Two Questions From a Newbie

[arielk]

...not a newbie at bass (I hope; I've been playing for 4 and a half years), but a newbie on these forums and, frankly, a newbie at understanding bass gear etc.

:-P

I just bought some new strings - GHS bass boomers - for my Schecter Elite-4, and I have two strings-related questions:
1) Do coated strings wear off over time, with exposure to air...? I've heard (esp. by those ads which advertise "bass necks" in bass magazines) that strings - or, at least, typical strings - wear out more quickly if they're "left out" in the air of a room, or somesuch. Is this the case for coated strings, too? The reason I ask is that I had some Elixirs on my bass which was hanging on a wall for the last, oh, year? And the Elixirs aren't physically frayed or anything, but I'm wondering if I should ditch them, or if I should keep them for reuse later. (Elixirs, at least at present, are my favorite bass string for fingerstyle; I just think the tone is godly. Trying out these GHSs just for a change, to see what I think of 'em)
2) If one accidentally cuts new strings too short, will he or she have to buy replacements? Specifically: I accidentally cut my A string on my new GHS pair short enough that, when extended all the way (starting at the bridge, with the bottom of the string), it reaches maybe half a inch to an inch past the tuning post (is that what they're called, those things you wrap the string around on the headstock?)...I haven't actually put the A string ON the bass yet, but I'm freaking out. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for the help, as usual :-) You guys rock

Ariel K.

[JimmyM]

Hey Ariel, that's pretty short, but it should at least hold long enough to form an opinion on them. However, it's possible that it might slip out of the post (that IS what they're called), but at this point you have nothing to lose by trying it.

As for Elixirs, I've only tried them on acoustic guitar, and yes, the coatings do fray with usage, at least they did on my guitar. But if they haven't frayed yet, I wouldn't worry about it.

[arielk]

Awesome. Thanks.

[two fingers]

Welcome to the forum! I always put my strings on with all of the extra hagning on and AFTER I'm done I cut them off. Different strokes I guess. Some guys like to push the string into the little hole in the middle. Also, for several reasons, it's probably best to leave your bass in the case while not playing it. Just a good habit to get into.

[Sandvich Hero]

I don't know how long it was once extended, but I once accidently cut a string so that I could not even do 1/2 turn on the post (maybe somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 turn). It wasn't on my main bass so I figured I would still give it a try. It stayed right there without a problem for 6 months ...

[arielk]

Hey guys, thanks so much for all the responses.

Sandvich, that's very comforting...lol. We'll see how it goes; the string goes about 1/2 the way around the post.

[Solarmist]

Elixirs are real nice bright/warm sounding strings - that's what come stock on Ibanez. Mine were flaking in 2 1/2 to 3 weeks, but I play with a pick too. They still sound good while flaking so don't toss them - it takes a while till they actually start sounding really dead.

When I replace strings - I put the ball in the slot - pull it past the far side of the post, and cut it 3 3/4" past with the 3/4" for the bend.

[arielk]

Yeah, I put it in the hole in the middle of the tuning post before winding it around. Sorry I neglected to mention that.

[irishryno]

you should be fine with the short string. as for the coated strings, yes they do wear. some do better than others. the reason to do them is you can use them more than 2 gigs. i usually restring after each gig, or after a month of practicing. you can extend that time drastically by using coated strings. it also adds a very warm sound to them. so if you are into the low slightly muted sound<i.e. making it sound more like an upright for jazz> that would be another reason to use them. I use bright nickel strings and do all the sound adjustment thru my equipment, and use coated on my practice bass<dubbed this due to the high action for strength conditioning>. take the time to try several strings out. you may find something completely different that is just the tone you are looking for. in the future when cutting strings go to the next post after the one you are stringing, or even go the next one past that or 4 in. again this is preference. take care and enjoy your odyssey of string adventures.

[arielk]

Well, I like coated strings just because I really, REALLY dig the tone for fingerstyle playing (I like DR Lo Riders and Rotosound Swing strings, so far, for pickstyle...any recommendations? Lol).

Incidentally, I buy a different pair of strings every time I buy new strings, 'cause I want to try out every major pair. Elixir nanowebs is by far my fav. string so far, though the Lo Riders are awesome too.

Thanks for the advice, irishryno (great name btw...lol)

I guess my question was whether the coated strings would go dead after a year of complete non-use, despite their not being frayed, as I hear that air and atmosphere can wear a string down somehow. But you've given me good advice. Thanks.

[Solarmist]

^ I've heard they can go bad from hanging in the store too long, and being test played from the dust and finger oil.

Elixir, and DR Lowriders are well liked here. I like the "slick" feel of Elixirs too, but they cost too much, and I don't care for the "flaking".

[irishryno]

rotosound just came out with the nexus line. will be trying those very soon.

[arielk]

I find that the "flaking" only happens when I'm trying to play with a pick; hence, why I have two main basses, only one of which I use the coated strings on.

I'd be curious how the Nexus's are, yeah. Cool.