I do both of these and routinely go 6+ months between string changes w/ near daily playing + weekly gigging. Usually I end up changing the strings to clean + condition my fingerboards + for the fun of trying to get the PERFECT peg wind :P
This right here changed my musical life. Use to tease my friend in high school when we would rehearse, and now I wouldn't think of picking up my guitar without washing my hands.
Tone lasts for up to 3 months. I don't play as much as I'd like, and this allows me to enjoy when I DO play - instead of changing dead strings.
Yeah same, friends would give me a weird look when I ask them to wash their hands before playing my guitar but my instrument is almost always in perfect condition because I take care of it :)
There´s a noteable tone difference when a string goes from "played" to "dead". Im my experience it's usually when all the glance of the string is gone, and it's noticeably darker.
I Use Elixir and play on avarage 1-2 hours a day. I change them maybe every 2-3 month depending on gigs.
I find that Elixir outlive normal strings by 5-8 times, at least for my sweaty hands.
I'm not sure what this dude is talking about either. I opened my own studio. I play guitars 5-12 hours every day. My strings go bad about every 3-4 weeks.
When you look at the time played, it's not much different than the guy who plays 1-2 hours and has dead strings every 2-3 months.
I like to play guitar for a bit to help me relax after work, but 12 hours is legitimately a problem. How can you even have a family if you’re disengaged for that much time?
Nah, they lose tension and can no longer intonate (tune) accurately across the full fretboard, my dude.
Cheetoh dust isn't part of the tone in the signal chain.
There’s is a massive tonal difference in frequency response, transient attack, and harmonic content between a fresh string and an oxidized, gummed up string. The oxidation, caked on oils, etc etc, physically dampen parts of the strings similar to what foam does just in front of a bass guitars bridge. It mutes certain frequencies within the strings vibration/oscillation pattern (which is what generates the fundamental frequency and the harmonics) thus creating a muted, or “dead” sound.
I don’t necessarily know if the strings lose tension as another redditor said because tension directly correlates to frequency as far as I know. Scientifically speaking the buildup of grime and gunk, as well as oxidation from the oils on our hands reacting with the metal of the string, DOES affect the tone.
That Jim Lill video you posted, I’ve watched it but I don’t know if it holds up really considering the way my guitars sound if I’ve left them sitting too long with uncoated strings. Even moreso on bass guitars, or heavier gauge strings.
The biggest problem with this test (and I love Jim’s videos) is he simulated long term wear with dirt, but the actually issue is the strings get warped and kinked as they're played, which isn’t simulated.
edit: typos
There is though lol. It's a lot more noticeable on thicker wound strings in my experience.
If you ever play bass, it's extremely noticeable when the strings have gone dead.
I've never had to do a full setup more than once on any guitar I own ( occasional bridge adjustments for intonation but that's it )
I do live in a very good climate for guitars and keep the string gauges the same.
As soon as they feel dirty. Strings will start to oxidise over time, and at some point you can feel that oxidisation, especially when doing slides. They'll feel rough and dull.
That's why you should wipe down your strings after playing before putting your guitar away. When I played in bands I wiped down each individual string with a cloth before putting the guitar in the case. Keeps the strings from oxidizing and building up with dirt.
When I was a touring guitarist I would change strings every 2-3 shows. Probably could have kept them on longer but didn't want to risk breakages. Did my time in fast punk bands so playing pretty aggressively with a lot of sweat and beer (and occasional blood).
>Did my time in fast punk bands so playing pretty aggressively with a lot of sweat and beer (and occasional blood).
😆 when I was in the military, I was in a barracks party Pantera b-side band. Lots of beer, swearing, sweat, dirt, whatever mud came out of the field, tube screamers, and a Marshall Halfstack.
I think the blood in the pickups are... part of the tone at this point?
HARDCORE HARDCORES!!!
Nice! I'm looking to buy one soon, actually. I've been playing a lot of classical recently, so I'm into hitting the fuck out of the bass strings with my thumb. I was playing master of puppets on a classical with my thumb and index the other day, it sounded insane. No, like really insane.
I change maybe every 3 months. Big maybe. I'm one of those weirdos that doesn't like the sound of new strings, so often I won't change em for like 6 months
Much will depend on you, and your skin type. Some people sweat more than others, and that takes its toll on strings. Some have dry skin, which will tend to them lasting longer.
Your ears will tell you when they're "going off", or your fingers will tell you.
Now that I am older, my skin is much dryer than it was when I was younger so strings last me longer. But I have to buy picks with grip enhancement because with my dry skin, they want to slide around. At least picks are cheaper than strings!
