when?

[elavate7]

when is it time to change the string on your bass? how do you know when their dead?

[Zombbg4]

Couple of signs are 1.) They sound dead, meaning dull, thuddy, like pieces of plastic, sound bad to you 2.) When harmonics aren't clear/dont speak well. There's no real answer though, if you think they're dead and aren't pleased with the tone/feel, slap a new set on.

[bassist4dalord]

When you want to!

[superfunk47]

Originally Posted by Zombbg4

...*slap* a new set on.

I see what you did there.

[M0ses]

If you think they sound good, then they're good.
If you think they sound bad, get new ones.
If those ones sound band, try a different brand (after giving them a few weeks, of course).

[elavate7]

yea cause i had the current set on there for about 2-3 monthes and they sound the same. i was wondering cause i heard different things like they should be changed every 5 monthes or something like that idk.

[Meatrus]

Originally Posted by elavate7

yea cause i had the current set on there for about 2-3 monthes and they sound the same. i was wondering cause i heard different things like they should be changed every 5 monthes or something like that idk.

If you like the sound of dead strings (and quite a few people do) you can have the same set of strings till one breaks, which can be 5 years or so.

I will say that if you are new to playing it may be worth trying a new set of decent strings first, just so you know if you like new strings. If the strings on your bass are stock, and have been on there for 3 months they will have mellowed, and they were probably cheap strings in the first place.

As with a lot of things bass related, its down to the sound you want. If they sound dull and you dont like that sound, change em.

[elavate7]

they arent stock strings so they will probably last a while then..... thanks guys!

[tobie]

I've replaced my strings soon after buying my guitar. One never knows how many times they've been played by potential buyers trying out the guitar. I also switched to flats so I'll only replace broken strings - and keep them for later whilst trying out other brands.