Is it wise take the same strings off and on many times ?

[the low one]

I have fretless Jazz and like the tone of flats and half rounds on it. Depending on the gig I may want to choose between the sets to get the right tone.

By themselves I know both strings have a long life, especially the flats, but will switching between them regularly damage them? As the strings will be tensioned when on the bass and slackened when not will it shorten the life of them, or will it in fact make them last longer as they will be used less?

[251]

Originally Posted by the low one

I have fretless Jazz and like the tone of flats and half rounds on it. Depending on the gig I may want to choose between the sets to get the right tone.

By themselves I know both strings have a long life, especially the flats, but will switching between them regularly damage them? As the strings will be tensioned when on the bass and slackened when not will it shorten the life of them, or will it in fact make them last longer as they will be used less?

My ears say a string never sounds as good after it has been stretched once. Not everyone is that fussy. Some people never change strings. YRMV.

FWIW, I change strings when they fail to hold a pitch for 2 or 3 hours, with no other changes in temperature & humidity.

I suppose that is 1 reason some players take more than one bass to a gig.

[R. Laevinus]

Originally Posted by the low one

By themselves I know both strings have a long life, especially the flats, but will switching between them regularly damage them? As the strings will be tensioned when on the bass and slackened when not will it shorten the life of them, or will it in fact make them last longer as they will be used less?

I think so. Some guys disagree. Try it yourself, and see if you can hear/feel a difference.

Also, a major factor for me is the neatness of the windings on the post - once they've been strung up and removed, I find it extremely difficult to get used strings back neatly onto the posts.

[bassist4dalord]

I've done it quite a bit with a set of D'Addario Chromes and DR Lo Riders. They do sound a little different. I only do it because I'm a broke college student; I don't recommend this method. Plus, it could wreak havoc on your truss rod, constantly changing tensions.

Food for thought

[darkstorm]

Taking strings off and putting them back on several times does shorten their life imo.