Wearing in the strings...

**Sean.thomson** · 11-03-2009, 09:32 AM

WARNING: Dumb question

Is there a way to speed up the wearing in process on new bass strings? I just changed the strings on my bass after not changing them in about 5 years, and I find that I'm missing that worn in tone. Also, sorry. My knowledge of bass strings is almost none. I've only done it about 2-3 times ever since I started playing bass (8th grade)...

Micahb · 11-03-2009, 01:19 PM

Not that I have found, just playing them.

But, you can different types of strings. I have three different basses and they all different types of strings on them.
My Warmoth I string with D'Addario Half Rounds, my P-Bass has D'Addario Chromes (flats) and my Peavey T-20 has rounds on it.
I used to also string the P Bass with super thick tape wounds, but I like the flats better.

From your description I think you should give half rounds a shot. To my ear, they sound a lot like rounds after being played for a couple months, and they stay like that for a long time.
They have a really high tension and feel different so it may take getting used to, but giver a shot!

**Sean.thomson** · 11-03-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micahb

Not that I have found, just playing them.

But, you can different types of strings. I have three different basses and they all different types of strings on them.
My Warmoth I string with D'Addario Half Rounds, my P-Bass has D'Addario Chromes (flats) and my Peavey T-20 has rounds on it.
I used to also string the P Bass with super thick tape wounds, but I like the flats better.

From your description I think you should give half rounds a shot. To my ear, they sound a lot like rounds after being played for a couple months, and they stay like that for a long time.
They have a really high tension and feel different so it may take getting used to, but giver a shot!

I was going to shoot for some flats (tried them on a friends bass and loved them), but the store was out... I might have to order some....

RedsFan75 · 11-03-2009, 03:42 PM

I've got Chromes on one of mine too, and love the flats, nothing like Flats on a P...

rexherring · 11-15-2009, 06:40 PM

I have half rounds on my 6 string bass and they are pretty good. I like the SIT brand Silencers or Power Flats the best. Silencers are basically their brand of half rounds, the Power Flats are flat wound but brighter than most flats.

I know what you mean by the old worn in string feel. My 1981 G&L still has the original strings on it and I love them.

martinedwards · 11-16-2009, 04:56 AM

isn't it funny how guitarists want new zingy strings and bassists want 'em all worn and dull!!

as to dulling them down, maybe use the tone control, or maybe play with dirty hands?

sorry, no help at all!!

rexherring · 11-16-2009, 08:43 PM

It's not the mud sound we like , it's the worn feel of the strings. That's why so many use flat wounds. My strings are always clean, I wipe them down after each use. Plus, I have very dry hands and don't corrode the strings like some people.

I've known guitar and bass players that have such acid sweat that they must change strings every week.