Strings go sharp when basses are left unplayed for a while

[Chrisk-K]

The strings on all my basses (and guitars) go slightly sharp when they are left unplayed for a while (several days).

I use DR, D'addario and GHS strings, so it's not because of a particular manufacturer.

Why does this happen?

[NumberOfTheBass]

Are you letting the strings warm up before you see if they're in tune? Play for a little while before you check your tuning. The metal in the strings changes a bit once they heat up.

[Chrisk-K]

Are you letting the strings warm up before you see if they're in tune?

No. I check tuning as soon as I grab one of my basses from the rack.

[amosjones]

Mine do it too sometimes. They are a Hz or so high as apposed to low. also if you play if for a few they will probably slide back into tune.
I live in Florida so it is Warm and humid most of the time. Could it have something to do with where you live?

[Burlington]

Is this a serious thread? Metal expands when heated, and contracts when cooled. Come on guys.

[whatiswhat]

If I tune up before playing the strings through a bit, they get a bit flat when I've properly warmed them(and myself) up. What you mentioned seems to be the polar opposite of this.

[Jazz Ad]

The place where you store them is drier than the place where you play them.

[amosjones]

I do not perceive it to be a problem. Since I only have to tune every month or so.

[Chrisk-K]

If I tune up before playing the strings through a bit, they get a bit flat when I've properly warmed them(and myself) up. What you mentioned seems to be the polar opposite of this.

It's the same thing. I checked tuning when strings were cold. Cold strings contract, so the strings were a bit sharp (by a few cents).

Now I sort of remember that strings didn't go sharp in the summer.

[Skitch it!]

A lot of it is down to temperature, if you ever play with a dry ice machine close to you on a stage, you'll find out it's a nightmare trying to keep a bass in tune : ) Temp has a lot to do with it, even temperature between room to room.

[FrankeR]

Drastic temperature changes can cause this, as many have implied here.
Also make a knife out of the strings, no need to ever sharpen it!

[Tony CC]

Originally Posted by FrankeR

Drastic temperature changes can cause this, as many have implied here.
Also make a knife out of the strings, no need to ever sharpen it!

Probably the worst joke I have heard in a long, long, time.
Thanks for killing by beer buzz.

[Pilgrim]

"Strings go sharp when basses are left unplayed for a while."

Yes, yes they do. Metal (including strings) contracts when it cools.

[Zooberwerx]

At the Moose Lodge(s), the staff invariably turns up the AC as the crowd thickens. Plays havoc with tuning so I always wait until 5" before the first tune for the final tweaks.

Riis

[walterw]

the trick is to simply hold your hands on the strings for 15 seconds or so to get them back up to your body temp, then tune.

do this every time you first pick up an instrument that's been sitting and it'll be much more in tune after the first song.

[Rumblin' Man]

I usually rub the strings down with the palm of my hand to warm them.

[mid_life_crisis]

Originally Posted by Rumblin' Man

I usually rub the strings down with the palm of my hand to warm them.

Bet that cures neckdive too.

[Rumblin' Man]

Originally Posted by mid_life_crisis

Bet that cures neckdive too.

Grow up.

[BurningSkies]

Originally Posted by Rumblin' Man

I usually rub the strings down with the palm of my hand to warm them.

Yes this. I've done this on stage for years to get the strings up to playing temperature. If I tune before handling the bass, I tune a little bit sharp and then the bass drops into tune once actually played.

I've gotten questioning looks from some when I warm the string by rubbing them, but it always works to get them warmed up and in tune BEFORE you have to re-tune on stage mid song or mid-set.

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by Rumblin' Man

Grow up.

Have a sense of humor.