Used double bass strings

Yes, go for it. Steel strings last longer than those with non steel cores. I buy used strings often, usually under 6 months use for steel and a month or two for the others. This is a great way to try strings at low prices. Then, if you like them, you can buy a new set when necessary. If you don't, you can resell them here.

 

I have bought 1 new set of strings which were Evah weichs. Ironically my bass and I didn't like them so I sold them and bought a one day old set of the orchestra gauge and they were great. As said above its a good way to try strings that you are curious about. I usually just make sure they aren't broken, cut or the windings aren't broken. I think the rule with used spirocores though is… 10 years?

 

I have owned and tried, quite literally, hundreds of sets of strings in the few years I've been playing. Maybe two or three of those sets were bought new. Limited budget describes me exactly.

The relative value and longevity of those sets depend on what they are, their age, how they have been maintained and how many times they have been on and off basses.

My EUB wears a full set of Spirocores that are probably 15 years old and still going strong. My doublebass has newish, secondhand Spiros on the bottom and Red-O-Ray guts on top that are at least 50 years old and still kicking @$$.

 

I picked up a few sets in anticipation of buying a second bass, which did not happen. What kind of playing do you do?

 

It's a misconception to think that Spirocores will definitely last into double digits. It all depends on how much use they have gotten, among other things. IME, they start playing false in 3-4 years. That's with lots of playing time.

 

That's true from what I've seen although my jazz teacher has had his E and A on for 5 years and they sound good, and my classical teacher has had his extended E and A on for 10 years before Changing them.