The Bass Geek

Depending on your preferred playing style or tone, bass strings are either something you change near-daily (for the working pros) or leave on for ages (thumpy dub, country, or just plain forgotten instruments).  In any case, when the time comes to change them, most folks seem to have a ritual.  They have the tools they need, they have the strings they prefer, and they repeat the process that works for them (in my case, start with the A, work up, and then do the E string last, with all strings cut after about four inches after a bend and each winding on the string going below the previous one).  Simple, takes just a few minutes, stretch and tune, and I’m good.

This is, of course, assuming that all of the strings come in a handy package.  Most bass guitars have four strings, so four is the normal package size.  You end up with 5- and 6-string packages as well, but there aren’t as many options there.  And one string company (one that I prefer for my 5-string) offers only 4-string sets with optional add-ons for the 5th string.  Which is great for those who want to customize the width of their low B string, but it’s a little annoying where you’re trying to keep everything together.

Or when you accidentally order the ACOUSTIC BASS GUITAR version of the B string you wanted.  Which is now totally useless to me, as I long ago took a vow never to own such a monstrosity.  So, lessons learned:

• It’s good to stupid-proof packaging whenever possible (manufacturers, take note)
• It’s also good to read the fine print when it comes to purchasing (me, I’m talking to you)
• Acoustic bass guitars still inflict evil wherever they can, even on those who won’t use them

Feh.