Used flats - how does that work?

[el murdoque]

I've recently discovered that there seems to be a market for used flatwound strings.

How exactly does that work?

Is everyone playing flats on a Fender/Squier Precision bass and all of them are the same, so that you can just slide them on and what little margin there is will be compensated by the string without breaking?

 

[Gorn]

I’ve bought and sold lots of used flats and never had any issues. The ad says what bass they were on. There’s not much to it.

 

[2saddleslab]

I've saved many many sets of old flats I've used over the years as spares in case I ever break a string during a set or if I want to use a used set temporarily and always amazed how well they work.

 

[iiipopes]

+1 on all the above. That is how I was able to determine how the different sets sound, so I could choose the set for me that I liked the combination of tone and feel.

 

[el murdoque]

ah okay. But they have to go on the same bass model they were on, right?

 

[Gorn]

ah okay. But they have to go on the same bass model they were on, right?

Not really. Why? If you’re looking for flats for your four string bass with four inline tuners than you buy from a seller who cut the strings for that. You wouldn’t get flats that had been on a bass with a two by two headstock. The basses need to be similar in a few key categories but not necessarily the same model.

 

[el murdoque]

Not really. Why? If you’re looking for flats for your four string bass with four inline tuners than you buy from a seller who cut the strings for that. You wouldn’t get flats that had been on a bass with a two by two headstock. The basses need to be similar in a few key categories but not necessarily the same model.

It might turn out that I happen to like fresh flats - and when I change them at the moment they become interesting for others, it could smell like win/win.

 

[sean_on_bass]

Bass strings are not model specific, but maybe scale length specific. As long as its the right scale, should be no issues transferring the string between basses.

 

[Inara]

Bass strings are not model specific, but maybe scale length specific. As long as its the right scale, should be no issues transferring the string between basses.

And the same headstock layout. A set of strings that have been cut to fit a 2+2 headstock aren't likely to fit a 4-inline headstock, etc.

 

[Gorn]

It also matters how much has been cut off the string, and if it’s been cut correctly. It matters especially with round core strings. I’ve passed on good deals on TI’s after asking the seller how he cut them and was answered with confusion at the question.

 

[HankHillWaluigi]

It's a great way to try out different flats without running yourself broke buying new sets. My first set of T.I.'s was used and $20, same with my Jamerson set of LaBellas; as long as they're the correct scale length and cut correctly for the tuners there's no issue.

I will admit the idea is a lil bit funky - buying used sets of bass strings with other people's oils and nastiness on them - but I've learned to not mind it and even sold a few sets myself!

 

[bherman]

It's a great way to try out different flats without running yourself broke buying new sets. My first set of T.I.'s was used and $20, same with my Jamerson set of LaBellas; as long as they're the correct scale length and cut correctly for the tuners there's no issue.

I will admit the idea is a lil bit funky - buying used sets of bass strings with other people's oils and nastiness on them - but I've learned to not mind it and even sold a few sets myself!

Just give them a good cleaning with alcohol (the rubbing kind, not the drinking kind) and all the old gook comes off. Or boil them.

 

[lermgalieu]

Yeah, all of the above, but it's true on string length. If I use a G string on my Stingray, I likely can't use it on my Precisions because I will have cut it too short.

 

[Peavaria]

What is the proper way to cut a bass string or is it Flat specific? I'm not trying to be a wisenheimer.

 

[Deleted member 165050]

I've recently discovered that there seems to be a market for used flatwound strings.

How exactly does that work?

Is everyone playing flats on a Fender/Squier Precision bass and all of them are the same, so that you can just slide them on and what little margin there is will be compensated by the string without breaking?

I keep all my old string sets - I just put an old set of La Bella flats on a fretless ABG that were on my Wal for at least a year and they sound great. With sets like La Bella or Thomastik costing around £50 here it's worth hanging on to them. Although compared to a set of Larsen Magnacore cello strings (£200+) they are cheap!

 

[Jazz Ad]

It might turn out that I happen to like fresh flats - and when I change them at the moment they become interesting for others, it could smell like win/win.

Sure thing. How do you think Steve Harris funded his castle?

 

[sean_on_bass]

And the same headstock layout. A set of strings that have been cut to fit a 2+2 headstock aren't likely to fit a 4-inline headstock, etc.

Good point. I personally don't cut much off the string but i'm sure others do.

 

[Madhouse27]

I’ve got a hanger in the closet just designated for old flats. Didn’t realize there was a used market for them.

 

[2F/2F]

I didn't know people actually bought them...but yes, there's no good reason they won't work, aside from physical damage. That or a preference for something different are the only reasons I have ever replaced strings. Rounds, I keep until the undersides get too dented up by the frets. Flats, I keep on forever, or until one breaks.

I guess people buy them used to avoid the year or so it takes for them to slowly break in.

For me, the break in is so gradual that it doesn't bother me. Rounds, OTOH, change noticeably day to day for about a month IME...and take at least six months or a year until they really sound "good" to me...and by that point, they are starting to get dented/flattened.

 

[bbh]

I would never buy used strings. I’ll wear them down myself, than you...