New strings for the studio?

[MOR_Lio]

Hi gus, I am currently in studio and I'm about to start recording the bass parts.

Right now, I plan on recording half of the album with older strings (they have like 2-3 months), essentially for the funky stuff, and then use new strings for the other half of the album which is more rock.

What do you think about that? Do you always use new strings in the studio? Never?

Also, I'm pretty sure my effects sound better with new strings.

PS: I use Ernie Ball strings on a JBASS

 

[kalle74]

Depends on the sound you´re after. I like the zingy sound of new strings, so it´s new strings for me every session. The increased high-end of fresh strings shines with effects, especially ones that affect the high frequency content of the signal (like chorus, and distortion). Highs and mids also help you to cut through a wall of distorted guitars and busy drums.

 

[superhand]

I say it depends on what kind of sound you are going for. I prefer the way old strings sound, they are less bright. But some guys like that piano like sound of new strings. Its all a matter of taste. Right now I am using Chromes, they are fairly new, but they sound old, best of both worlds. They are not real bright, but I like them like that, nice balance for a Jazz bass because I can still get nice mid range growl from the bridge pick up and a solid low end thump on the neck.

 

[John Wentzien]

I like new ones too.

Makes it easier to match your sound if you have to go back later-on and punch anything in.

 

[FootieSoxx]

Yep, it's really a matter of taste. I like my bass to have really consistent tone on every track, so I go with old nickel rounds or flats to keep the same tone for months at a time. New string tone definitely has its uses, especially in rock and funk, but it's tough to afford a new pack of strings every week to keep a consistent tone.

 

[John Wentzien]

You could always keep the old ones and slap 'em back on for dubs later.

 

[T-MOST]

It depends on the tone you want to capture. new strings are always brighter and have a crispness to them. older strings are mellow and soft. Which tone works for the material?

 

[PDavyduck]

I typically prefer new strings for studio and usually restring the day before going in to a session.

but given the outboard gear that'll be tweaking the mix stage I think you'll be fine.

 

[MOR_Lio]

Thanks a lot for all the answers fellow bass players!

I think I am going to be keeping the old ones for all of the songs clean track (after all, it's the sound I like), possibly record the more rocky ones with new strings, and then use the new ones for my distortion and envelope filter parts (overdubs that will be added to the original clean version of the same bass line ).

 

[VroomVroom]

^ Same. I'll put on new strings the day before a session, whenever possible. This way they're fresh, but I've had the opportunity to ensure they stay in-tune...and that any intonation issues on the instrument are resolved as well.

A wise bassist once told me it's much easier to dial-out brightness and zing than it is to dial it in.

 

[Tumeni Notes]

I am new to the studio recording and our band is completing our first CD of 9 songs. I played a Lakland 55-94 bass with new strings and I thought it sounded great. However, when we listen to the bass only, I can hear alot of noise, fret buzz etc. I wish we listened only to the bass track several weeks ago, but we made the mistake of listening to all the tracks together and began the tweaking process. As we tried to get the final mix, a lot of bass noise started showing up.

Thus, I am scheduled to re-recorded all the bass tracks. This time, I will be playing either a Roscoe or Bongo bass with old strings.

I had no idea that recording would be this difficult. I have been playing for many years and thought my bass playing sounded great. But, when you get recorded on a CD all your sloppy techniques show up.

Well, I guess I got off the topic briefly. I concur with the others in that it is a matter of taste. I will have a better idea after I record again with older strings.

 

[PDavyduck]

noise is gooooood.

I rarely listen to my bass tracks solo'd as usually good tone that makes it cut and sit well in the mix sounds nothing like what we would eq to hear ourselves alone.

that said, by "noise" I do mean top end, possibly slightly overdriven at times, and some typical fret noise, etc.

excessive fret noise and clunking around on the fingerboard ain't so good.

 

[anomalousbass]

some fret noise and "clunking" is good I think, as long as its in time. it just adds some percussive effects to your playing....more attack.

 

[jmilkey]

spent many moons in the studio.
Don't make the mistake of making the bass sound completely free of any playing noise...you'll lose the humanity.
Trust me.

another idea is to bring two basses into your sessions. One with new strings and one with the old flats or rounds.
Record with both or either...based on the demands of the song.

Artists experiment...I think a lot of musicians forget ....

Milkman

 

[DocBop]

However, when we listen to the bass only, I can hear alot of noise, fret buzz etc.

Don't blame the strings they are only pointing out you need to work on your technique. Also recording you hear the noise you don't hear playing live. Old strings will only give your dull noise versus bright noise.

 

[maluco]

new string +2 week =good job in the estudio

 

[KaizerWilhelm]

I always do new strings. They sound good, to my ear, but if you like the older sound, do that. It's all personal opinion, really.

 

[unclekebm]

Change Strings?
Never heard of this...

I put some TI Jazz flats on my P a year and half ago
they're just now starting to sound 'broken in' (with steady gigging)
before that I had a set of Fender 9150's on for 8 years

Man, I dig old flats and a P - IMO It records great!

I agree with "experimenting"