How do you test strings???

[Anemic_SluG]

So in a quest to find a different string. Been playing one brand for most of my bass years. Which is up to 30 now and because they are not the same as they once were it is time to find a new go to pack. I have 5 different set of steel roundwoubds and how do you decide?
My thoughts are mounting them, playing one practice day which is about 3 hours and then mounting a new set. Once each set has one day of practice in it then record the same riff, change strings and play it back. But that also seems like a lot of work. I put on a set of GHS steels and so far so good, maybe I should just sell the rest. But the others could be better. Oh the 1st world problems we face.

So my question is how do you try out new strings to see what is best?

 

[michael_t]

So my question is how do you try out new strings to see what is best?

When I'm trying out a new set of strings, I usually stick with them for at least a few of months. It's one thing to know how they sound fresh out of the pack; it's quite another to know how long they retain the usable tone. I also make sure to put them to the test in live band situations before passing judgment. A set of strings that sound great on their own may not work too well in a mix, or vice versa.

Patience is the key.

 

[soulman969]

I've never found a better way of evaluating them than to put them on and play them a bit. What they sound like after a few hours of play is more important to me than the first few minutes. "Feel" and tension are also in the mix.

 

[Anemic_SluG]

In a world of instant gratification, my impatient self just wants to know. For now I’ll stick with the GHS so far they are working out. They have a depth of punch that today’s version of blue steels don’t have. The blue steels sound very thin anymore. With the j yernet there is so many choices that one can get lost.

 

[Jon Moody]

For me, if I’m testing out a set of strings, I’ll play through two sets of the same set. That way, it gives me a more consistent idea of how the strings react, and either eliminates any of those “oh wow!” moments but also gives a set of strings a second chance if the first set wasn’t quite right.

 

[Wood and Wire]

When I'm trying out a new set of strings, I usually stick with them for at least a few of months. It's one thing to know how they sound fresh out of the pack; it's quite another to know how long they retain the usable tone. I also make sure to put them to the test in live band situations before passing judgment. A set of strings that sound great on their own may not work too well in a mix, or vice versa.

Patience is the key.

You're doing it all wrong!

The correct way, is to buy a bunch of different brands / gauges, put them on your bass, and play them in your bedroom - for a period between 2 hours, and 2 days - and then literally cut them off the bass, before moving on to the next set.

 

[Watchootognbout]

You're doing it all wrong!

The correct way, is to buy a bunch of different brands / gauges, put them on your bass, and play them in your bedroom - for a period between 2 hours, and 2 days - and then literally cut them off the bass, before moving on to the next set.

You,my friend,have a lot of money to waste!

 

[Linnin]

So my question is how do you try out new strings to see what is best?

Primarily I just stick with GHS. I've written reviews on my favorites. Just like tone in general, one's likes and dislikes in a stringset are very finely subjective. No matter how poor a writer you may be, writing down your subjective take on a stringset can be valuable to you. Plus strings change! Sometimes very quickly and drastically. Be prepared. Stay alert. Keep a string journal.

 

[James Collins]

Because there is no way to compare them side by side, I base a lot of my choices on previous experience with the same brand's.

To truly compare them you would need to have 5 identical basses with your 5 sets of strings. This is a lot more work than I want to put in. I just like playing.

I buy one set of strings and try them. If I like them, I put the strings in the like category. If not, I try a new set of strings. Unfortunately, if was unimpressed with a single set of strings I will almost always write off that entire brand.

 

[sharkbait130]

When I get a new set of strings , I set them down at a desk , give them a pencil and a notebook and ask them four questions about math and four questions about history. If they pass the test , I send them out to recess. If they fail the test , I put them on a bass and play the heck out of them. Works every time.

 

[gitfiddl]

Having played roundwounds predominately for my 35 years of playing, I'd say give a new set of rounds a month unless you found them truly dreadful from the start. Flats I really can't say much about.

 

[fhm555]

I test strings by putting them on my bass and playing them. When i need new strings i try to remember what strings i bought last time so i can get the same kind if I liked them or something different if i didn't. In the last ten years or so i’ve switched to D’addario XL nickels and have pretty much stuck with them.

 

[sheltjo6]

I've never found a better way of evaluating them than to put them on and play them a bit. What they sound like after a few hours of play is more important to me than the first few minutes. "Feel" and tension are also in the mix.

I use the same method.

I put on a set of strings. Play it for awhile. If they sound good, they stay on. If they don't, I replace them with a different set of strings.

 

[vvvmmm]

I look at the price, choose the lowest or second cheapest, or mebbe what's on sale.

 

[Pier_]

IMHO the best thing to do is to record something with different strings and the same bass.

this way you can understand how they differ in sound. the feeling is another world, and needs more time to spend with them.

it's also important to test them with a band, because some strings do sound great alone, with lots of harmonics and everything... then in a band they get lost or sound to hollow.

also, the "real sound" of broken in strings is important: I don't like the sound of brand new strings, and I like the sound that they keep before becoming dead. that's the real sound of the set, because it's the sound that last the longer in the string's life.

for example, a Rotosound Swing sounds extreme scooped brand new, but after a few hours they get the middy sound they are known for.
that sound lasts a lot, until they start sound dead, so that's the sound of Rotosound.

patience is the only way.

 

[iagtrplyr]

You,my friend,have a lot of money to waste!

+1 I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one thinking, "Gee, I play 'em until they're shot regardless if they're my faves or not." I'm a chicken in that I tend to stay with Fender and Chrome flats because I know exactly how they'll sound. Maybe there's a more perfect string out there, but I'm not paying TI prices to find out.

 

[Nev375]

I buy the brand that stays bright and new sounding the longest. I don't like changing strings.
Right now I only have to change them about once every 10 to 15 months.

(Elixirs if you are wondering.)

 

[buldog5151bass]

No to tell but play them. Part of the issue is how the tones changes with Tim, unless you are intending to put on a new set every time you play.

 

[5StringBlues]

 

[Anemic_SluG]

So like most of you said, do it the way I did it when I bonded with my first favorite set. Play them, play them some more. If they are cool buy more. If they don’t make the sound your head hears scrap em.
It was so much easier when I only had Guitar Showcase and they carried 3 sets. Damn you internet damn you!