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New Strings Day of a Show?

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Okcomputer9

Apr 16, 2010
1
0
#1
Hey everyone, my band is playing our first show tonight in about seven hours and I am debating slapping on a fresh set of strings before the gig.

I've had my current set on for about three months and they have lost quite a bit of tone. Would it be wise to get a fresh tone for the show or too risky, as new strings tend to go out of tune quite frequently?

Opinions would be greatly appreciated.
 
#2
I've done it with some D'Addarios after I got a setup on my jazz once - I didnt have tuning probs, but the bass was a lot brighter that I was used to, so I had to set my EQ differently, and the strings had that bit of "new grit" to the feel of them for most of the set...I probably wouldn't do it again, but you'll be fine,
 
#5
Personally, I wouldn't do it, but I'm a fan of mud!

How long are you playing for? If you're doing 45 minute sets, sure thing, just check the tuning. If you're playing for 2 hours non-stop, I don't think I'd do it if I were you.
 
#6
I change strings the day of a show all the time.

That said, I don't think you should. It's your bands first show and it's just one more thing to worry about. Leave them on and have fun. I promise that nobody's going to say "that band was great, but the bass player had old strings!"
 
#11
Once you stretch them out really good they should not lose there tuning too much. I would be more concerned about your tone. If you like that extra zingy new string tone then it won't be a problem. I personally don't like the sound of brand new bass strings. There are just way too many overtones competing with the fundamental frequency, for my taste.

EQ can help but I like to get the tone I want out of the bass itself and keep the EQ kind of minimal, sometimes even completely flat. I think that gives you a more natural sounding tone.
 
#12
If its with the same brand, make and gauage as youve been useing. Its ok to do. Otherwise Id wait till after. Since could otherwise need small truss rod tweak or other action change. For first gig, Id say no even if same strings. Just raise the treble around 6k a tad if wanting more top end zing. Dont need to be thinking about new strings for first show. Hope your gig goes well for the whole band.
 
#20
7 hours? Sure. Make sure to stretch them really well, and if you have a floor tuner, mute yourself between every song and check tuning.

Usually, about 24 hours before the show, I pull my strings off and soak them in denatured alcohol. A few hours before the show, I pull them out, wipe them with a clean, dry rag, put them on the bass, and tune them up. At the show, I re-check tuning, wipe them off again, and go. It cleans them to the mildly-broken-in stage and I don't have to worry about stretching them out.

Plus, saves $$$.


I always change strings before recordings, though.
 

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