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I killing my strings in two gigs
- Thread starter DieselKTM
- Start date
I've done the coated thing... Just hated the feel.
Someone asked if anyone would notice...
Answer is not specifically. Folks who don't play bass typically only notice drastic tone differences.
With that said the band sounds better when I have crispy snappy tone. Listeners don't need to know anything else.
Thanks for the input guys, it really is appreciated.
I like the video...I'll let ya know how it turns out.
If it works I'll have wasted lots of money and time.
Someone asked if anyone would notice...
Answer is not specifically. Folks who don't play bass typically only notice drastic tone differences.
With that said the band sounds better when I have crispy snappy tone. Listeners don't need to know anything else.
Thanks for the input guys, it really is appreciated.
I like the video...I'll let ya know how it turns out.
If it works I'll have wasted lots of money and time.
DiesleKTM, you also mentioned that you pretty much don't use Stainless Steel strings. It's very possible that your body is naturally more acidic than some other people, causing your nickel and nickel plated strings to spoil quickly.
You might want try some stainless steel strings again. There are some options that aren't so aggressive. Fodera, Labella, Dean Markley Helix HD (my current favorite).
*fixed for gross typos. JEEZ.
You might want try some stainless steel strings again. There are some options that aren't so aggressive. Fodera, Labella, Dean Markley Helix HD (my current favorite).
*fixed for gross typos. JEEZ.
What kind of bass are u playing? I have 3 basses with maple necks that strings stay bright on for months...and I gig 4 or 5 nights a week. Are u using a pick..or finger style? Can u EQ more 'brightness' as they wear? I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around how strings can go dead that fast. I suspect that this could be a bass issue.
The strings on the bass in this video were months old and had 60+ gigs on them.
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I think what you mean to say is it takes two gigs to break the strings in and get rid of that godawful new-string klank...
The sound of a brand new string only comes from a brand new string and is distinct from a settled string and a worn out string. The way the string sounds out of the package is really not the way the string wants to sound long-term, it is the sound of a bunch of metal that has never vibrated together before.
Seems many pro recordings and pro touring bassists go for the "new strings for every gig" approach like a guitarist and popularize that sound which one can only duplicate by spending the cash for new strings that often as well.
The sound of a brand new string only comes from a brand new string and is distinct from a settled string and a worn out string. The way the string sounds out of the package is really not the way the string wants to sound long-term, it is the sound of a bunch of metal that has never vibrated together before.
Seems many pro recordings and pro touring bassists go for the "new strings for every gig" approach like a guitarist and popularize that sound which one can only duplicate by spending the cash for new strings that often as well.
I don't think I would have even tried it if it hadn't come from MarloweDK (or another bass celebrity), but yeah, it so does. I was amazed. Like, they won't sound *new*, but it'll give them more life than they had.
I have several instruments..
Fender Stu Hamm Urge II ( very bright tone) is my favorite, a custom pJ with EMG pups and preamp, music man stingray, music man sterling, Kramer neck through with EMG set up. Love em all, same issue with all...I get a bit more life on the MMs, as they're tone is not as edgy as the others. I play finger style.
Real acidic body chemistry. I've perspired on the fret board and forgot to wipe it down once..... Turned the frets green.
Been using EB slinkys ( nickel) cause I like the tone when new. Perhaps I need to go with a much brighter string and let them wear down to the desired tone.
Thanks for the input.
I have been using Fender 9050 flats for as long as I can remember and they always sound great.
Problem is they only last 8-10 years.
I suppose you guys would say the same things to Entwistle, who changed strings after every gig. Or to Anthony Jackson, who will change strings every 3 hours when he's recording. Or to any number of bassists whose sound requires a brand new string sound. The funniest one was the recommendation of flats. Yeah, that'll work for what this guy wants.
Seriously, if you can't help the guy on his own terms, why even bother answering at all? Just to flatter yourself? Because I can't think of another reason.
Seriously, if you can't help the guy on his own terms, why even bother answering at all? Just to flatter yourself? Because I can't think of another reason.
Agreed JimmyM!
I love the sound of new strings and pretty much change weekly, give or take depending on what's going on. For you losing the sound that quick the only suggestion I can make is find inexpensive strings that you like the sound of. That's really all I can think of, short of just having to spend the money.
I've tried most of the tricks out there and none have really worked for me. I do hope you find a way to make it work, bass strings cost add up for those like us.
I love the sound of new strings and pretty much change weekly, give or take depending on what's going on. For you losing the sound that quick the only suggestion I can make is find inexpensive strings that you like the sound of. That's really all I can think of, short of just having to spend the money.
I've tried most of the tricks out there and none have really worked for me. I do hope you find a way to make it work, bass strings cost add up for those like us.
JimmyM in a round about way that is what I was saying, if he wants new string sound he needs new strings, always.
Still, gotta poke a little fun...
Still, gotta poke a little fun...
You were the least of it. At least you answered the guy's question on his own terms...eventually
i hear ya, Jimmy,.. but i am still unable to grasp this concept or dis-order! 
and yes, if i knew those celebs personally, i would say the same thing! every 3hrs,... OMGGGGG!!! 
guess what else freaks me out,... celeb's who swap-out amplifier tubes once a week! WTH! i'm sure NOBODY will notice that one either.
and yes, if i knew those celebs personally, i would say the same thing! every 3hrs,... OMGGGGG!!! guess what else freaks me out,... celeb's who swap-out amplifier tubes once a week! WTH! i'm sure NOBODY will notice that one either.
At one time, I could hear a sine wave up to 21 kHz. The last time I was tested, my hearing started to fall off at a little over 15 kHz. Maybe this is why I don't get all the cork-sniffing over strings, pickups, and fancy speaker cabinets. I just am not able to discern subtle differences in tone other people can. It makes life easier. I can buy a new bass and don't think I need to change the pickups, because I am blessed with a tin ear.
Well if that's what the guy wants, I would think that he should just spend the $$ and stop complaining.
It's kind of like saying, "Man I love to shoot heroin and I'm really addicted but it's just so darn expensive! Anyone know what I should do?"
