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Topic: How To Know When To Change Strings? |
Jim Saunders
From:
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
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Posted 11 Oct 2013 5:14 pm |
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| Do you change strings with a certain pattern or time table? Or, do you change when it seems the strings have lost their "touch" or tone? |
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Sid Hudson
From:
Virginia, USA
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Posted 11 Oct 2013 5:32 pm
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Jim, probably when you start having intonation problems above the 12th fret line or when you start chasing your knee and pedal tunings with your allen wrench.
Players that chase their knee and pedal tunings for a long period of time find themselves doing a lot of extra tuning when they eventually do install new strings |
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Jim Saunders
From:
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
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Posted 11 Oct 2013 7:56 pm String Changes
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| Sid, Thanks for that honest answer from a man in the string business. You could have suggested we change every week. Just kidding. I love your stings and your playing. You dazzeled the crowd in Dallas when you played there. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 11 Oct 2013 8:08 pm
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From a guy who DOESN'T have strings to sell: he's right.
When your changes start to need tuning, they're toast. That seems to happen shortly before the wound ones sound dead.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Niels Andrews
From:
Salinas, California, USA
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Posted 11 Oct 2013 8:44 pm
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Before you think you should. 
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo. |
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Alan Bidmade
From:
Newcastle upon Tyne UK
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Posted 11 Oct 2013 10:26 pm
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Just before one breaks!
_________________
Ben-Rom #017 'Lorelei', Guild D25, Epiphone 'Joe Pass', Roland 40XL, Hilton VP
First name Alan, but known as Nick |
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Bill Moore
From:
Manchester, Michigan
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Posted 12 Oct 2013 5:08 am
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| A few years ago, I started keeping track of string changes. I use a calendar, and just write down what guitar, what strings on the date they are changes. Then I will know if I should change strings before a gig, and I have a good reference to see how long strings last. I have several guitars, and this really helps. |
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Jim Saunders
From:
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
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Posted 12 Oct 2013 7:12 am String Changes
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| Good advice from all who replied. I always keep the empty wrapper from the strings I install and write the date on it. When my strings begin to lose their lively sound, I check the date on the wrapper. Usually, then, I install a new set. The old strings seem to detune down(flatten), E to several cents flat, etc. I think stainless lasts longer, but I like the nichol tone. |
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Craig A Davidson
From:
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin USA
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Posted 12 Oct 2013 8:14 am
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| Just a note here for you push-pull owners, when you have to touch the end plate screws it is time to change strings. |
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Randy Gilliam
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Posted 15 Oct 2013 4:15 pm Once a Month.
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Once a Month, With Live Steel Strings They are great! Randy G.  |
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Leo Melanson
From:
Massachusetts, USA
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Posted 16 Oct 2013 10:09 am another method
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Here is a tip ... I started doing a few years ago to keep track of strings on my (4) electric guitars (2) acoustic guitars (2) steels (2) banjos and (2) violins.
I take a small strip of post-it note and write the date, brand and gauge of string on it. Then I put the post-it note on the back of every head-stock (back of fretboard for steels).
This has helped me keep track of string age. I am often shocked at how neglectful I can be with some strings with so many instruments to manage.
_________________
Boston area country musician
Mullen G2 player |
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Bob Simons
From:
Kansas City, Mo, USA
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Posted 17 Oct 2013 5:01 pm
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If you re playing your guitar and you happen to wonder if you should change the strings- don't wait. Change them. I do every two weeks. They sound so good and play so in tune for a few days! But certainly when a string won't tune...
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Zumsteel U12 8-5, MSA M3 U12 9-7, MSA SS 10-string, 1930 National Resonophonic, Telonics Combo, Webb 614e, Fender Steel King, Mesa Boogie T-Verb. |
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