It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:21 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 48 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Go to page 1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Author Message
Post subject: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 9:12 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:58 pm
Posts: 1051
Location: SW Florida
Two part question.

Everyone seems to have a different trigger for a string change. Some say "every month" or "every fifty hours" or "as soon as I hear any degradation of sound" or even, "never".

We have at least two types of basses, those we play all the time - our go to basses. Then we have those that don't see action very often.

What triggers you to change strings, and do you use different criteria depending on whether it plays a lot or sits a lot?

_________________
Collector of vintage Fender 4 string basses.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 9:37 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2012 3:36 pm
Posts: 77
Location: Minnesota
Rust. That's about the only thing that gets me to change em.

I love the sound of dead round wounds. I haven't changed the strings on my P bass in 3 years or so, and my Jazz has had it's current set since i replaced the stock set shortly after buying it.

_________________
"I just want to break even." - Richard Manuel


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 2:02 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:33 am
Posts: 4583
Location: North of Pittsburgh
My criteria is the same for all my basses. First i whine a lot because I hate to change strings. Then I procrastinate, and whine some more. :D

Depending on which bass, what sound and what groove, it varies. Say I want to do Classic Rock, new round wounds are in order, and changed at least monthly.

Doing Motown, or Duck Dunn type stuff, deader strings are the ticket for me.

I think it's a matter of preference.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 2:25 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:14 pm
Posts: 3169
Location: Linningrad
:arrow: Positively loathe a dead roundwound. Rancid Roadkill Tone Kill. :evil:

I get a good 150 playing hours out of DR Neons on my Jazz before the tone degrades into wonkiness.

As far as flats go - I got 6 good years out of a set of Tomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats, before replacing them with GHS Precision Flats. I am hoping for 5 good solid years out of them. Say 2,000+ playing hours.

_________________
2012 Lefty American Standard Jazz
2017 Lefty American Professional Precision
2018 Rumble Studio 40 Combo
2016 Rumble 200 Combo
One day they shall name a GREAT city after me, and they shall call it LINNINGRAD


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 4:14 am
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2013 10:37 pm
Posts: 176
I can't ever get the burp tone with flatwounds. They don't bend well enough..either.

The fundamental sustain only grows as rounds age. Plus, old strings are so much easier to control. It's like riding a wild horse with brand new ones.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 8:34 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 3:12 pm
Posts: 6355
Location: Albemarle, NC
It depends on the string set as other posters have mentioned. There was a recent thread about "Why can't strings just change themselves" about all the hassles a string change can bring.

The seemingly outrageous expense of some sets like the Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats JF344 set is mitigated by their incredibly long usable life. The same is true of the same maker's Power Bass EB344 round set which is equally long lasting with just basic wiping down. In both cases a new set will be wild and zingy with outrageous overtones that probably needs muting for a few weeks to a few months until they settle in. Then they last years. With both these sets I watch for intonation issues and flat spots where the strings get fretted, which are indications that a new set is due.

I agree with the wild horses analogy. That is a great way to put it. For me I find any new set needs some kind of muting. I use spongy foam under rounds and a felt wrap on flats to tame the zing a tad.

Some of the lower priced strings sound great for about a month of regular use. Then just go dead. Often this is noticed on one string while the others still sound OK. Then the deadness spreads to the others in a week or two.

I'd rather buy one good set at $60 or even $70 than 12 sets of $20 strings. Do the math and it just makes good sense.

The life of any string set can be greatly extended merely by wiping down the strings thoroughly after use. I keep an old gym sock with each instrument and wipe the strings. That helps a lot.

If you have a whole bunch of instruments you can't be buying new strings for them all every month or two, that is just crazy expensive even with cheap strings once you get over two instruments. Consider someone trying to maintain 10, 20 or more. That runs into big money not to mention the time involved in changing sets on so many instruments.

In the cases of instruments not used all that often where you notice the strings need changing, often you can just clean them using a denatured alcohol soak and it really will bring them back to full performance. This stuff is highly flammable though so be careful with it. There is a great webpage about an ideal way to do an alcohol soak that is very economical because you can use the alcohol over and over and over, and it is fairly safe without taking up much room. The device with the alcohol in it can even be stored outside where it won't be so hazardous. The page is here:
http://www.tunemybass.com/strings/bass_string_cleaning_tube.html

Don't boil strings. That is only a temporary solution that actually ruins most strings. It might get you through the gig tomorrow night but not the one in 2 weeks. Instead soak them in denatured alcohol using the method at the link above and you'll get maximum life from even the cheapest strings on the market. Some strings like the T.I. Jazz Flats that have the old fashioned silk wrap layer between the core and the outer wrap don't like any sort of moisture, even alcohol much. There aren't many strings around still made that way though. It was far more common 30 or 40 years ago. The alcohol soak works especially good on cheap stainless rounds to make dead ones zingy again. You can use them indefinitely until the windings or the strings themselves break. Often the break will be near the machine head shaft. Otherwise you can get indefinite life from some sets that way.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 10:57 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2012 7:16 pm
Posts: 18659
Location: In this country town, where the laughter sounds...
I like the consistency, and the long life of the Nylons. No rust problems here either.

_________________
"Electric Lady"
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 12:21 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:14 pm
Posts: 3169
Location: Linningrad
Mr. Nylon wrote:
I like the consistency, and the long life of the Nylons. No rust problems here either.



