Interval between string changes

[timbass]

3/4 contrabass, Thomastik Spirocore medium strings, jazz played for an hour a day on average. What is the recommended interval between string replacement? All the current strings were new in March 2012 and still seem fine, but how would I know?

[TheRev]

When they stop sounding fine! Spiros are renowned for their longevity so you should get years out of a set.
I generally change strings when I fancy trying something new to see if I can get a better sound - I always end up going back to my Rockabillys.

[geoffbassist]

I would keep spiros on for as long as possible, certainly a few years as most people prefer the sound when played in. I wouldn't think of changing a set of spiros unless they started loosing their pitch or were not working in some way.

[timbass]

Thanks geoffbassist and TheRev for your good advice. Great to know that I don't have to budget €144 to replace any time soon.

[Hector]

[quote name='timbass' timestamp='1372318038' post='2124106']
3/4 contrabass, Thomastik Spirocore medium strings, jazz played for an hour a day on average. What is the recommended interval between string replacement? All the current strings were new in March 2012 and still seem fine, but how would I know?
[/quote]

Change them? Spiros take at least a year to really get good!

[stingrayPete1977]

I was assured by the folks on here that I could get 10 years out of my Spiros, as I have a set on my EUB and my DB I will wait for 20

[geoffbassist]

There really is no reason to change spiros unless they stop working....they also get easier to bow as they age....very cool strings.

[tonyquipment]

Usually I change them one after another