New bass, keep stock strings?

[Thunderthumbs73]

Hey guys, just got a new bass, less than 2 weeks old. Getting it set up tomorrow and he said I could leave the stock strings on. I've never kept old/stock strings, is that normal or should I just swap them out? I was thinking of maybe polishing the frets a bit.

Just curious. Same gauge, same brand.

Use them. When they need to be replaced or cleaned (aka boiled, etc...) then address it then. Save money and extend the value of your purchase. If you get new strings sometime, keep that original set as a BACKUP whether old and done, old and properly seasoned or old and ready to go on another bass.

 

[BassicJazzy]

If it's a production bass at the mid or upper price point the manufacturer usually matches pretty good strings for the basses characteristics. If it's at the lower price point the strings may not be optimal. Then there's the question of how well installed they are, do you have enough wraps on the peg? Finally, as long as you are getting a pro setup many techs like to put strings on as part of the process, and will do a good job of the install, setting witness points, adjusting the nut if necessary, etc.

Then there's all the other factors about what you like, what sound you like, etc. If you know you are going to eventually want different strings or a different gauge do it now, so the setup matches the strings, and their tension.

 

[EricOnTheBass]

When I get a used bass, I will put on a fresh set of the same strings that the bass originally came with. Especially if it is a mid- to high-end bass. Why? Because unless it is a cheap bass, the maker will put on strings they think makes the bass sound best, rather than just the cheapest strings they can get. There are exceptions of course, but that’s where I start. If I like those strings, then I’ll stick with them.

So for the most part, my Fenders have Fender strings, my Sadowsky has Sadowsky strings, my Dingwall has Dingwall strings, and my Lull has D’Addario NYXL.

I’ve experimented with DR and some other reputable brands, but I haven’t found them to bring any significant improvement to the sound. (They do sound different, though)

TLDR - new strings on a used bass, keep the original strings on a new bass

 

[ravlin]

If I have preferred strings, which I do, I would prefer to have the bass set up with those strings because even the same gauge and type, intonation and neck tension will vary between manufacturers.

 

[jsowers]

Even if you don't like the strings, a couple months of regular play will wear them out, and you'll come away having learned about them. I've been playing for about 3 years and tried out maybe 6 different types of strings. Some I loved, others not so much, but I felt I learned a little something new about strings each time.

 

[Gopherbassist]

If they sound fine, use them.

 

[John K]

how do they feel and sound? If fine, why change?