Used flats - how does that work?

[coyote1]

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.

Vice versa should work though

 

[brianrost]

I like buying used strings from someone who bought them used himself

 

[Stewie]

I just replaced the GHS Precision flats on my P bass. If I was going to the studio tomorrow, you can bet I'd be putting the old ones back on. Dang they're twangy when they're new

 

[Killing Floor]

Are y’all saying I should list my old strings on TB? By “old” I mean used for up to a month.

 

[singlemalt]

I’ve always thought we should have a string exchange. Not one for one trades, but more like a “take a set leave a set” kind of system.

Idk, maybe $5 to the listing member to cover mailing costs.

Plenty of folks out there with the same model basses, especially the four in line Fender shaped objects.

Great way to try sets of strings without buying a new set and finding out you can’t stand them.

I’ve bought used sets, especially for my Dingwalls, since I’m experimenting with super light setups. Lately I’ve been using old sets, the A-G strings plus a .030 as E-C in standard tuning. Super light. I’m slowly dialing in just exactly what strings I need, then I get in touch with Jason at Fret Nation and order new.

Only reason why I would ever let go of a set of TI jazz flats is the bass sold and they won’t fit any of my others, they usually go with the bass. I’d rather have used TI flats because they take quite a while to break in and lose the obnoxious new brightness.

Usually, I soak used sets in my tube filled with denatured alcohol, dry them and put em in a ziplock labeled with sharpie. Name of the set, date and what bass they were on. Makes for quick string changes, and always a fairly fresh, broken in set ready to go.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

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.

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.

And, if they were used on a bass w/ a string-through-bridge, or not.

 

[andruca]

For many people their flats survive from one bass to another.

 

[jamro217]

I bought a used set of TI flats that were supposedly five years old. (No way to check that part out.) I put them on my '68 P bass and they sound great. The price was reasonable compared to new and they're broken in. It's not like buying used underwear at a yard sale. Clean them off good and you're in biz.

 

[Rabidhamster]

I’ve got a set of chromes I had on a 2x2 headstock but I knew going in they probably wouldn’t stay on that bass, so I took a cue from people dealing in used flats here and just didn’t cut them at all. Wound the whole extra length of string up on those suckers like I was BB King or something.
Of course I still don’t know whether I’d recommend putting them on a 4 in line headstock to someone else, but I’d probably feel ok about putting them on a 4 in line headstock myself. If they break they break.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

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've seen people here on TB selling used bass strings. I don't agree with this. They should at the very least be given away for free.

 

[4StringTheorist]

My Kingston CRB is wearing a set of Labella deep talkin' flats that I bought used here on TB.

Probably have the same set on 10 years from now

 

[Heavy Blue]

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.

Ok Dude, I gotta ask. What is “cut correctly” in your view? I’ve been cutting my strings the same way for years so apparently I need to know what I’m doing wrong.

 

[michael_t]

Ok Dude, I gotta ask. What is “cut correctly” in your view? I’ve been cutting my strings the same way for years so apparently I need to know what I’m doing wrong.

"Cut correctly" as in the correct length. For example, strings cut for 2+2 headstock would not fit a 4-in-line headstock properly as the G would be too short.

 

[Gorn]

Ok Dude, I gotta ask. What is “cut correctly” in your view? I’ve been cutting my strings the same way for years so apparently I need to know what I’m doing wrong.

And crimping round core strings before cutting, especially TIs.

 

[Gorn]

Ok Dude, I gotta ask. What is “cut correctly” in your view? I’ve been cutting my strings the same way for years so apparently I need to know what I’m doing wrong.

People can cut strings however they want and do it for fifty years and never have trouble. Failure isn’t guaranteed if you don’t do it the right way but with $70 strings, I err on the side of caution.

 

[Heavy Blue]

"Cut correctly" as in the correct length. For example, strings cut for 2+2 headstock would not fit a 4-in-line headstock properly as the G would be too short.

I think Gorn means something with the cut itself. That’s what I’m wondering.

And crimping round core strings before cutting, especially TIs.

Ah ok. Tbh I’ve never heard of anyone doing this. Can’t hurt so why not?

People can cut strings however they want and do it for fifty years and never have trouble. Failure isn’t guaranteed if you don’t do it the right way but with $70 strings, I err on the side of caution.

Sounds prudent to me. Losing expensive strings sucks. Like a set of faulty TI flats that I had...

 

[michael_t]

I think Gorn means something with the cut itself. That’s what I’m wondering.

Yes, I saw his post right after mine about crimping. Makes sense.

 

[Heavy Blue]

And crimping round core strings before cutting, especially TIs.

Hey Gorn. Could you pls be specific regarding the crimp?

Did you mean squishing the string just behind the cut or something else? Always looking for improved methods.

 

[CB3UK]

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.

This. I used to break strings all the time playing aggressive slap stuff (Primus, Fishbone etc) so I got in the habit of just saving my unbroken strings for future quick fix replacements.

 

[Gorn]

Hey Gorn. Could you pls be specific regarding the crimp?

Did you mean squishing the string just behind the cut or something else? Always looking for improved methods.

Maybe it’s nonsense and not really necessarily. @Jon Moody could probably confirm.