looking for everyone's perspective. How would you describe a dead string? At what point would you change it?
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how do you characterize a dead string?
- Thread starter prokfrog
- Start date
For rounds: no more zing or mids, just an ill-defined low end warble, IME dead rounds loose a bit of tension too, or at least get a bit more "flappy".
For flats: Didn't you hear? flats are immortal!
They never die and sound better the older they get. 
That said, one of my mates has a '76 Jazz (he's not even a bassist
)that has strings that looked about the same age as the bass! They were rounds too.
I was told to replace them, so I did, but kept the old strings because they made the bass sound closer to a DB than electric...so there you go, want that DB-but-on-electric sound? get some 30yr old steels!
I usually change my strings about once every six months. The pointer for me is that when I plug in, I don't think "wow, that sounds nice!" (obviously after a quick peek at my eq
)
For flats: Didn't you hear? flats are immortal!
They never die and sound better the older they get. That said, one of my mates has a '76 Jazz (he's not even a bassist
)that has strings that looked about the same age as the bass! They were rounds too. I was told to replace them, so I did, but kept the old strings because they made the bass sound closer to a DB than electric...so there you go, want that DB-but-on-electric sound? get some 30yr old steels!
I usually change my strings about once every six months. The pointer for me is that when I plug in, I don't think "wow, that sounds nice!" (obviously after a quick peek at my eq
)i think of dead strings as sounding like rubber bands and change them about every 4 months. i usually they would be dead for about 2 months but it's nice not always having new strings and being locked into a certain tone forever for me at least.
i am a weirdo and prefer DEAD rounds. since i rarely break strings anymore, i will normally play a set until they literally wear out. 
that is, once the frets chew them up to the point that i get new buzzes or fret-outs, or once intonation is noticeably skewed (hey, it definitely does happen!).
that is, once the frets chew them up to the point that i get new buzzes or fret-outs, or once intonation is noticeably skewed (hey, it definitely does happen!).
dhomer
Commercial User
- Apr 9, 2009
- 675
- 13
- Disclosures
- Owner, Gigmaster Soundworks, Auth. greenboy designs builder, MI
When I have to start boosting highs on the amp to get some punch and definition, its time for a new set..
Hmmm....I have a '63 P with strings installed in 1972, and as far as I can tell they're just fine. I've never heard a "dead" string...or maybe I've never heard one I didn't like.
What I do NOT like is strings with a lot of zingy sound - that bothers me. I find that all strings sound much better after they've been installed for 6 months to a year. I mainly play flats, but I have a 2000 MIM Jazz with the original rounds on it, and they sound just fine.
What I do NOT like is strings with a lot of zingy sound - that bothers me. I find that all strings sound much better after they've been installed for 6 months to a year. I mainly play flats, but I have a 2000 MIM Jazz with the original rounds on it, and they sound just fine.
i guess that is what i was trying to say, more or less.... currently not doing flats, but i have several nicely broken-in sets for when the urge hits me again.
but 1972? either you have a very light touch or you dont play that bass very much... if it is the latter, maybe you *do* need to change the strings?
on a regularly played bass, mine are just destroyed by the one year mark or so at best, and sometimes start acting weird before that--- i cannot stand poor intonation or dead spots from shot strings. i usually (but not always) play regular old cheap daddarios. i like em best after theyve been on the bass a couple of weeks, or once theyve been played at a good sweaty show or two.
for flats.. theres no such thing as dead. just broken in.
for rounds, no high end, starts to sound like flats almost..
for rounds, no high end, starts to sound like flats almost..