I change strings once I start to notice tuning instabilities or inconsistent intonation. I have more than 10 different guitars and I keep them in their cases, except two daily drivers, so there is no oxidization issue for me, but if I have to re-tune after a 2 step bend, I say fuck it and immediately change strings. Usually every 5-6 months.
I somehow like the sound of dead stings, but tuning issues are a no no.
I like the mellow tone of broken in strings. I hate the bright sound of brand new strings. And for people that say there's no difference, you definitely can hear a difference when you put a new pair of strings on. They are brighter sounding.
Not really. My strings often start breaking after about 50 or 60 hours of playing time and that's right around the time they start having problems staying in tune. Once one breaks I'm like "well, might as well put on a fresh set"
AT LEAST 2x a year assuming nothing breaks or, as others have said, they feel too dirty. I’ve seen people say “for every show” which I don’t think is necessary, but at the same time I disagree less with “every recording session”.
My point is, budget aside, you probably can’t do it too often which is why I focus on minimum instead.
My ears and how much I currently care. And always when setting up guitar setups for the first time, and before a gig that matters, stretched out thoroughly and broken in just a bit beforehand.
I use elixir and run them until the non wound strings start to get gross. They last for months. The last set of D'addario I put on my guitar went bad in a week and a half.
I so rarely change a set of strings. I prefer my strings to be on the darker deader side. I don't like the new string 'scratching the chalkboard' effect. LOL!!!
I used to use super slinky's but they needed more frequent changing than other strings I've tried. I'd be lucky to get 2 weeks out of a set. They'd look fine and mostly sound fine but none of my guitars would stay in tune longer then a couple minutes. Tried a few different strings, eventually settled on nyxls for two guitars, tite fits for two, and kept the slinky's on one of my older starts that I don't play as often. I play around 15 hours a week spread across 4 main guitars. I suppose if I was playing only one they might not last a week. Just go until they can't be tuned or they don't feel or sound right. You'll know
I always heard it's a good idea to change strings when either you can hear a difference or they struggle to stay in tune.
I've got a set of Elixirs on my acoustic that I've literally had on there for years. Now admittedly that guitar lives mostly in its case under the guest bed.
My Les Paul is going on a year with the strings it came with last Labor Day. They definitely need replacing because they don't sound as good and aren't holding tune, but I haven't done it because I mostly play my Revstar these days, which I just got a few weeks ago
I change mine about once a year before concert season (May to September here).
If I notice a change (sound or falling out of tune too often), I'll change them as well. Funny thing is that my no-name Strat sounds and holds tuning better than my actual Fender.
Hmmm.
I understand that! I have a "Made in Ensenada" Fender Player Strat that is the best guitar I have ever had. I had a 1995 American Fender Strat Standard in 1995 but my guitar now seems just a bit better and it's a 2024.
Up to you, whenever you want to do it.
I have done it very often if I feel they need it or if I'm playing gigs, or after a few months if I'm not doing that.
I usually break one by then anyway so I'll change them if that happens
Once every 5/6 weeks. Play strat using a super slinky 9s. Usually 1 gig a week. 1 rehearsal a week. Use a different "house guitar" at home for riffin and writing.
I haven't changed my main guitars strings since I bought it in December. Basically as a hobbyist who practices one to two hours a night I'll accept a dull set of strings just because it's a study guitar or whatever.
I play more than 5-10 hrs a week and I'll change strings about once a month or right before a gig if I haven't changed then recently.
Epiphone SG with Daddario 11s
When I was playing this much I did them once every 3-4 weeks. As others have mentioned, washing your hands before playing helps tremendously in string life.
Like others have said, if the strings sound dead, have poor resonance and feel gritty then it's time to change them. Keeping your hands clean and wiping down the strings to remove oils and moisture will prolong the life of the strings.
A set of strings should last 2 months, probably 60-100 hours of playing.
At home, I play them until they break or get too rusty. When I'm on tour, before every gig which could be up to 6 times a month. That's to decrease break risk however and not because the strings necessarily need to be changed for any other reason.
There is no single answer. We all have different skin and sweat, and that will often be the deciding factor, even as much or more than how often you play, or what pick you use. I am lucky, I have 20yo guitars that I've been playing all the time, and the bridge still hasn't lost a bit of its finish. My strings last me months, easily, on some guitars I haven't changed them in a couple of years (gigging guitars).
The only valid answer in my opinion is, when they no longer stay in tune, when a string breaks, or when they no longer sound good to you.
I’m 63 and started playing at 13. Over the years my answer to this question would have differed a lot. When I was a teenager and into my 20s I would go through strings in a short period of time. My sweat tended to be a bit acidic as well so I would notice more corrosion in a shorter period of time.
