I've always changed my strings about every year or so and sometimes longer... However, recently, for the first time ever, I changed my strings the day before a gig. As a result, I absolutely loved the tone that I had during the gig and during the days following... due to the newness of the strings. Are there strings available that always have that new tone or similar tone for the life of the strings?
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Every year? You are pretty lucky there pal. I get 3 months out of a set and thats rare. The "life" of a string is just until it doesn't sound new anymore since bass strings rarely break.
So no. They sound new until they don't.
So no. They sound new until they don't.
Unfortunately, no. Much of that tone is because the metal has never vibrated before and is fresh from winding. The recordings and artists who have made that sound popular are indeed using new strings at every show and for every recording.
You're asking for strings that would negate the reason people regularly change them. All you can do is buy in bulk and change strings often if that's the sound you want.
Go to bassstringsonline.com and sign up as a TB member so you get the discount.
This.
Also, try have a good selection of coated strings - I've found that I can have nice zingy tones for two weeks or so before they show any sign of tone change. The TB discount is icing on the cake.
Elixirs.
A typical set (D'addario or GHS) of bass strings only stays bright about 4 to 6 weeks in my hands. Elixirs stay bright well over a year for me.
They advertise 3 to 5 times lifespan over other strings. I'm getting over 12 times. YMMV.
A typical set (D'addario or GHS) of bass strings only stays bright about 4 to 6 weeks in my hands. Elixirs stay bright well over a year for me.
They advertise 3 to 5 times lifespan over other strings. I'm getting over 12 times. YMMV.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
THIS.
Except that ordinary rounds (uncoated) only last me about maybe a few weeks, at best , sounding new"ish". Some uncoateds die in a few days...annoying as hell, which is why 98% of the time, I use Elixir.
Not to hijack your thread, but imo, the best recording strings (lifespan not really an issue to me in this dept) are:
DR Lo-Riders (consistent quality)
LaBella Hard Rockin' Steels (now called Stainless Rx, I think)
They're just called stainless steels now and they're still awesome. My personal favorites. The rx set is different.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
My very first Elixir set, back in the late 90's/early 00's, with regular playing, lasted almost two years, honest to God. The package and logo were prettier, too. 
Then again, that was when they only manufactured the orignal Polyweb coating (thicker than the current Nanoweb coating). The current ones will go for over a year for me, which is still exceptional. They have the design patent, which is why every other coated string is a waste of money and marketing to me. Elixir coats the entire string, and not just the wrap wire...that doesn't do much, because crud still gets in between the wraps (what dulls the sound over time).
I just got a new bass with Cleartones, and they're decent, so far. It's only been a week, but they're not bad.
Then again, that was when they only manufactured the orignal Polyweb coating (thicker than the current Nanoweb coating). The current ones will go for over a year for me, which is still exceptional. They have the design patent, which is why every other coated string is a waste of money and marketing to me. Elixir coats the entire string, and not just the wrap wire...that doesn't do much, because crud still gets in between the wraps (what dulls the sound over time).I just got a new bass with Cleartones, and they're decent, so far. It's only been a week, but they're not bad.
Agree with you on DR strings. Those are very good strings IME. I used to be able to get 2 months out of those more or less. Before I found Elixirs I'd buy either those or D'addario depending on what I could afford at the time. For me, Price vs. Longevity was always my biggest concern.
I avoided Elixirs for the longest time due to the price tag and not really believing the hype. But the hype turns out to be truth in their case which make them the cheapest string overall in the long run for getting that tone. Less string changes too!
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
A LOT of people fear Elixir's pricetag. They need to try them and realize that they're the only coated string that isn't bs, imo. It's fantastic to always know that your sound will be "piano-wire fresh" over and over and over, even with grimy fingers (can't always keep 'em clean at gigs, especially).
Not going to disagree with your assessment of the Elixirs, but the exact out-of-the-pack sound that is the most clangy and bright isn't the same as the 'bright' sound I think you are describing. Even an Elixir sounds different for the first couple of hours.
Short answer: No.
Some strings hold their sizzle and zing longer than others. But I've yet to hear any string that sounds as bright as when they're first put on. Most lose it within a few days at most. Some (Like Rotosound Swings) simmer down within the first several hours. They're still pretty bright. But if that effervescent 'new string' top end is what you're talking about, I don't think there's any string made (or likely ever will be made) that can keep that quality indefinitely.
Must be something I'm incapable of hearing then.
...But I'll try and listen for it the next time I change strings in 2017 or 2018
Think 'brand new steels the first moment they are on the bass.' The nuMetal bassists' dream tone.
my most recent set of xl165s nickel plated steels were extremely bright for almost six months, i tried to talk to the makers at namm to ask them if they changed the formula or process of making them, but it was too crowded and crazy to talk
pat wilkins and la bella have develped new nickel roundwounds that i'm supposed to test out which are sizzly focused new and really hard hitting when settled down, but i'm not sure how long they are super fresh, because i haven't put them on any of my basses yet, i've only played the wilkins shop basses with them
pat wilkins and la bella have develped new nickel roundwounds that i'm supposed to test out which are sizzly focused new and really hard hitting when settled down, but i'm not sure how long they are super fresh, because i haven't put them on any of my basses yet, i've only played the wilkins shop basses with them
Gotta find what works for you man. Our sweat and skin oils coupled with the atmosphere where you live all affect string life. Strings last me waaaaay longer here in Colorado than when I lived in Georgia. Ernie ball's strings are great for me because I have a tendency towards dry skin and don't sweat much when I play, but some of my buddies around town say they go dead way too fast. Try a bunch and see what works, but changing strings before each couple gigs may be your recipe for success
