There's obviously a "middle ground" for the strings. Really old strings sound dead and new sound way too bright.

This is true for all stringed instruments.

Another factor is the player. If you're someone who has a high acidic content in your sweat, you can ruin a new set of strings very quickly.

Back to the topic at hand, ... all bass players I've worked with prefer old strings. From my limited experience of playing bass when "drafted" to do so, I'd have to agree. New bass strings make the guitar sound like something other than what it ought to be.

Rharv,

There’s definitely a “settling in” time for strings as far as staying in tune, but IMHO the sound of any stringed instrument is far better once they’ve been played for awhile.

Bob
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http://soundcloud.com/bobcflatpicke/music-in-the-mountains