Ok to swap strings many times?

[Deleted member 271037]

With most strings I wouldn't be too worried about this but TI flats is an exception. I've had several sets go bad when loosening the tension completely. The windings didn't visibly unravel but I think they must have shifted because at least one of the strings developed weird overtones afterwards. I could also hear some strange metallic "pings" when bringing them back up to pitch. Not the kind of pings you would expect from the strings sticking in the nut. More like the pings you sometimes hear from a hot car engine cooling down. Maybe "ticking" is a better description. For what it's worth I've also experienced this with GHS Balanced Nickels (also round core) but only on ONE occasion so I guess that may just have been a faulty string.

I've always suspected that the extreme flexibility of TI flats won't retain the 90 degrees bend that round core strings need to keep the windings firmly in place but I really have no idea. All I know is that I will NEVER loosen TI flats unless it's absolutely necessary.

And just to be clear: This has not happened EVERY time I loosened TI flats but it has happened often enough that I won't risk it again unless I really have to.

 

[Gorn]

The best thing to do with a set of TI flats is put them on a bass and never take them off. Same goes for the rounds.

 

[G On Bass]

I keep flats until they break, and have some that have gotta be 10+ years old. They go on and off basses over the years and I have not had any problems. When I get them, I cut them as long as possible so if I have to nip frayed ends off I still have plenty of string left. YMMV.

 

[Rib 13]

It depends on what you like out of string tone: Im a "Brand Spanking New Strings" guy.......I change them as soon as they start losing a smidge of brightness (what many folks call the "broken-in" stage) so I spend a lot of money on strings (My logic is I can always EQ/tailor highs out but I cant dial them in if they arent there).......Because of this New Strings mindset, what Ive done before is swap strings around on basses: what sounds like losing brightness on one bass will sound like a brand spanking new set on another one. Its an alternative to string boiling but, like boiling, it doesnt work all the time.......

 

[Lava]

I'd be concerned about the area where the string bends over the bridge saddle as it won't be the same on each bass and might sit strangely on one bass over the other.

 

[jastraw]

Thanks guys.

I'm scared enough now of ruining the exquisite tone of L2K. I'm gonna bite the bullet and buy new sets.

Which would, in all likelihood, happen anyway.