String Change Frequency...Mulitple Bass Scenario

[mynan]

I want to get your opinions about changing strings on a bass that doesn't get a lot of playing time. This is my first time having more than one bass...previously, I would just change strings/battery about every 3 months...no questions asked. Now, my Bongo gets most of the playing time while the SR5 gets love, but spends a lot of time on the wall. Should I change strings on the SR5 when I change strings on the Bongo or will they last a lot longer since the SR5 isn't getting as much playing time?

I generally try to be proactive and put time limits on strings vs. waiting until they go dead because I've found that I don't necessarily notice the change from alive to dead on my main player until it gets really bad since the change is so gradual. I'm worried that with my SR5, if the strings go dead hanging on the wall I won't notice it because it may have been a month since I played it last and I might not remember how it's supposed to sound.

TIA for your responses.

 

[fidooda]

i don't change strings before they turn dead on any bass unless i expect they will sound like crap for an upcoming gig.

why spend money on new strings if you ain't playing that particular bass. Get the strings, put them on when you feel the bass needs it, imho.

 

[phatduckk]

i only change strings when theyre dead. i usually buy a lot of strings at a time so if im dying to play a certain bass and im not happy with the brightness of the strings I just change it on the spot

 

[oli@bass]

i don't change strings before they turn dead on any bass unless i expect they will sound like crap for an upcoming gig.

+1

why spend money on new strings if you ain't playing that particular bass. Get the strings, put them on when you feel the bass needs it, imho.

BTW, if you play a bass rarely, it makes even more sense to wash the strings in alcool instead of replacing them. That way, you can have like new sounding strings much more often...

 

[Russel]

During the fever pitch of Indoor Percussion season, my hands are on my bass up to 5 hours a day with practices, and about 2.5 hours on days with no practices, as well as 5-6 hours on competition days, including jazz lab.

So, I change my strings pretty often during those times.

It's easy for me to tell for some reason. I've no problem knowing when to change.

It varies from player to player, too- I'm oily enough to grease a pan.

I find washing my hands before I play, not scratching my head or touching my hair or face, and keeping a towel handy can keep my strings alive on all my basses for about 2 weeks. The strings themselves last about 4 months, with regular cleaning.

 

[Aussie Mark]

String change?

(flatwound user here)

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

...Should I change strings on the SR5 when I change strings on the Bongo or will they last a lot longer since the SR5 isn't getting as much playing time?

They will last longer. I have a J Bass fitted with Slinkys that I hadn't played in 4-5 years. The strings still have their snappy freshness!

 

[bovinehost]

String change?

(flatwound user here)

Mark, what are they talking about? You have to change the strings? I mean after the initial change, of course.

They're scaring me!

 

[strummer]

I change strings when needed, I never thought about scheduling changes
On a bass that is not played mush the strings will last a long time, though on some of my non-ebmms I am careful to keep the strings clean with wonder wipes.

 

[mynan]

They will last longer. I have a J Bass fitted with Slinkys that I hadn't played in 4-5 years. The strings still have their snappy freshness!

Thanks. That's what I was looking for. I was worried about pulling it off the wall after a couple of months and finding dead strings.

 

[kylierider]

String change?

(flatwound user here)

I'll second that.

 

[oli@bass]

Thanks. That's what I was looking for. I was worried about pulling it off the wall after a couple of months and finding dead strings.

Ah no, that won't happen! I've basses laying around I only pull out to play them once in a couple of years, and the strings don't just die if not played.

 

[and lombardini]

if the bass is really hanging on the wall exposed strings will get dirty even if you don't play the bass...if you put it in a case string will be clean even if you don't play the bass for many months.

i like to change my rounds often...and never change flats.

 

[Jim_F]

I schedule the battery changes in my basses, the strings get replaced when they start feeling / sounding 'dead', varies for each of my basses as some (Stingray) get more used than others
I do use WonderWipe regularly to clean the strings as well.