When to replace strings

[Drax]

Relatively new to all this. Returned to upright 2yrs ago and put new Evah Weichs on then. Play daily and gig every few weeks - all jazz, about 10% arco and always amplified. 

 

To my ears they're still sounding good, but wondered if there's a general decline you get used to. Is it obvious when they need replacing? Is there anything I should be looking out for? 

 

Cheers 

Dan 

 

[simonlittle]

Hi Dan

I’ve had Evah Weichs on my main bass for a good few years now. Switched from Thomastik Weichs as I started doing a lot more bowed work and needed more of a hybrid string. 
I’ve always found it tricky to decide exactly when to change them, and for me it usually comes down to how they feel rather than how they sound. After a point you’ll find you have to work a lot harder to get the same results; both pizz and with the bow. 
It was always much easier to tell when the Thomastiks were dead as they sounded dead; whereas old Evahs don’t really sound that different as long as you’re willing to put more physical effort into playing them.
Changed mine about three months ago and the bass sounded almost exactly the same but marginally louder. Much easier to play now though!
I play that bass a lot and usually change the Evahs every 2.5-3 years. 
Hope that helps! 
Simon

[Drax]

Thanks Simon - much appreciated, really helpful. 

[NickA]

Bass strings last forever.  And so they should given the price of them.  I only replace when one breaks or I want a different sound.

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

Its not quite the same as I no longer own a double bass, but the stock strings that came on my NS-design CR5-M when I bought in 2006 are still going strong.

[hpc364]

I changed the strings three months ago, I think I will change them soon. Why ? Because I don't really like them (black tape) and I will put the stock ones again.

I say it but maybe I won't do it.

The more you play a string the best it sounds.

Where's the limit ?

[MacDaddy]

Replace strings? Replace. Strings. No, you've lost me there 🤔

[Happy Jack]

Those strings will still be going strong long after you're dead & gone ... if it ain't bust, don't fix it.

 

Worse, those who start 'experimenting' with different strings on DB turn into perennial fettlers facing bankruptcy.

 

On an amplified DB, there's not a lot that can be achieved sonically by changing strings that can't be achieved faster, cheaper, and more reversibly using the knob-thingies on the amp.

[TheRev]

I only change my strings when a new set is released that claims to be the best string for everything, ever.

 

And then I go back to what I've been using for the last 8 years.