Fresh Strings?

[Bob Faulkner]

I'm notorious for using strings a long time. I've gone 2 years without replacing strings on my Smith. I tend to use mostly the slick rounds which really don't degrade tonally that much over time. I've started using compressors lately which degrade a little more, but I'm at about 5 months now on my current set and still going strong.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Bob Faulkner

I'm notorious for using strings a long time. I've gone 2 years without replacing strings on my Smith. I tend to use mostly the slick rounds which really don't degrade tonally that much over time. I've started using compressors lately which degrade a little more, but I'm at about 5 months now on my current set and still going strong.

James Jamerson never changed his DB Strings. While that's hard to believe for me, there are many players that like the tone of "dead" strings. Go figure. Who am I to question the great James Jamerson...

[Amit Shtriker]

I've been using coated Elixir strings for 2 years, and they usually last 3 months before I replace them. They only lose a bit of their freshness after 3 months. Every other string I tried was dead flat in tone normally after couple of weeks to a month. Anyway, the last month was one of the busiest in my life (yet..). The coating on the Elixir already peeled off and the E string is almost unresponsive, very dull and lifeless. As you may have noticed, I like my strings as fresh as can be, and if I had a lot of money to spend on strings, I am sure one week was my average string life.

Because I am a freak of cleanliness, I make it a point to keep my hands clean before playing

Like you, Tim, I can't put my hands on the bass if they're not perfectly clean, but still, I couldn't prevent the black dirt from ruining my sound this time . I am taking my bass to a guitar tech in a couple of days for a setup, I will have to change the strings now, in about half of my usual time, and I think I will try a new set. Do you guys have any recommendations for me? I like them very crisp and smooth And long lasting as can be

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Amit Shtriker

I've been using coated Elixir strings for 2 years, and they usually last 3 months before I replace them. They only lose a bit of their freshness after 3 months. Every other string I tried was dead flat in tone normally after couple of weeks to a month. Anyway, the last month was one of the busiest in my life (yet..). The coating on the Elixir already peeled off and the E string is almost unresponsive, very dull and lifeless. As you may have noticed, I like my strings as fresh as can be, and if I had a lot of money to spend on strings, I am sure one week was my average string life.



Like you, Tim, I can't put my hands on the bass if they're not perfectly clean, but still, I couldn't prevent the black dirt from ruining my sound this time . I am taking my bass to a guitar tech in a couple of days for a setup, I will have to change the strings now, in about half of my usual time, and I think I will try a new set. Do you guys have any recommendations for me? I like them very crisp and smooth And long lasting as can be

My Recommendation on strings: Smith Medium Taper Cores. Be sure professional set-up is achieved. Also, this would be a great opportunity to make that adjustment to your bass' output gain.