• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Changing strings every year?

fendersurfer

fendersurfer

Guest
Apr 10, 2013
80
1
#1
I know this been discussed a million times. But just wanted to get some feedback.
My main axe is a Fender Precision and last time I put on new strings (roundwound) was a year ago. I did't play many rehearsals or gigs (maybe 35-40), so I thought. Maybe I will change later, in May or something.

When playing just once a week, how often do you change strings?
 
#3
Some players change strings for every gig, others go 10+ years on a set of strings. It is really a question of personal preference.

If you are happy with the sound and intonation, then there is no compelling reason to change, IMHO. (Disclaimer: I am primarily a flatwound player in the 10+ years club.)
 
#6
Yes, the zing (it was never really dominant) is gone. But I did't play a lot, cleaned more than played maybe. With playing every week I would change every 9-12 months. But 2013 was quiet, maybe I keep them and change for the recording of the demo, which is planned soon.
 
#8
And now this makes discussion number 1,000,001. No one can tell you around here any better than what your ears and your tuner can when it's time to change strings. When they don't sound right to you and the tuner shows the strings struggling to hold pitch that's two very good signs right there. Strings will poop out even when they aren't being played so use is only one factor. There are others to consider as well.
 
#13
Some guys have acid fingers and have to change more often than not. I use a little hand sanitizer before I play to get rid of some of the oil on my fingers. Seems to help with the frequency of string changing.
 
#14
Once they are floppy and thuddy they get changed. Stainless every month or so. Depends on brand. Nickels every other gig so I don't use them anymore even though fresh nickel is the most pleasing to my ears. Steel takes a few hours before they settle in. I can't do a year without string change unless I have played my bass 5 times in that year.
 
#15
Its varied a lot depending on how many basses i own at the time, how much i play them and how much i pay for strings. Lately I've been finding really good deals online and change them more often. When actively gigging on the weekends i change strings every 2 weeks. When we take breaks from gigging it might only be once every 60 days. But normally atleast every 2 months. I don't like old strings so when i get sick of changing them i usually sell a bass or two and restring less basses more often. Having a 7 is a blessing because i use it to cover 3 different tunings i used on 3 different 5 strings. So that was a drop from 15 strings to 7 right there.
 
#16
I play rounds twice a week, and I can tell they need changing at about 6 months, but I usually procrastinate a bit, since the strings I am fond of are so damned expensive. I LIKE the zing and sustain of new rounds, so 9 months tops. And I change the battery, whether it needs it or not. :)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back