How often do you change your strings?

[SlapPopBass]

So how often do you guys change your strings? As little as a year once or as often as every gig you go to? Lemme know! I'm curious to see!

 

[erigod23]

Once a year for me.

 

[Duckwater]

When they break

 

[Hamlet7768]

When I can get new strings. Right now, since the newness isn't a priority and money is a premium, I don't do it often. I'm going to change them when I go back to school, though, as I'll be starting a band while I'm there.

 

[TRyan5289]

When "It's time." Approximately every six to twelve months, I use rounds.

 

[InternetAlias]

Once per year.

 

[Bookie]

4-6 months for me. It's usually when they go dead and there is no sustain but sometimes if there's an important event/gig. I play at my church and I would change them for the Easter services if I haven't changed them in a while.

 

[lowgun]

it usually takes about two months for 1 to break, then I change all of them so the tones right

 

[Mystic Michael]

So how often do you guys change your strings? As little as a year once or as often as every gig you go to? Lemme know! I'm curious to see!

It depends. When I'm rehearsing and/or gigging regularly, it's usually about once per month or so - but that also depends on which particular instrument(s) I'm playing, and how often.

During periods of relative dormancy, I've often let it go for three to four months, or longer. So frequency of string change is a function of 1) string age, and 2) how much wear & tear they're receiving.

Why in particular do you ask?

MM

 

[jason weatherby]

Fender flats, never.

 

[tink9975]

When they start to go dead.
for me that seems be in the 6-9 month range

 

[Marial]

Voted four to six months, but I've waited over six months now and again.

 

[skwee]

See, I'm working on year # 2 for these strings (granted I only get about two months of steady playing time in a year), but I just wish they would deaden up.

 

[tylerwylie]

Too often.

 

[Syco_bass]

Hey there SlapPopBass. I think maybe your poll is a bit lawed. Now before you get all upset at me, let me explain. IMHO, I don't think there isn't a "time period" in which to change strings. Strings should be changed out when needed. For instance, if you want that "zing" of fresh strings you should change them when the "zing" is gone. If you want a good "dub-dub" tone that only well worn flat wounds can produce, then you shouldn't change them at all. (unless broken)

With that said, most commercial string manufacturers will tell you that you will only get about 20 to 30 hours out of a set of nickel round wound strings before they are pretty much dead. In my experience, Circle K strings will out last that by at least 2 to 3 times and so will coated strings. SS strings will go a bit further than most nickel strings, but won't be as bright out of the box. Still, they won't last more than about 40 hours before they lose their brightness and attack.

If you are recording a song and are anal about your tone (ala John Entwistle) you'll change your strings after every take. LOL.....

Of course, I say all of this with the understanding that it is all subjective and that this is my opinion. If you think your bass is starting to sound like crap, change the strings out and you'll find that tone you always liked about your bass when you bought it.

Peace.

Rob C
Arizona Bass Company

 

[ridethespiral]

With uncoated roundwounds, usually every payday or second payday. It doesn't help that I have an addiction to trying different strings.

My last purchase was a few months ago, GHS flatwounds. I don't plan on swapping them out anytime soon though I do kinda miss the zing of roundwounds I have the perfect solution! Another bass!

 

[Ewo]

Been using a Circle K balanced tension set for the past year. After about a month (with a good amount of practice and/or gig time on them) they'll lose the upper mid crispness. I soak 'em in denatured alcohol and they come back nicely. I can get three passes out of them before the windings get too beat for my taste.

I rotate two sets, as you'd figure: one set on the bass, the other in the alcohol soak tube. After the third use, I junk the set and put new ones in the rotation. Sounds good and keeps my expense down.

 

[Dave W]

Anywhere between 3-12 months, depending on how often I play a particular bass and what strings are on it.

If I only had one bass it would probably be every 3 months at the latest.

 

[bassbully]

I play flats...its a total crime to change them.

 

[pacojas]

i'll change brands every once in awhile until i'm sated. then, i'll keep that brand going for months/years only changing when the fundamental begins to flutter.