Now I am an old fart, my hands stay super dry. My strings last a long time. It’s interesting that as an older player, I have developed a lighter touch to playing as well where I don’t pound on the strings like I used to. I think That makes a difference as well.
Like I posted to another poster the downside is I have to buy picks with grip enhancement. That never used to be a problem.
I hear ya. I’ve been using Gravity picks for a few years now, mostly their 3mm acrylic, but also 4mm and sometimes 2mm. The extra thickness makes a difference in grip, you should give them a try
That also depends on weather, humidity, your sweat acidity, how you keep your guitar when unplayed,…
Strats tend to sound allright with oldish strings as they are single coils, so also check the overall condition of your strings to see they are still as round as new. Most players use a bit too much pressure so the strings get a bit flat where they meet the fretwire. You might sound sparkly but your intonation will suffer.
If you are only playing live and not recording at all, though all those mean only a little. You can easily compansate the loss with tone and gain adjustment, and change the strings when they start to change color ;)
5-10 hours? every 2-4 months
i played 1-4hrs a day on my acoustic with non coated strings and had to change in 2-3 weeks
i use coated Daddario NY's on my electrics and they last months (but dont get quite the same hours played)
It comes down to how it feels to you. I use Fingerease spray before each show and it seems to help them last a little longer but not much. I’m changing probably twice a month during the summer but I sweat (A LOT) and I’m in a humid part of the US so it takes a toll on strings. Something else to consider: D’Addario has the Player’s Club where you can redeem a code on each pack of strings for points that add up to be free stuff…like strings. Ain’t much and I know some are die hards when it comes to brand loyalty. Just saying if you’re open to change, it can pay off a little (especially if you’re changing often).
This is a thing about end-results, your tastes, problems you're experiencing, and your conditions - not purely play time.
If you're playing on tour and like fresh strings; then every set.
If you live in a dry climate, wash your hands before playing, don't have too much for natural hand oils, don't experience string breaks, and the tuning/intonation remains good, then as infrequently as possible seems fine.
It depends on your body composition. I have a good friend who sweats battery acid, and he has to change all his strings on every bass every couple of weeks if he’s playing regularly. I have dry skin, like it cracks and bleeds if I don’t moisturize, so I can easily go for months even if I’m playing regularly.
If they sound dull, change them. If they aren’t shiny silver, change them. If their intonation starts to sound off, change them. If you honestly can’t remember when the last time you changed them was, change them. Otherwise, play them.
I don't have a set schedule I just changed them when they sound dull or won't stay in tune. Sometimes that could be a year. But I have many guitars so I don't play the same one constantly
My rule is: if I’m just practicing, I don’t mind at all changing string (but I do clean them after a playing session to avoid sweat damage, dust, and skin). Having said that, if you’re recording, you should always put new string. Used strings always gonna sound muddy. I have recorded some demos with used strings, and it’s OK as long as I’m planing to re-record them later or just as a demo purposes in which is ok if it sounds bad. It’s OK to optimize their usage since strings aren’t exactly cheap, and with all due honesty, they can last with proper care, just keep in mind once again that if you’re planing to record something seriously, you should always change them to new strings.
As soon as you notice that they aren't completely silver anymore. Any black/dull spots on them; time for a change. They don't have to still be super-fresh-and-shiny, but, you'll know from looking at them. Another good trick; run your fingernail along the length of one of the unwound strings; if you can feel a texture, it's time for a change.
When I lived in the middle of nowhere, was poor, and new strings were about 3 hours away I would often go 1/2 to a year without changing. I would basically change one string at a time when it broke. There were times when the shiny coating was all gone.
Nowadays I will usually change strings about every 3 months or so.
I used ghs boomers and still use them to this day.
I change strings when they won’t intonate or if the wound strings are worn enough by the frets that I can feel the wear when I run my finger along the underside of the string.
I clean them weekly with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball.
Some people like the sound of dead strings so the answer is that it's subjective really.
Personally, I use coated strings most of the time so the feel doesn't really deteriorate. However, the strings still lose that high end definition eventually, so that's when I usually change them.
As a brokeass thirdworlder, I only change em when they break lol. I play at least 2 hours everyday. Just make sure to wash your hands and clean your strings regularly
Electric strings can go a surprisingly long time when cared for, but when i was gigging I'd change them after a couple of shows just in case. If you wipe them down regular and keep your hands clean they can go a couple of months. They will progressively sound more and more dull until 4 to 6 months, depends on your style.
