Is it time to buy new strings for my DB?

[rikodriko]

Hi All

I have had a set of Thomastik spirocore strings on my DB since i bought it new about 5 years back. Never changed them. The bottom E string seems to lack any 'definition/projection' of late (hard to find the correct word), and just has become more of a dull thud and more quiet than the other strings. I dont remember it being like that in the past thpugh, but i guess its a gradual thing and your ears don't really pick it up.

Any comments appreciated, my old bass teacher used to tell me to boil the strings and they come up like new, anyone done this and its made a difference?

Second - ive never really had experience with other types of string - can anyone recommend some nice jazz strings i could look at - good tone and projection - and woody sound (guess thats more a reflection of the bass itself though !

Hope to hear some expert opinions !

thanks for reading

Richard.

[BassBus]

My E Spirocore went like that. Then it broke. Might be time to change. I put on another set of Spirocores and once again a lovely tone.

[bassace]

In a word, yes. Just expect the new strings to be a bit twangy for a few days. I generally change mine every year but with four basses to consider some have to go two years. End of financial year is a good time to buy new strings if you are heading for a profit on your musical activities.

[sarah thomas]

You could put yourself on Daf Lewis' list to try the Honey Innovation strings - designed for jazz. I've got 'em at the minute and will probably buy a set after passing them on.

[jwbassman]

My DB [font="helvetica, arial, sans-serif"][color="#282828"]is strung with Evah Pirazzi Weichs - seem to work well and sound great to me but I have nothing to compare them to.[/color][/font]

[font="helvetica, arial, sans-serif"][color="#282828"]I play mostly pizz stuff with the quintet but they also sound pretty good under the bow too... I'm still very new to this so you'd probably be better listening to some of the more experienced guys an gals than to me [/color][/font]

[TheRev]

If you liked the sound of the Spiros before the E died, then I'd suggest you just buy a new set of Spiros and save yourself a lot of hassle and expense trying out different strings, only to end up goiing back to Thomastik....

However, if you're feeling adventurous, then get youself on the Innovation string trial list as mentioned above and try some very nice strings for free. You might even find your tastes are better served by a string not normally used for jazz.

if you're feeling adventurous and rich, then I'd point you in the direction of Velvet Garbos - a lovely woody, not too growly jazz string.

There is much more difference between different types of DB string than electric bass strings and the same string will sound different on different basses so the only real way to find the string that is right for you and your bass is to try as many as you can get your paws on. Buying second hand is a cost effective way of trying new strings.

Good luck...

[bassvid75]

i only change mine when theres signs of breakage the bridge and nut

[bassvid75]

if James Jamerson keep the same strings for so many years why couldn't we?