When changing strings...

OriginalCrash · #1 05-24-2007, 02:44 PM

Do you guys remove all the strings and give the bass a good cleaning? Or do you remove just one at a time to keep the tension on the neck? Of course, leaving the strings off for any extended period of time without adjusting the truss rod could do some damage to the neck, but personally, I've always removed all the strings, cleaned my bass, and then strung it back up again without any trouble. I was just wondering what everyone else's preferences/experiences were.

Brian

CrashClint · #2 05-24-2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OriginalCrash

Do you guys remove all the strings and give the bass a good cleaning? Or do you remove just one at a time to keep the tension on the neck? Of course, leaving the strings off for any extended period of time without adjusting the truss rod could do some damage to the neck, but personally, I've always removed all the strings, cleaned my bass, and then strung it back up again without any trouble. I was just wondering what everyone else's preferences/experiences were.

Brian

I normally take them all off and clean the frets, put lemon oil on the fretboard and polish the finish on the body. There have been times when I was in a hurry I changed the strings out one at a time. I don't think my basses has ever sat more than an hour with out strings on them.

PilbaraBass · #3 05-24-2007, 08:08 PM

I take 'em off, give it a clean and put them back on...

tip: don't change strings right before a gig...do it when you have 48 hours or so before your next gig...that way you can get everything sorted and tweaked without stressing.

steve66 · #4 05-24-2007, 08:12 PM

I loosen all the strings, then cut them off.

Clean/oil the fretboard and polish the body and restring tune

fryBASS · #5 05-24-2007, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve66

I loosen all the strings, then cut them off.

Clean/oil the fretboard and polish the body and restring tune

why cut them off when you could save them? or donate them??

gottawalk · #6 05-24-2007, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fryBASS

why cut them off when you could save them? or donate them??

I used to save them, but in the 35+ years or so of playing, (off and on...), I've only used any of the saved strings maybe 3 or 4 times. Not worth the time. Cutting is the easiest way to pull them through the bridge. Don't have to pull the entire string through. That's my "take" on it. Similar to yours, steve66?

OriginalCrash · #7 05-25-2007, 06:51 AM

As far as cleaning/oiling the fretboard, what kind of fretboard is it? Anything specific I should do for a maple board?

Brian

PilbaraBass · #8 05-25-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OriginalCrash

As far as cleaning/oiling the fretboard, what kind of fretboard is it? Anything specific I should do for a maple board?

Brian

maple boards are usually coated with laquer...treat the board like you would your body...a good beeswax or carnuba wax based polish (avoid anything that contains silicone all together). also anything with alcohol (or other solvents) needs to stay clear, it will dissolve the finish.

don't use anything abrasive, either.

Jonny B · #9 05-25-2007, 08:52 PM

I loosen and cut them too. Then I clean everything up nice and purty, lemon oil the board and re-string.

PilbaraBass · #10 05-26-2007, 03:40 AM

all these rich folks cutting up perfectly good strings

I clean and re-use my strings at LEAST 3 times before they go in a ...
drawer

Jonny B · #11 05-26-2007, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PilbaraBass

all these rich folks cutting up perfectly good strings

I clean and re-use my strings at LEAST 3 times before they go in a ...
drawer

I change my strings for a reason. I certainly don't change out dead strings just so can put them back on my bass at a later date.

PilbaraBass · #12 05-26-2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonny B

I change my strings for a reason. I certainly don't change out dead strings just so can put them back on my bass at a later date.

I don't put dead strings on my bass, either...if that's what you're implying...

anesthetist · #13 05-26-2007, 05:49 PM

lemon oil? why exactly, is there lemon oil specifically for guitars?

PilbaraBass · #14 05-26-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anesthetist

lemon oil? why exactly, is there lemon oil specifically for guitars?

dunlop 65 which is really mineral oil with lemon oil in it...

I use it, I don't apply it too often, however, once a year, is enough IMO

ibnzneksrul · #15 05-26-2007, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonny B

I change my strings for a reason. I certainly don't change out dead strings just so can put them back on my bass at a later date.

Strings do break, and usually at the most inconvenient times. In that event having a backup set, even a dead one, will save you some headaches.

doctorjazz · #16 05-26-2007, 08:12 PM

I change them all at once and give everything a good cleaning. I save the most recently taken off set as spares.

Jonny B · #17 05-26-2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibnzneksrul

Strings do break, and usually at the most inconvenient times. In that event having a backup set, even a dead one, will save you some headaches.

Which is why I have a back-up bass.

In the event I do break a string in the middle of a show, I grab my back-up and finish the show with it. In between sets I will change out the offending string with a new one, but then I use that bass as my back-up for the rest of the evening. After the show, I will replace the rest of the strings with new ones. I can't stand having one string sounding brighter or more dead than the others.

Jonny B · #18 05-26-2007, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PilbaraBass

I don't put dead strings on my bass, either...if that's what you're implying...

That was the impression I got from your post. My apologies.
But why would you change your strings if they weren't dead?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PilbaraBass

dunlop 65 which is really mineral oil with lemon oil in it...

I use it, I don't apply it too often, however, once a year, is enough IMO

I oil the fret board every time I change my strings, which is usually every four to six weeks (now that I use Elixers and Cleartones). I rub it on, clean the rest of the bass, and anything that hasn't soaked in by then gets wiped off.

PilbaraBass · #19 05-27-2007, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonny B

That was the impression I got from your post. My apologies.
But why would you change your strings if they weren't dead?

I oil the fret board every time I change my strings, which is usually every four to six weeks (now that I use Elixers and Cleartones). I rub it on, clean the rest of the bass, and anything that hasn't soaked in by then gets wiped off.

they are dead..but you see..they get cleaned, and yes, cleaning DOES revitalize them...

read about it...it works...

gottawalk · #20 05-27-2007, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PilbaraBass

they are dead..but you see..they get cleaned, and yes, cleaning DOES revitalize them...

read about it...it works...

I agree; I've done it. doesn't last very long, but would be great for a back-up string. I'm curious, how many used sets do you have now, or do you only keep the most recent?