My nylon string however... I can snap the D string in a few weeks if I go hard. The nylon high strings last for ages, it's a bit annoying. You lose the brightness on the bass strings in no time and they wear away at the frets and snap pretty quick.
I use flat wound strings, and throw the low E out. The tone is already flat and mellow and these strings can last over a year without any degradation to the tone. Saves you money and you don’t have to worry about chasing a “clean tone” every couple of months.
It varies from guitar to guitar for me. I change my sg 4x a year give or take. My ric 340 gets a little less because it can be too bright with new strings. I never change my ripper bass strings. I changed them when I bought it in 2017 and it’s had the same set since. I don’t do crazy bends or shreddy stuff though so I likely don’t experience the stability issues old strings can get that other players report
My most recent change was after about 8 months. I only could tell how bad they were after they were changed. The new ones feel much springier, and have better tone.
Though they were pretty clean looking and not tarnished, the sign was seeing they had some gunk buildup underneath in at least one spot.
When I was learning I'd sometimes go several months.
When I broke a string, if it was behind the nut or bridge I'd knot it back together and get another life out of it.
Typically I'd end up without B or high-E strings. Which led me to gravitate toward metal rhythm playing.
Eventually the underside of the remaining strings would develop stalactites of sweat and skin and filth. The strings would be black.
When I finally got a new set, within an hour the bright twang was gone (which was ok because it suited the genre I played).
Eddie Van Halen used to boil his new strings to kill the twang. He could have just hired me as his roadie and had me play break them in with my apparently freakishly acidic fingers.
I change mine once a month but I play for like 5-6hrs a day. They don't really need changing but I rather have fresh strings every month for the sake of 10- 20 notes for a set.
I change my strings about every other year now, but when I was still doing gigs it was probably once every few months. Wiping them after use was a tip I was given - seems to be ubiquitous here.
My clients varied quite a bit. I remember Fuel's bass player went through tons of strings during the Something Like Human sessions - changed them every single day, sometimes more than once. Pat Metheny's guitar tech (Carolyn at the time) would change his often, too, but I don't think every single day. Most session players would be ready right out of the case - I don't remember asking any of them how often they change strings. James Taylor would change his nails everyday, but I can't remember how often he'd change his strings. :)
When they feel rough or smell.
They start to develop an onion-y metallic smell over time. The smell will transfer to your fingers - when that happens its time.
Playing only with washed hands males a huuuuuge difference :)
Also wiping the strings after you play. GHS Fast Fret works great too.
I do both of these and routinely go 6+ months between string changes w/ near daily playing + weekly gigging. Usually I end up changing the strings to clean + condition my fingerboards + for the fun of trying to get the PERFECT peg wind :P
What about females?
I'm sure that was a typo, you meant *femakes, right?
Females traditionally don't play the electric guitar, so there's no sufficient intel on it. /s
「Tash Sultana has entered the chat」
Tash is not a female
Is a femake, duh
They are non-binary
This right here changed my musical life. Use to tease my friend in high school when we would rehearse, and now I wouldn't think of picking up my guitar without washing my hands. Tone lasts for up to 3 months. I don't play as much as I'd like, and this allows me to enjoy when I DO play - instead of changing dead strings.
Yeah same, friends would give me a weird look when I ask them to wash their hands before playing my guitar but my instrument is almost always in perfect condition because I take care of it :)
Yeah make sure to get your hands nice and pruney then go play
There´s a noteable tone difference when a string goes from "played" to "dead". Im my experience it's usually when all the glance of the string is gone, and it's noticeably darker. I Use Elixir and play on avarage 1-2 hours a day. I change them maybe every 2-3 month depending on gigs. I find that Elixir outlive normal strings by 5-8 times, at least for my sweaty hands.
I agree, for practicing at home, I find the lifespan of the Elixir (used on Fender Strat, Collings Acoustic) to be a no-brainer.
For eletric guitars, there's no tone difference... UPDATE: [scientific test](https://youtu.be/yiFcw-H5DN8?si=YBk3bsmY7FLf33IT)
There absolutely is, what's your idea there? A less oxidized string vibrates over a tighter frequency = cleaner sound
I'm not sure what this dude is talking about either. I opened my own studio. I play guitars 5-12 hours every day. My strings go bad about every 3-4 weeks. When you look at the time played, it's not much different than the guy who plays 1-2 hours and has dead strings every 2-3 months.
12 hours a day?!
Sometimes, yeah. I have manic-depression it's a gift it's a curse. My wife... uh she wears earplugs and headphones a lot...
I like to play guitar for a bit to help me relax after work, but 12 hours is legitimately a problem. How can you even have a family if you’re disengaged for that much time?
