Changing strings every year?

[catgut]

If you want the new string sound to last a year or so you need to pony up for elixirs or some kind of coated string.

Those don't work. You can read it on the pack but real life says otherwise. Also tone for that year will be weak. Only coated string that last a year are tapewounds.

 

[Lowtonejoe]

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?

Going 5 or 6 years on my TI Jazz flats on my P. But I only play it a couple times a month.

Going almost two years on my DR Jonas Hellborg strings on my Thumb, which gets played regularly.

Still love the way both sound.



Joe.

 

[Nev375]

Those don't work. You can read it on the pack but real life says otherwise. Also tone for that year will be weak. Only coated string that last a year are tapewounds.

Oh. My mistake then. Thanks for imforming me that my year old strings are not as bright and zingy as they sound.

 

[Fat Steve]

Just got my GHS flats broken in after 3 months. Hoping to not have to change them for a few years. I can't stand that shiny zing that come with rounds or even new flats. I want the thump that comes with some wear.

 

[10cc]

... play frequently... i keep strings more than a year. not a fan of new string zing either. if you like how your strings sound, and intonation is decent - keep playing.

Play on an average of three times a week and I have been on the same set of rounds for years. The bass I record with is a 69 P and those strings I know are at least six years old and they sound great. It's all in what you think sounds and feels good to your ears and fingers.

 

[unclebass]

If you're happy with the tone, leave them alone. I know someone who changes his strings before every gig, and others that still have the original strings on 10 year old basses. I wouldn't mess with them until you notice they don't give you the sound you want.

 

[InsaneBassninja]

Invalid Link Removed also having a bright sounding bass helps.

I tryed that and it didn't Really work.

 

[Jensby design]

I tryed that and it didn't Really work.

It cleans your strings that is all. If you didn't hear a difference your strings were not dirty. Don't be a "string diva" that sound you get from your strings for the first 2 hours is not going last.

 

[SirMjac28]

Oh. My mistake then. Thanks for imforming me that my year old strings are not as bright and zingy as they sound.

+1 I don't usually change strings until they break or I want to try something different.

 

[Batmensch]

Just got my GHS flats broken in after 3 months. Hoping to not have to change them for a few years. I can't stand that shiny zing that come with rounds or even new flats. I want the thump that comes with some wear.

I've had those on my Squier VM P for well over three years now, and the tone is just about the perfect old-school P-type sound for me.

 

[KingRazor]

I've had my current set of Circle Ks on for about 20 months. They sound fine, kind of like flats but still have some round wound characteristics. They still intonate just fine.

I'd change them but money is kind of tight at the moment.

 

[socialleper]

That is completely up to you and how you feel about your sound. If they start sounding bad, change them.
Some guys have to change them frequently since they have highly acidic sweat that kills the strings. Some string don't last very long. Some people like me are always looking for a magical string that is the right combination of tension and tone, so a string rarely dies before it is replaced.
There is no right or wrong here.

 

[DiabolicLow B]

I gig every weekend and change my strings about 4 times a year on average.

 

[Jensby design]

I've had my current set of Circle Ks on for about 20 months. They sound fine, kind of like flats but still have some round wound characteristics. They still intonate just fine.

I'd change them but money is kind of tight at the moment.

Yeah, that sound familiar. I think some of these guys who change their strings every 3 hours should give us their old sets.

For some reason the longer a string is on my bass the lower I tune it. Its like the playability is going so I might as well get some low growly tones out of them. Anybody else do that for am I just cool like that ?

 

[KingRazor]

Yeah, that sound familiar. I think some of these guys who change their strings every 3 hours should give us their old sets.

For some reason the longer a string is on my bass the lower I tune it. Its like the playability is going so I might as well get some low growly tones out of them. Anybody else do that for am I just cool like that ?

I was rockin' D standard tuning for a bit but I after I shimmed the neck to get the action lower I had to tune back up to get rid of the buzz.

 

[georgestrings]

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.)

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.

Agreed with all of the above - when I played rock, I'd maybe get about a month out of a set on my gigging basses, because I was looking for a bright, punchy sound... Playing blues, or in my current top 40 country band, I want my strings to be a bit played in - so, I'm getting significantly more life out of them...


I used to restring my gigging basses, then put the old strings on my practice/rehearsal basses - now, I tend to "play in" strings on my gigging basses before taking them out on gigs...

Like with so many other things, it depends...


- georgetrings

 

[bassliner50]

Dean Markley Blue Steel Mediums (RW Chromes). Tone quality, intonation, feel etc. last a good part of the year on my P after regular frequent playing. Then I roll 'em up and throw them in my gig bag for backup. Sometimes $14-$15 delivered from ebay. Tough on my fingertips though...

 

[oldcatfish]

I usually get a few years out of my rounds, even when I only had one bass. But, I am not much of a slap guy either. I gradually start increasing my treble eq frequencies until it starts getting difficult to get the sound that I want. then I change strings and back down the treble.
I also wash my hands before I play, and I wipe my strings down right after. I picked that habit up from a guitar player in a former band...he would sweat profusely and had to change strings weekly if he didn't. Started getting 3 to 4 weeks out of his strings once he started. The trick works even better for me.

 

[fendersurfer]

Thanks for all your opinions. I really enjoy reading.
Didn't know, that older and much used strings don't hold their tuning anymore.
When the rehearsal room and the bass is cold, then all my strings may be a little bit off, but I don't think that's what is meant.

 

[Lowtonejoe]

Thanks for all your opinions. I really enjoy reading.
Didn't know, that older and much used strings don't hold their tuning anymore.
When the rehearsal room and the bass is cold, then all my strings may be a little bit off, but I don't think that's what is meant.

Good greif. Age has nothing to do with strings holding their tuning.

Big changes in temperature definitely effect tuning.



Joe.