June 02, 2016
When it comes to how often you should change bass strings, the jury is out. Some bass players never change them, and others change them every other week. How long a set lasts on your bass depends on a number of factors, including how often you play, the brand, the environments you play in, and even how much you sweat! Old and new strings have significant sonic differences, and depending on what style of music you play, you may not mind the sound of a dead set. (This article is specific to the roundwound type- the discussion of roundwound vs flatwound and other types is a whole other topic that we will cover later).
Old vs. New
There is nothing quite like the crisp, full sound of new strings, but at the same time, the warmer, rounder sound of an old set that is well worn-in has its own appeal. In mellower styles of music where the bass does not have to sound so articulated, you can get by with the set you’ve had on your bass for months. For pick players or slap bass gurus, a fresh pack is standard. Many professional touring bands have their techs change them every day because they want a bright and clear tone at every show. However, Motown legend James Jamerson reportedly never changed his bass strings!
What Happens When Strings Go Bad?
As you play bass, dirt and sweat from your hands and fingers becomes embedded in the grooves of your strings, causing them to go dull and even corrode (some people have really acidic sweat!) The easiest way to prevent this is to wash your hands thoroughly before playing, but even players with the cleanest hands still shed skin and other particles onto their strings as they play.
Warning Signs of Bad Strings
While the sound of old strings may not bother you, there are some things you can look for to determine whether or not you should change them. Here is a handy checklist to go by.
If your strings fit these criteria, it’s time to change them!
How often do you change your strings? Let us know in the comments below!
January 30, 2023
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December 09, 2022
Musicians can be notoriously hard to buy for. Not all music equipment is equal, choices are personal, and musicians tend to snap up what they want when they want it. So, when Christmas comes around, it can be hard for loved ones to come up with the right gift. Still, it’s not impossible. Finding the right gift for a musician you love just takes a little patience and listening.
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