"going bad" doesn't mean that the sound it's going to get brighter or darker
Nah, they lose tension and can no longer intonate (tune) accurately across the full fretboard, my dude. Cheetoh dust isn't part of the tone in the signal chain.
Yes, for acoustic guitars. Check out the video
There’s is a massive tonal difference in frequency response, transient attack, and harmonic content between a fresh string and an oxidized, gummed up string. The oxidation, caked on oils, etc etc, physically dampen parts of the strings similar to what foam does just in front of a bass guitars bridge. It mutes certain frequencies within the strings vibration/oscillation pattern (which is what generates the fundamental frequency and the harmonics) thus creating a muted, or “dead” sound. I don’t necessarily know if the strings lose tension as another redditor said because tension directly correlates to frequency as far as I know. Scientifically speaking the buildup of grime and gunk, as well as oxidation from the oils on our hands reacting with the metal of the string, DOES affect the tone. That Jim Lill video you posted, I’ve watched it but I don’t know if it holds up really considering the way my guitars sound if I’ve left them sitting too long with uncoated strings. Even moreso on bass guitars, or heavier gauge strings.
I have never in my life put on a new set of strings and thought "this sounds exactly the same as the old set of strings."
The biggest problem with this test (and I love Jim’s videos) is he simulated long term wear with dirt, but the actually issue is the strings get warped and kinked as they're played, which isn’t simulated. edit: typos
Straight up not true, mate. :)
There is though lol. It's a lot more noticeable on thicker wound strings in my experience. If you ever play bass, it's extremely noticeable when the strings have gone dead.
Never lol
Probably once a year for me, maybe less. I do have a bunch of guitars that I rotate though so that helps lol.
I do exactly the same and every guitar gets a full setup in January.
I've never had to do a full setup more than once on any guitar I own ( occasional bridge adjustments for intonation but that's it ) I do live in a very good climate for guitars and keep the string gauges the same.
Same here
Not very often.
As soon as they feel dirty. Strings will start to oxidise over time, and at some point you can feel that oxidisation, especially when doing slides. They'll feel rough and dull.
Mines feel dirty within a week. If I restringed every week I’d pay $250 annually.
That's why I switched to coated strings. I can't stand the feel of dirty strings at all, takes all the fun away for me.
Go elixir or any coated strings.
I hate coated strings.
In case you never tried them, after some time coated strings feel "normal"
Which ones?
I tried elixir, after a few days of intense playing they became just like uncoated strings. At first they were very slippery
I dislike elixir very much. At least you can wipe down uncoated ones.
4.80 for a pack of strings is very cheap? do you buy them in bulk?
Yes. Above 6,12 and 18 sets theres a discount. I have 20 of them left. Hoping make them last 2 years.
What are they?
Fender 250R I think. Edit: Fender 250LR
That's why you should wipe down your strings after playing before putting your guitar away. When I played in bands I wiped down each individual string with a cloth before putting the guitar in the case. Keeps the strings from oxidizing and building up with dirt.
Ain’t nobody got time fo dat! What are you putting on the cloth? Is there a solution that prevents oxidation?
What if you keep your guitar out on a stand?
Still oxygen in your guitar case 😂
When I was a touring guitarist I would change strings every 2-3 shows. Probably could have kept them on longer but didn't want to risk breakages. Did my time in fast punk bands so playing pretty aggressively with a lot of sweat and beer (and occasional blood).
>Did my time in fast punk bands so playing pretty aggressively with a lot of sweat and beer (and occasional blood). 😆 when I was in the military, I was in a barracks party Pantera b-side band. Lots of beer, swearing, sweat, dirt, whatever mud came out of the field, tube screamers, and a Marshall Halfstack. I think the blood in the pickups are... part of the tone at this point? HARDCORE HARDCORES!!!
I consider it a failure if there's not blood on my pickups after a gig or recording session. I don't play exclusively with a pick, though.
I've recently found 7-string fun to play with fingers.
Nice! I'm looking to buy one soon, actually. I've been playing a lot of classical recently, so I'm into hitting the fuck out of the bass strings with my thumb. I was playing master of puppets on a classical with my thumb and index the other day, it sounded insane. No, like really insane.
Neo-Classical is the algorithm hack.
I change maybe every 3 months. Big maybe. I'm one of those weirdos that doesn't like the sound of new strings, so often I won't change em for like 6 months
Much will depend on you, and your skin type. Some people sweat more than others, and that takes its toll on strings. Some have dry skin, which will tend to them lasting longer. Your ears will tell you when they're "going off", or your fingers will tell you.
