Are my strings worn out?

[jonnydamonpasta]

I've had the same strings for over a year...and my top frets sound like a snare drum. They always sound like I have it tuned too tightly but they aren't. Could it be my bridge or is it just time to get new strings?Peace

[62bass]

When you say the top notes sound like a snare drum, do you mean they buzz against the frets?

If so, it could mean you need to set up the action on the bass.

Sure, strings go dead when they get old, but usually you'll just lose the zingy high end.

I think you'll have to explain the sound problem a bit better to get a handle on the problem.

[jonnydamonpasta]

Ok the sound is like...when you tune a string too tightly to the point where when you play a note there's no sound. Almost like when you stretch a rubber band and pluck it. It only happens on the top few frets. That's the best I can do.

[62bass]

It sounds to me like your strings are bottoming out against the frets high up the neck. You probably need to get the bass set up properly. They do go out after a while. If you don't know how to do it take it to a good tech. It should be an easy fix.

[JustOpenYourMind]

You know it depends of each persons, but I change my strings every month because I consider them sounding dull after that period. So unless you are really into the dead string sound I strongly advice you to change strings

[fiveightandten]

Originally Posted by jonnydamonpasta

Ok the sound is like...when you tune a string too tightly to the point where when you play a note there's no sound. Almost like when you stretch a rubber band and pluck it. It only happens on the top few frets. That's the best I can do.

The strings are noting out. This can be due to a bowed neck, worn frets, or both.

Sounds like it's in need of a set-up, and a fret dressing wouldn't be completely out of the realm of possibilities either.

Also, when strings are old, they get pressed into the frets. This can make set-up problems a little worse.

-Nick

[SamJ]

Year old strings? Wow.. I'm lucky to get 2-3 weeks out of a set.. God bless you man!

[Rocinante_x1]

Originally Posted by SamJ

Year old strings? Wow.. I'm lucky to get 2-3 weeks out of a set.. God bless you man!

yeah, well i keep my strings for a while, but when they start getting dark with dirt, i start to think about new strings. usually, they last me about 2-3 months.

you must play pretty hard if you only get 2-3 weeks:P

---Rocinante

[dodgy_ian]

Originally Posted by SamJ

Year old strings? Wow.. I'm lucky to get 2-3 weeks out of a set.. God bless you man!

+1 bummer isnt it

[SamJ]

Originally Posted by Rocinante_x1

yeah, well i keep my strings for a while, but when they start getting dark with dirt, i start to think about new strings. usually, they last me about 2-3 months.

you must play pretty hard if you only get 2-3 weeks:P

---Rocinante

not so much hard, as two things..

a) I love the bright new sound.. can't live with dead / dull
b) my hands sweat a lot which doesn't help with a..

For $18 or so a set, I don't have a prob changing them ever couple or three weeks... there was a time back in the 80's when a set of rotosounds was $40.. and that's in 1985 dollars... that was a whole different story.

[Masher88]

If you have to ask yourself if it's time to change your strings....then it's time! Nothing but good things can come from changing your strings. I agree that a setup would be a good thing too. I know that money is hard to come by, but you'll be much happier in the long run

[SamJ]

Kinda reminds me of a guy I know who said he wants a new Mercedes S class, but doesn't know if he can afford the gas.. an $18 set of strings should be the least of your worries after buying a bass and amp.

[Bofee]

On most of my basses I like fresh strings, but on my p-bass the strings are about 7 years old. It has a huge, punchy sound that kicks ass for blues and r&b. I don't even remember what kind they are and I dread the day I break one!