How Often Do You Change Bass Strings?

Why do you need to change bass strings? What makes your bass strings go dead?

Strings lose their brilliance because dirt, oil and sweat accumulate in the winding. As the string gets dirtier, it starts to sound dull and dead. Which may or may not be to your liking.

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You will find a new set of bass strings to have a very bright sound. They will have a lot of “zing” to them. Personally, I don’t like the sound of strings until I’ve broken them in for a few days. So give your new strings a few days and don’t change them just before a gig if you don’t know what to expect.

How often should you change your bass strings?

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There’s no solid answer to this question. It depends on the tone you like, how much you play and how much you can afford to spend on bass strings. Some people never change strings. James Jamerson never changed his strings and once said, “The funk is in the funk.” Other people who like a bright sound or play a lot may change strings once every week or two. For my average student I suggest they change or clean them every 3-4 months