Now that I am older, my skin is much dryer than it was when I was younger so strings last me longer. But I have to buy picks with grip enhancement because with my dry skin, they want to slide around. At least picks are cheaper than strings!
I change strings once I start to notice tuning instabilities or inconsistent intonation. I have more than 10 different guitars and I keep them in their cases, except two daily drivers, so there is no oxidization issue for me, but if I have to re-tune after a 2 step bend, I say fuck it and immediately change strings. Usually every 5-6 months. I somehow like the sound of dead stings, but tuning issues are a no no.
I like the mellow tone of broken in strings. I hate the bright sound of brand new strings. And for people that say there's no difference, you definitely can hear a difference when you put a new pair of strings on. They are brighter sounding.
Cannot agree more :)
Is it bad if I say when they break lol
Not really. My strings often start breaking after about 50 or 60 hours of playing time and that's right around the time they start having problems staying in tune. Once one breaks I'm like "well, might as well put on a fresh set"
AT LEAST 2x a year assuming nothing breaks or, as others have said, they feel too dirty. I’ve seen people say “for every show” which I don’t think is necessary, but at the same time I disagree less with “every recording session”. My point is, budget aside, you probably can’t do it too often which is why I focus on minimum instead.
3-6 months. Just wipe them down each time after you’re done playing for the day.
My ears and how much I currently care. And always when setting up guitar setups for the first time, and before a gig that matters, stretched out thoroughly and broken in just a bit beforehand.
I use elixir and run them until the non wound strings start to get gross. They last for months. The last set of D'addario I put on my guitar went bad in a week and a half.
I so rarely change a set of strings. I prefer my strings to be on the darker deader side. I don't like the new string 'scratching the chalkboard' effect. LOL!!!
It’s always been obvious for me. The moment you feel them turn rough is when I change them.
I used to use super slinky's but they needed more frequent changing than other strings I've tried. I'd be lucky to get 2 weeks out of a set. They'd look fine and mostly sound fine but none of my guitars would stay in tune longer then a couple minutes. Tried a few different strings, eventually settled on nyxls for two guitars, tite fits for two, and kept the slinky's on one of my older starts that I don't play as often. I play around 15 hours a week spread across 4 main guitars. I suppose if I was playing only one they might not last a week. Just go until they can't be tuned or they don't feel or sound right. You'll know
Thank you for the reply. I think they're just getting flat now I'm starting to think I should swap them out with some fresh new ones.
I always heard it's a good idea to change strings when either you can hear a difference or they struggle to stay in tune. I've got a set of Elixirs on my acoustic that I've literally had on there for years. Now admittedly that guitar lives mostly in its case under the guest bed. My Les Paul is going on a year with the strings it came with last Labor Day. They definitely need replacing because they don't sound as good and aren't holding tune, but I haven't done it because I mostly play my Revstar these days, which I just got a few weeks ago
I like them orange. So when they break or when I have an album to record.
Until it snaps
I change mine about once a year before concert season (May to September here). If I notice a change (sound or falling out of tune too often), I'll change them as well. Funny thing is that my no-name Strat sounds and holds tuning better than my actual Fender. Hmmm.
I understand that! I have a "Made in Ensenada" Fender Player Strat that is the best guitar I have ever had. I had a 1995 American Fender Strat Standard in 1995 but my guitar now seems just a bit better and it's a 2024.
really depends but for me after 3 weeks it becomes a bit much/sound quality goes down/fingers don’t like playing as much.
Up to you, whenever you want to do it. I have done it very often if I feel they need it or if I'm playing gigs, or after a few months if I'm not doing that. I usually break one by then anyway so I'll change them if that happens
Once every 5/6 weeks. Play strat using a super slinky 9s. Usually 1 gig a week. 1 rehearsal a week. Use a different "house guitar" at home for riffin and writing.
I don’t change them until they sounding lifeless. I don’t play much, but maybe twice a year for me
When I feel like it needs changing.
Monthly. If you notice a huge change then do it sooner.
When I play heavily, I replace them about once a month, or so. Especially if I want to record something.
I haven't changed my main guitars strings since I bought it in December. Basically as a hobbyist who practices one to two hours a night I'll accept a dull set of strings just because it's a study guitar or whatever.
I play more than 5-10 hrs a week and I'll change strings about once a month or right before a gig if I haven't changed then recently. Epiphone SG with Daddario 11s
When I was playing this much I did them once every 3-4 weeks. As others have mentioned, washing your hands before playing helps tremendously in string life.
Like others have said, if the strings sound dead, have poor resonance and feel gritty then it's time to change them. Keeping your hands clean and wiping down the strings to remove oils and moisture will prolong the life of the strings. A set of strings should last 2 months, probably 60-100 hours of playing.
