Does this happen to you?

[Rhythmman535]

So, I’m happy with the sound of my bass guitar yet every time I read threads on changing strings for improving sound it makes me want to change my strings! What ye say TB’ers?

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Changing strings is a 10 minute job that's reversible. I don't see this as fixing something, just trying a different part to see if there's an improvement.

 

[Rhythmman535]

Changing strings is a 10 minute job that's reversible. I don't see this as fixing something, just trying a different part to see if there's an improvement.

He's happy with the sound of his bass guitar and he's considering changing based on the habits of others and looking for vindication. He can experiment all he wants but it should be because he wants to not because somebody else did. Especially somebody that hasn't even heard his sound to form an opinion.

 

[JimmyM]

There are some who changes their strings after every show and some who change them only when they break. At the end of the day, who cares? Do what you want.

 

[Sixgunn]

He's happy with the sound of his bass guitar and he's considering changing based on the habits of others and looking for vindication. He can experiment all he wants but it should be because he wants to not because somebody else did. Especially somebody that hasn't even heard his sound to form an opinion.

We all appreciate your expert diagnosis, doctor.

 

[jd56hawk]

A few years ago I determined I had to have Flats for MIM Jazz that I had recently purchased. Currently I am back to tape wounds and will probably use Tapes for the remainder of time on earth.

I put tapewounds on this...sheer perfection!

 

[Killed_by_Death]

He's happy with the sound of his bass guitar

I was happy with the sound of my old bass & still am, but I was pleasantly surprised when I found one that sounds better. (or at least different in a good way)
Changing strings is a simple thing that's cheap to do.
and generally if you're running rounds, it's a bit of a requirement

 

[Thumb n Fingers]

I hate brand new strings. I also hate old dead ones. To me, they are just right after three weeks of hard playing, and stay that way for 6 months. RE: the original comment, yup, I read TB, and want to do SOMETHING to my rig, or my basses.

Got a deal for ya, then. I can't stand strings AFTER about 3 weeks. I'll sell my 3 week old strings to you for 50% off...

 

[cool breeze]

I tried some TI Jazz Flats on a friend's P-bass, based on rave reviews here onnTB, and loved them. I will probably put a set on my jazz in the next few months. Except I am in this band now where I need the 70's jazz funk tones, so... Probably not, after all.

If I had a gig that needed my Pbass, like a soul and Motown gig with no funk or disco, I'd throw a set on right away.

I am otherwise happy with DR Sunbeams roundwounds.

The only thing I think about is retrying the strings of my youth to see what I think about them now: Roto 66 Swingbass, Boomers, Blue Steels would be the ones I'd try again. But I probably really won't do that experiment.

Yes back in my youth I played Rotosounds and I think for the heck of it I’ll give them a try.

 

[cool breeze]

Could be all in your head!
Like when you see someone eating something you really enjoy then all of a sudden you're craving for it and Even thou your not hungry you'll probably have it anyway..

or maybey you just need to change your strings !

Yep. Going to get some new strings and after that a pizza. Thanks! I needed that!

 

[madbass6]

Yep. Going to get some new strings and after that a pizza. Thanks! I needed that!

Awsome!! There you go! That's the spirit!! enjoy the pizza and remember be sure to wash your hands before changing strings.. lol..

 

[KevInDaBassment]

 

[Spectrum]

He's the current lead singer of Nirvana.

The name sort of rings a bell...

(cue the French guys)

 

[Liam Wald]

Yeah... I read about La Bella white gold flats last week and now there are some on my bass.

So here is the rest of the story...
Since I was using pretty high tension strings for a while. Both round and flat. I had to do a some serious re-set-up.
Truss rod adjustment to relax the neck and put some relief in the fingerboard, string height to take the buzz out where needed, and then your basic saddle to and fro for intonation.
Having done all that I thought, " yikes! I was better off where I started."
But, again, having done all that, I decided to play it a while, let it all settle in, and then either go back to the old strings or hang with the new.
After ten hours of playing and numerous more slight adjustments to the instrument... not to mention my technique, (I was over bending just a tad) I am thinking this was a cool change and moved me forward to a better sound.
More thud and growl. Definitely quicker. But also warmer and rounder. I like it.
Bottom line I guess is that it isn't worth making changes for marginal results if you aren't willing and able to take the time to make all the other changes that go along with it to make it all work out the way it should.
But like they say, small but continuous improvements move you forward to a better place and time.

 

[Korladis]

Nah, I've pretty much decided on strings. Every time I've tried something different, I end up going back to XLs.

 

[Pbassmanca]

So here is the rest of the story...
Since I was using pretty high tension strings for a while. Both round and flat. I had to do a some serious re-set-up.
Truss rod adjustment to relax the neck and put some relief in the fingerboard, string height to take the buzz out where needed, and then your basic saddle to and fro for intonation.
Having done all that I thought, " yikes! I was better off where I started."
But, again, having done all that, I decided to play it a while, let it all settle in, and then either go back to the old strings or hang with the new.
After ten hours of playing and numerous more slight adjustments to the instrument... not to mention my technique, (I was over bending just a tad) I am thinking this was a cool change and moved me forward to a better sound.
More thud and growl. Definitely quicker. But also warmer and rounder. I like it.
Bottom line I guess is that it isn't worth making changes for marginal results if you aren't willing and able to take the time to make all the other changes, that come with it to make it work.
But like they say, small but continuous improvements move you forward to a better place and time.

An excellent synopsis of the concept of string management my friend.