Flea changing his strings EVERY day!!

[drewfunk]

I can't help but think of that video, where Flea punches his tech for giving him an out of tune bass. Well, duh...new strings Flea. Go easy on the help!!

What?!

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

That doesn't work in real life like it would on paper. He does have multiples of the same bass, but when you end up picking a favorite, you usually want to play that one.

Big +1 on that, your favourite is your favourite, and 2 basses built to the exact same specs are still 2 different basses.

 

[nicopiano]

What is the meaning of 'gas'?

English is my second language. Thank you!

(Edit: sorry, wrong tread!)

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

G.A.S = Gear acquisition syndrome

It means you have a disease that makes you purchase new bass equipment.

 

[kellyrojo]

Cool for flea not for me...I haven't changed strings in half a year and I have a rotation of 2 basses for 6-8 gigs a month....I don't like the sound of new strings, nor could I afford it. Then again, Flea goes for that Hi-fi sound so it makes sense

 

[preside]

If I had the cash I would have SOMEONE ELSE change my strings every day. But once the band starts rockin it's pretty hard to tell week old strings from new, at least in a club atmosphere.

 

[darkstorm]

Sounds rather excessive to me. Perhaps he gets free strings. Some players do change their strings very frequently to the point of excess imo.

 

[randysmojo]

I am currently pllaying 4 to 8 gigs a month, and change my strings once a month. I don't like the brand new zing, but will make eq adjustments enough for the first show with new strings. That's usually enough to break them in, and by the 5th or 6th, I can start telling they are loosing some life (DR Fatbeams), so I will get another set when convenient. They don't seem to die fast enough for me to have to worry about an exact schedule.

 

[hotbass57]

I read that John Entwistle changed strings before every show also.

 

[MostlyBass]

I wondered if there's a recycling program for strings. I don't mean to give them to another player but actual recycling. Seems like a huge waste of materials if not.

 

[onda'bass]

I play 6-8 gigs every month....change my strings about every 3 months...may sooner in hot humid weather...

 

[randysmojo]

I wonder if that recycling idea wouldn't be good? I know strings are made of several materials, but there must be some way.

 

[alexkk]

You probably could put your strings in the recycling bin

 

[Jeff Bonny]

A top player changing strings every day is no more remarkable than an F1 race car changing tires multiple times during races.

I was pretty popular with a few bass playing friends for the six months or so I teched for a guy with a Rotosound deal who changed strings daily. His day-olds all definitely got re-used if not recycled.

 

[davidjackson]

And he gets them for free.....

+1

One of the sad truths about "the system" is that people with lots of money get lots of stuff given to them for free that poor people have to buy...

 

[t77mackie]

Everytime I've tried them, they died really quickly. :shrug:

Rubbing alcohol is your friend. My Boomers are going on 2 months now! Mindblowing!!

 

[LiamPodmore]

Nothing abnormal about that. Jason James' (Bullet For My Valentine) tech has to change strings on Jay's basses every day when on tour. Not sure whether that's just the main 2 or all 4 though.

Liam

 

[Klonk]

Flats anyone?

 

[pasta4lnch]

They've been my favorite strings forever, and that's one of their best features!

agreed - I'd have my tech play new strings for an hour before each gig

I also saw somewhere Steve Harris changes his flats daily . . . hey, whatever makes you play better! (or more comfortable)

 

[Stranger Danger]

This just in:
"StrangerDanger changes his underwear every day!!!"