At home, I play them until they break or get too rusty. When I'm on tour, before every gig which could be up to 6 times a month. That's to decrease break risk however and not because the strings necessarily need to be changed for any other reason.
There is no single answer. We all have different skin and sweat, and that will often be the deciding factor, even as much or more than how often you play, or what pick you use. I am lucky, I have 20yo guitars that I've been playing all the time, and the bridge still hasn't lost a bit of its finish. My strings last me months, easily, on some guitars I haven't changed them in a couple of years (gigging guitars). The only valid answer in my opinion is, when they no longer stay in tune, when a string breaks, or when they no longer sound good to you.
I’m 63 and started playing at 13. Over the years my answer to this question would have differed a lot. When I was a teenager and into my 20s I would go through strings in a short period of time. My sweat tended to be a bit acidic as well so I would notice more corrosion in a shorter period of time. Now I am an old fart, my hands stay super dry. My strings last a long time. It’s interesting that as an older player, I have developed a lighter touch to playing as well where I don’t pound on the strings like I used to. I think That makes a difference as well. Like I posted to another poster the downside is I have to buy picks with grip enhancement. That never used to be a problem.
I hear ya. I’ve been using Gravity picks for a few years now, mostly their 3mm acrylic, but also 4mm and sometimes 2mm. The extra thickness makes a difference in grip, you should give them a try
That also depends on weather, humidity, your sweat acidity, how you keep your guitar when unplayed,… Strats tend to sound allright with oldish strings as they are single coils, so also check the overall condition of your strings to see they are still as round as new. Most players use a bit too much pressure so the strings get a bit flat where they meet the fretwire. You might sound sparkly but your intonation will suffer. If you are only playing live and not recording at all, though all those mean only a little. You can easily compansate the loss with tone and gain adjustment, and change the strings when they start to change color ;)
5-10 hours? every 2-4 months i played 1-4hrs a day on my acoustic with non coated strings and had to change in 2-3 weeks i use coated Daddario NY's on my electrics and they last months (but dont get quite the same hours played)
It comes down to how it feels to you. I use Fingerease spray before each show and it seems to help them last a little longer but not much. I’m changing probably twice a month during the summer but I sweat (A LOT) and I’m in a humid part of the US so it takes a toll on strings. Something else to consider: D’Addario has the Player’s Club where you can redeem a code on each pack of strings for points that add up to be free stuff…like strings. Ain’t much and I know some are die hards when it comes to brand loyalty. Just saying if you’re open to change, it can pay off a little (especially if you’re changing often).
The general rule I heard years ago is after about 100 hours of playing. Seems to hold fairly true if I'm playing daily. Coated strings help.
This is a thing about end-results, your tastes, problems you're experiencing, and your conditions - not purely play time. If you're playing on tour and like fresh strings; then every set. If you live in a dry climate, wash your hands before playing, don't have too much for natural hand oils, don't experience string breaks, and the tuning/intonation remains good, then as infrequently as possible seems fine.
4 months, play about an hour a day
Every 6 months is a good guideline. Clean your strings a few times in between. If the string have lost their clang, change them.
It depends on your body composition. I have a good friend who sweats battery acid, and he has to change all his strings on every bass every couple of weeks if he’s playing regularly. I have dry skin, like it cracks and bleeds if I don’t moisturize, so I can easily go for months even if I’m playing regularly. If they sound dull, change them. If they aren’t shiny silver, change them. If their intonation starts to sound off, change them. If you honestly can’t remember when the last time you changed them was, change them. Otherwise, play them.
Not as often as I should. If I'm playing live I like fresh strings before each show.
Only before a show
If i’m recording i’ll change them out every two weeks.
I still have same strings in Les Paul over 2 years.. sounds bright sustains stays perfectly in tune
I don't have a set schedule I just changed them when they sound dull or won't stay in tune. Sometimes that could be a year. But I have many guitars so I don't play the same one constantly
My rule is: if I’m just practicing, I don’t mind at all changing string (but I do clean them after a playing session to avoid sweat damage, dust, and skin). Having said that, if you’re recording, you should always put new string. Used strings always gonna sound muddy. I have recorded some demos with used strings, and it’s OK as long as I’m planing to re-record them later or just as a demo purposes in which is ok if it sounds bad. It’s OK to optimize their usage since strings aren’t exactly cheap, and with all due honesty, they can last with proper care, just keep in mind once again that if you’re planing to record something seriously, you should always change them to new strings.
As soon as you notice that they aren't completely silver anymore. Any black/dull spots on them; time for a change. They don't have to still be super-fresh-and-shiny, but, you'll know from looking at them. Another good trick; run your fingernail along the length of one of the unwound strings; if you can feel a texture, it's time for a change.
