound good, it stays on my bass. Sometimes it is a few weeks, other times it is a few months.

[adamrobertt]

If I bought a 3 year old bass, I'd change the strings anyway.

But there's no rule of thumb. It's really about when you feel the strings have gotten too dead or feel like crap/can't hold a tune.

I probably change my strings 2 or 3 times per year.

[Jim Nazium]

No, there really isn't. It's just a personal preference. There was an interview in Bass Player recently where Phil Chen said he had never changed the strings on his P-bass ... he's been using the same set of flatwounds for 45 years. At the other extreme, I've heard of session players changing strings a couple of times a day.

[Chipsonfire]

I change strings when I can afford to/when I don't like the sound coming out of them anymore. This rule of thumb works for me just fine.

:EDIT: Or when one of the strings breaks. This is actually more often the case.

[whitedk57]

I talked with the bassist for the Oak Ridge Boys, and he changes his strings about every 12 hours of performing time.

[Greevus]

Totally depends on your personal "sound" and preference. I use mine til they get a bit dead sounding, then I boil them and put 'em back on. Play them til they break, then replace the entire set at the same time. I will keep all the old ones in packs together so I can grab one at rehearsal when I break another. Been doing it this for 20 years and it works well. I can't afford to switch them too often as they are too costly.

[dbull]

Thanks. I think I'll change them. Now I've got to figure out what stings to put on this Rick. Time to search some threads.