String Change Trigger(s)

[nashman]

I have had my Ray since the Fall of 2006 and never changed strings on a bass in my life. What are the indicators that the strings should be changed? Time? Something in the sound? Thanks!

[roburado]

String breakage?

Bass not staying in tune?

Tone sounding dead?

Those are my triggers for guitar. I can't imagine it's much different on bass.

[Jodizzle]

nashman!
How was the Bday?
I would agree with ^^rob^^ .. -Definitley listen to the tone. As with most things, we can become desensitized and "used" to the effects of normal wear and tear. You know .. you let the car go awhile before you REALLY clean out the inside and scrub the outside. Then after you're done it's freakin' fabulous!! Strings start growing old as soon as you string em up and start playing. Obviously bass strings tend to last a little longer, unless you're playing underwater .. if you have the opportunity, jam on your Ray for awhile, then change the strings, then start jamming again. You will be amazed

[nashman]

Thanks for your comments folks. BDay was great Jodizzle - thanks for asking - at least as well as can be expected for turning 50!

I'm wondering if would make sense to change strings every 6 months or so ... unless there is something obvious that signals a change ???

[MrMusashi]

welp.. if there are dents in the string from the frets, its deffo time to change

MrM

[Jodizzle]

I guess it depends on how often you play ..
I suppose the frst change will remind you of what they should be soundin like. After a little break-in of course