The original 'coated bass string' if you will. Coated roundwounds are growing in popularity across the board, with DR Neons being just wildly popular. With good reason. They sound as good as they look and last two to three times longer than any naked round. :wink:

_________________
2012 Lefty American Standard Jazz
2017 Lefty American Professional Precision
2018 Rumble Studio 40 Combo
2016 Rumble 200 Combo
One day they shall name a GREAT city after me, and they shall call it LINNINGRAD


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 3:20 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:33 am
Posts: 4583
Location: North of Pittsburgh
Mr. Nylon wrote:
I like the consistency, and the long life of the Nylons. No rust problems here either.


You like Nylons?? :shock:

I was just playing my fretless with the nylons you sent me, they ARE nice strings.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 4:55 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2012 7:16 pm
Posts: 18659
Location: In this country town, where the laughter sounds...
oxfan wrote:
Mr. Nylon wrote:
I like the consistency, and the long life of the Nylons. No rust problems here either.


You like Nylons?? :shock:

I was just playing my fretless with the nylons you sent me, they ARE nice strings.


They do play well. Image Better than the Nylons from 1969.

_________________
"Electric Lady"
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 5:59 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:33 am
Posts: 4583
Location: North of Pittsburgh
It was like a Halloween scene, black spider webs all over the neck.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 7:57 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jun 02, 2013 6:16 pm
Posts: 894
Well, after probably 5 years on my bass, the strings on there finally have given up the ghost. I was rehearsing the other day and I could tell they had no more life left in them. Pretty muddy sounding and no zing left. It could have been my amp settings, but I haven't touched them from the last time and I was in the same room. I know the battery is relatively new for the pick ups, as well. So I broke down last night and ordered these:
Image

Got them from AMS (my main place to shop for gear) for $34.95 and free shipping. I just have to wait to get them and I'll be back in business. I haven't used flats in many years and I think the last flats I did use were Rotosound, come to think about it.

I have a feeling that's the brand I'll stick with, if they serve me well. I'm definitely done with "bargain brands," that's for sure. Even though they might be really cheap, they aren't worth it in the long run.

_________________
ImageImage


Last edited by CPL on Thu Oct 24, 2013 7:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 10:39 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:48 pm
Posts: 2315
When they won't stay in tune, that's when I change them.

_________________
It wasn't Willy-Nilly, it was at crows.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2013 7:59 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:58 pm
Posts: 1051
Location: SW Florida
The reason I posted the question is a bit convoluted. For the past few years I used Ernie Ball Super Slinky (round) strings on all my basses except the Teles and Precisions, where I use flats. I even used one set of EB flats but was not impressed.

They are a fairly inexpensive string. I liked them because they broke in quickly and played great for a month or two before I started noticing a change in the sound of one or two, still in tune, but just sounded off. Change out, run them for a few hours, and all was well again. If they were on a bass I used very infrequently, sitting perhaps up to two months between uses, there were issues with sound and intonation. I bought a case and have only two packs left....looking to change.

On the other hand, flats, which I only started using a couple years ago, maybe three (?) seem to last forever. I have an AV57P that I have played the heck out of. Purchased late November last year, I have put hundreds of hours on it. It has been my primary bass since this spring. We had a big gig Saturday, we had two practice sessions in the venue during the week. During one, it sank in that I was still playing the original Fender strings and it caused me some concern. Come Saturday, the bass sounded just as nice as always, but I had a backup P behind me with my J, just in case.

So I started wondering, is it me? Is it my ears? Are these strings degrading, but so slowly I am not noticing it? Are they really lasting this long or should I change them?

I have to admit, I am pretty impressed with these strings longevity. When I find out what number they are I will buy a backup set, just to have on hand for when something noticeable does happen. I don't want to mess with the cool combination this bass seems to have.

As far as the rounds are concerned, I am testing my first ever set of coated strings courtesy of my friends at Black Diamond. I have no opinion yet.

Thanks to all for your thoughtful responses.

_________________
Collector of vintage Fender 4 string basses.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Time To Change The Strings?
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 7:27 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:33 am
Posts: 4583
Location: North of Pittsburgh
affprod wrote:
The reason I posted the question is a bit convoluted. For the past few years I used Ernie Ball Super Slinky (round) strings on all my basses except the Teles and Precisions, where I use flats. I even used one set of EB flats but was not impressed.

They are a fairly inexpensive string. I liked them because they broke in quickly and played great for a month or two before I started noticing a change in the sound of one or two, still in tune, but just sounded off. Change out, run them for a few hours, and all was well again. If they were on a bass I used very infrequently, sitting perhaps up to two months between uses, there were issues with sound and intonation. I bought a case and have only two packs left....looking to change.

On the other hand, flats, which I only started using a couple years ago, maybe three (?) seem to last forever. I have an AV57P that I have played the heck out of. Purchased late November last year, I have put hundreds of hours on it. It has been my primary bass since this spring. We had a big gig Saturday, we had two practice sessions in the venue during the week. During one, it sank in that I was still playing the original Fender strings and it caused me some concern. Come Saturday, the bass sounded just as nice as always, but I had a backup P behind me with my J, just in case.

So I started wondering, is it me? Is it my ears? Are these strings degrading, but so slowly I am not noticing it? Are they really lasting this long or should I change them?

I have to admit, I am pretty impressed with these strings longevity. When I find out what number they are I will buy a backup set, just to have on hand for when something noticeable does happen. I don't want to mess with the cool combination this bass seems to have.

As far as the rounds are concerned, I am testing my first ever set of coated strings courtesy of my friends at Black Diamond. I have no opinion yet.

Thanks to all for your thoughtful responses.


Fenton loves coated strings! He likes Good 'N Plenty candy too!


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 48 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Go to page 1, 2, 3, 4  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: