[bass_n_your_face]

I got a new bass. Just starting out. I guess bass strings last longer?

[junior01]

It's all personal preferences really. Some people like the sound of worn out string some prefer the "zing" of brand new string. But generally yes bass string tend to last longer than guitar ones. If you ask me, i change them about every month, 6 weeks top.

[ravaging]

it's all preference. i change mine when i feel they really are completely dead, usually around a year...

[randallflagg]

Frankly, I personally change strings when they don't feel right.....sometimes that is 6 weeks...sometimes...2 or 3 months....and, I know guys that change strings once a year....





RF

[bass_n_your_face]

thanks.

I got a gig tonight but not changing the strings yet. I guess I give em a couple months before I change them.

I changed my guitar strings cause they want me to play some lead in the gig too. Kinda hard going from bass to lead guitar. I guess we should stop and let me finger warm up to guitar cause the frets are closer.

[ravaging]

i just changed my strings today and it made me realize the main reason i take a year before i finally change them: basses are not supposed to sound like tin cans.

[builtmyownbass]

Whenever they get dirty, they need changing. I always wipe down my guitar and bass strings after I play, because it I sweat (especially during summer) it kind of makes them rust. I've seen people's strings that are brown from wear and I know thats just going too far. Every three or so months for guitar, maybe about five or six months for bass. It all depends on how much you play that particular guitar.
If you get an $80 pair of flatwounds for bass I don't think anyone would want to change them in a hurry. Flatwounds sound better worn-in. (Plus they last longer)

[junior01]

Whenever they get dirty, they need changing. I always wipe down my guitar and bass strings after I play, because it I sweat (especially during summer) it kind of makes them rust. I've seen people's strings that are brown from wear and I know thats just going too far. Every three or so months for guitar, maybe about five or six months for bass. It all depends on how much you play that particular guitar.
If you get an $80 pair of flatwounds for bass I don't think anyone would want to change them in a hurry. Flatwounds sound better worn-in. (Plus they last longer)

I think it have something to do with your skin Ph but i am in no way an expert in dermatology... Anyway if you have a higher Ph your skin tend to be more acid hence the rust.

I think

[randallflagg]

That's a good point Junior.....I've seen people that sweat like crazy but don't seem to have "rusty" strings. That, and the idea that as soon as they are done playing, they wipe their gear down....




RF

[junior01]

That, and the idea that as soon as they are done playing, they wipe their gear down....


RF

And i can tell you for experience that wiping your strings thoroughly after your done playing prolong your string's life significantly.

[randallflagg]

I hear you! I ALWAYS wipe my basses down (The Fenders and the Ric) between sets. And especially the Ric because it tends to be a fingerprint magnet. More importantly, however, is to get the sweat and gunk off the strings.........



RF

This post has been edited by randallflagg: 07 March 2007 - 02:38 AM

[el_burton]

I haven't changed the strings on my violin bass for about 2 years. Still sounds and plays great.

[thewafroman]

on average I do 3 months. It depends. On my squiers i change them every 4 months (not used often), but my steel strings are once every 3-6 months (they last longer). When they dont feel or sound right, thats when.

[Riff_RaFF]

My friend changes his every 3 months . he just says its better that way .

[thewafroman]

Whenever they get dirty, they need changing. I always wipe down my guitar and bass strings after I play, because it I sweat (especially during summer) it kind of makes them rust. I've seen people's strings that are brown from wear and I know thats just going too far. Every three or so months for guitar, maybe about five or six months for bass. It all depends on how much you play that particular guitar.
If you get an $80 pair of flatwounds for bass I don't think anyone would want to change them in a hurry. Flatwounds sound better worn-in. (Plus they last longer)

I think it have something to do with your skin Ph but i am in no way an expert in dermatology... Anyway if you have a higher Ph your skin tend to be more acid hence the rust.

I think

The sweat would have a lower pH+ (more acidic), but actually, oxidizing causes rust, and that would be caused by something containing oxygen (IE Acids). Best thing to do: Laquer thinner and distilled water. Or mineral spirits and distilled water. I made my friends squier strings consistently brand-new sounding for a month with that combination. I rarely wipe down my bass. I just wash my hands before I play (or I use hand sanitizer). And anyways I first played the bass it was covered in dust.

[Rizer]

As others have said, it is all about personal preference. I can't stand dead strings. I like the piano like ring of a new set of strings, that's why I can't count the time between changes in months, it's more like hours. On average I will put about 10-15 hours on a set. That's two shows and a few hours of practice. Thankfully, we play often, and get paid well enough, for me to be able to indulge. Remember to always wipe down your bass and strings, it definitely helps, you'll figure out when the time is right to change them.