Question Strings, batteries, or both?

[Powman]

Just a quick question. I now have had my Bongo for about 3 1/2 months. The bass is sounding a bit dull now...so should I change the strings, the batteries or both?

 

[rizzo9247]

Try the batteries first (quicker) .

 

[tommixx]

If you are playing it regularly there is NO doubt the strings have died and a fresh set shall renew your undying love...

Peace,

T

 

[maddog]

try the batteries first.

If they don't do it, put the old ones back in, put electrical tape on the terminals of the new ones and throw them in your case. Then go buy some new strings.

 

[projectapollo]

Boil the strings for some new life. They will zing anew.

 

[five7]

Boost the highs.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

if the bass came fitted with new batteries these couldn't be dead already unless you leave it plugged in when you finish play. I'd say the strings are "shaking-baconed"!

 

[Powman]

Ok, I will try some strings first, then batteries. The Bongo gets played about 10 hours per week. So that's about 140 hours. This clearly shows that I have the capacity to multiply by 10. Wow! I am a genius! Other than that I don't know why I did that lame mathematics.

But seriously, I heard some bass players with unlimited resources put on a fresh set of strings every show!

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

It really depends on the person. I've heard people kill a new set of strings in a few songs. I can have the same set on for over a year and still have some zing in them.

 

[toomanyslurpees]

I like a bit of dirt on my strings....

 

[Steamthief]

A new battery has a more dramatic impact on tone improvement vs. a new set of strings in my experience. It's cheaper, too.

 

[adouglas]

if the bass came fitted with new batteries these couldn't be dead already unless you leave it plugged in when you finish play. I'd say the strings are "shaking-baconed"!

Sure they can.

The batteries are fresh from the factory, but if the bass has been in a shop or if it were purchased used there is no telling how much time the batteries have on them or even if they're the same ones the bass shipped with.

 

[danny-79]

Both is never a bad thing

 

[Psycho Ward]

Play duller music.

 

[Bass Case]

I've had my SR5 HH over a year and have replaced my battery only once. Never leave your cord plugged in when your not using it, and new strings are never a bad idea either.

 

[ivbenaplayin]

both.

 

[keko]

Boil the strings for some new life. They will zing anew.

That works only for one gig... ...after that boiled strings are ready for Recycle Bin!

Better way is to buy a Coated Slinkies set, ..they last much loooonger!

 

[Bloodfist]

Play you bass acoustically, meaning don't plug it in to your amp. If your strings sound dead, replace them. If they don't replace the battery. Problem solved.

 

[oli@bass]

Play duller music.

This!


@boiling: I don't recommend doing that because as keko pointed out, the strings will only be revived for a short time and then die very quickly. I've even had boiled strings break. To revive strings (if you can't afford or get a new set), rather put them in a jar with cleaning alcohol over night. Take them out and dry with a cloth. That will take out all the dirt and restore them to "almost new" bright sound until they get dirty again.

@battery: I've never had a battery make my bass sound duller... (and it really doesn't make sense from an electronic perspective, does it?)

 

[Powman]

Put fresh strings on...ahhhh. Thats better. I actually had to turn down the highs a bit on the Bongo. Replaced the batteries as well for good measure. Plus used my Ernie Ball Fretboard Wipes. Good as new again.

The coated strings on my Sterling are just fine still after 6 months or so.