do i need a set-up after every string switch.

[UnderDogbassist]

so not even a week after getting my bass set up by my local luthier, and about 3 weeks after getting my strings changed, my g string wont wind up, and it realliy pisses me off, cuz i bought rotosound flats which are might expensive where i am. i was wondering if i run out and get strings (im definetly not getting rotos, not wasting another 50 bucks) will i have to get my bass set up again, i just got it set up and i definetly can't afford another 50 bucks. (i can't even afford new strings but ill pull something off).

[AmadeusXeno]

I do a setup on my basses whenever I change the tuning, string gauge, or type of string. If you are planning on another set of flats in the same gauge you should be alright.

[fhm555]

Loosen, replace, and bring to pitch one string at a time using the same gauge strings, then stretch tune play/stretch tune play as needed to settle them in. I used to be stingy and wait until all my strings were totally dead before replacing them. Now I do it every year in December even if they don't need it.

[Pilgrim]

You only need it if playing the instrument tells you that you do. If not, not.

[jumbodbassman]

set ups are pretty simple. you should read up on it and just do them. If you are not making a drastic ahnge from prior strings it should take under 10 minutes. You probably need to tweek the neck as the seasons change anyway....

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by jumbodbassman

set ups are pretty simple. you should read up on it and just do them. If you are not making a drastic ahnge from prior strings it should take under 10 minutes. You probably need to tweek the neck as the seasons change anyway....

I haven't tweaked my neck for over 6 years.

[darkstorm]

What do you mean your G string wont wind up? If the string is defective, rotosound would prob replace it free.

[jaywa]

You shouldn't need to as long as

1) you are replacing with strings that are identical in brand, type and gauge, and
2) you don't accidently "adjust" any of the bridge string saddles in the process of changing the strings (which could cause your action and/or intonation to go out of whack)

That being said... if you live in an area like I do where the baseline climate changes significantly 4 or 5 times a year, then it might not be a bad idea to check things out and tweak it up a little more often.