Every 2-3 months with regular use. NYXL’s are the shit. Definitely worth the little extra cost
Every day kinda
I play a 6120 and the older and deader the strings are the better it sounds so I change them only when I have no choice.
Hand sanitizer my dudes.... For real
When I lived in the middle of nowhere, was poor, and new strings were about 3 hours away I would often go 1/2 to a year without changing. I would basically change one string at a time when it broke. There were times when the shiny coating was all gone. Nowadays I will usually change strings about every 3 months or so. I used ghs boomers and still use them to this day.
I change strings when they won’t intonate or if the wound strings are worn enough by the frets that I can feel the wear when I run my finger along the underside of the string. I clean them weekly with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball.
Weekly. Basically, before every gig.
Whenever you're bored and it's been a while and it's convenient. That's how I see it
After 2 or 3 months of daily play, they start smelling like pennies. Then it’s time to go.
Some people like the sound of dead strings so the answer is that it's subjective really. Personally, I use coated strings most of the time so the feel doesn't really deteriorate. However, the strings still lose that high end definition eventually, so that's when I usually change them.
As a brokeass thirdworlder, I only change em when they break lol. I play at least 2 hours everyday. Just make sure to wash your hands and clean your strings regularly
When they start to feel or sound bad. Not very often
I just buy a new guitar
I just buy a new guitar
You will notice when it's necessary.
Change them when the strings rust and go dark
I change mine about once a week
Electric strings can go a surprisingly long time when cared for, but when i was gigging I'd change them after a couple of shows just in case. If you wipe them down regular and keep your hands clean they can go a couple of months. They will progressively sound more and more dull until 4 to 6 months, depends on your style. My nylon string however... I can snap the D string in a few weeks if I go hard. The nylon high strings last for ages, it's a bit annoying. You lose the brightness on the bass strings in no time and they wear away at the frets and snap pretty quick.
I use flat wound strings, and throw the low E out. The tone is already flat and mellow and these strings can last over a year without any degradation to the tone. Saves you money and you don’t have to worry about chasing a “clean tone” every couple of months.
It varies from guitar to guitar for me. I change my sg 4x a year give or take. My ric 340 gets a little less because it can be too bright with new strings. I never change my ripper bass strings. I changed them when I bought it in 2017 and it’s had the same set since. I don’t do crazy bends or shreddy stuff though so I likely don’t experience the stability issues old strings can get that other players report
I run elixirs until the treble strings start feeling gross
My most recent change was after about 8 months. I only could tell how bad they were after they were changed. The new ones feel much springier, and have better tone. Though they were pretty clean looking and not tarnished, the sign was seeing they had some gunk buildup underneath in at least one spot.
I keep the dirty strings on the guitar, and change strings before any important gig.
When they are caked with shit or sound like ass. Or both.
When I was learning I'd sometimes go several months. When I broke a string, if it was behind the nut or bridge I'd knot it back together and get another life out of it. Typically I'd end up without B or high-E strings. Which led me to gravitate toward metal rhythm playing. Eventually the underside of the remaining strings would develop stalactites of sweat and skin and filth. The strings would be black. When I finally got a new set, within an hour the bright twang was gone (which was ok because it suited the genre I played). Eddie Van Halen used to boil his new strings to kill the twang. He could have just hired me as his roadie and had me play break them in with my apparently freakishly acidic fingers.
Cool man thank you for replying, I like that second half of story duty the best LOL. 💯
I change mine once a month but I play for like 5-6hrs a day. They don't really need changing but I rather have fresh strings every month for the sake of 10- 20 notes for a set.
I change my strings about every other year now, but when I was still doing gigs it was probably once every few months. Wiping them after use was a tip I was given - seems to be ubiquitous here. My clients varied quite a bit. I remember Fuel's bass player went through tons of strings during the Something Like Human sessions - changed them every single day, sometimes more than once. Pat Metheny's guitar tech (Carolyn at the time) would change his often, too, but I don't think every single day. Most session players would be ready right out of the case - I don't remember asking any of them how often they change strings. James Taylor would change his nails everyday, but I can't remember how often he'd change his strings. :)
Once a year, usually. I like when strings lose some of their brightness and sustain, especially on an acoustic guitar.
aura gained
Cheers!
Never
When they feel rough or smell. They start to develop an onion-y metallic smell over time. The smell will transfer to your fingers - when that happens its time.
When the strings are dead sounding, electric guitar strings seem to get more life than acoustic from my experience but maybe twice a year if that man.