How often do you change guitar strings?

brianlux

I had a guitar teacher back in high school tell me I should change my guitar strings frequently- I don't remember exactly but it was like every week or so.  Any more, I only change mine once in a while- I'm guessing a good 100 hours of playing total on a set of strings.  Of course, there are several factors for how long strings last- clean or dirty hands, lots of bending or none, type of strings, etc.   Also, a lot depends on the sound a player wants- new strings are more bright, older ones mellower.  I guess I'm getting soft in my old age.  I kind of like them worn and mellow. 

Once they get too difficult to tune though, off they go!

dudeman

I use coated strings on my acoustic guitars and I change them sometime between 9 and 12 months. If I'm playing somewhere or recording with anyone, I'll put fresh strings on.

The electric guitars get new strings every couple weeks. 

The basses go several months between string changes. I have one bass with flats and I don't plan on ever changing them unless one breaks. 

Short answer?  It depends. 

gimmesometruth27

depends on how often i am playing. i will normally change before a gig and then play that gig, and then maybe 3 or 4 more practices and then change again. if we are busy i will maybe change them every 6 weeks or so. if we are in a lull then every few months. we play 3 one hour sets in the cover band, so i like to have fresh strings for that. the original band will be doing 45 minute shows initially, probably won't be too inclined to change them for something like that. just take a backup guitar.

i just don't like playing strings that feel like barbed wire. i use a string cleaner and keep the next oiled and that seems to prolong string life.

mccreadyisgod

I've been using coated strings lately also. And, seeing as how I don't spend as much quality time with them (no band, no gigs), I can go more than a year on a set of strings. If I ever find any hint of corrosion, they get replaced immediately.

dudeman

Coated strings were a revelation when I moved to Florida. I played outdoors a lot and the combination of heat, humidity, sweat and skin was brutal on strings. 

brianlux

Coated strings?  Tell me about coated strings.  Never used them.

dudeman

They have a very thin layer on them that inhibits corrosion and prevents anything from getting between the windings. 

The Elixir Nanoweb strings that I've been using feel nice, sound good and last a long time. 

Most manufacturers offer some type of coated strings. I have had great service from DR, too.

Gtilley8

dudeman said:

They have a very thin layer on them that inhibits corrosion and prevents anything from getting between the windings. 

The Elixir Nanoweb strings that I've been using feel nice, sound good and last a long time. 

Most manufacturers offer some type of coated strings. I have had great service from DR, too.

Elixers are, to me, the best in the realm of coated strings.  Once I tried them, I couldn't go back.  

rustneversleeps

Gtilley8 said:

dudeman said:

They have a very thin layer on them that inhibits corrosion and prevents anything from getting between the windings. 

The Elixir Nanoweb strings that I've been using feel nice, sound good and last a long time. 

Most manufacturers offer some type of coated strings. I have had great service from DR, too.

Elixers are, to me, the best in the realm of coated strings.  Once I tried them, I couldn't go back.  

+1

dudeman

The first coated strings I tried were DR Extra Life. They are superb. They were pretty hard to find locally in the town I moved to, though. I tried the Elixir Nanowebs due to availability and haven't used up the sets I bought years ago. 

ledvedderman

I swear to God, changing strings is the most frustrating part of it all. I'm sure you guys are all pros by now, but I still suck at changing them after nearly 18 years of playing. 

brianlux

ledvedderman said:

I swear to God, changing strings is the most frustrating part of it all. I'm sure you guys are all pros by now, but I still suck at changing them after nearly 18 years of playing. 

OMG, I hate changing strings.  I bleed every freakin' time I change a set! 

brianlux

Thanks for info on coated strings all.  I might have to give them a try.  And bleed while putting them on. 

rgambs

ledvedderman said:

I swear to God, changing strings is the most frustrating part of it all. I'm sure you guys are all pros by now, but I still suck at changing them after nearly 18 years of playing. 

It's a pain in the ass.
I play for about a half hour every day and I change strings about once a year.  I usually play the 12 string so I'm never eager to tackle that task.
Worn and rusty strings don't bother me, I'm a worn and rusty kind of guy lol

mccreadyisgod

I love changing strings, I find it theraputic. I'm that way about fixing anything, really.

I use D'Addario EXP coated strings, I find that they don't feel "plasticy" in the same way that Elixirs feel to me.

brianlux

Thanks for info on coated strings all.  I might have to give them a try.  And bleed while putting them on. 

rgambs said:

ledvedderman said:

I swear to God, changing strings is the most frustrating part of it all. I'm sure you guys are all pros by now, but I still suck at changing them after nearly 18 years of playing. 

It's a pain in the ass.
I play for about a half hour every day and I change strings about once a year.  I usually play the 12 string so I'm never eager to tackle that task.
Worn and rusty strings don't bother me, I'm a worn and rusty kind of guy lol

Same here, Gambs, but we have to be careful- rust never sleeps, haha!

mccreadyisgod said:

I love changing strings, I find it theraputic. I'm that way about fixing anything, really.

I use D'Addario EXP coated strings, I find that they don't feel "plasticy" in the same way that Elixirs feel to me.

I have three guitars that all could use a string change.  Come on over any time, lol!

dudeman

mccreadyisgod said:

I love changing strings, I find it theraputic. I'm that way about fixing anything, really.

I use D'Addario EXP coated strings, I find that they don't feel "plasticy" in the same way that Elixirs feel to me.

Maintenance is part of the deal like it or not. I happen to like that part of playing instruments too. In another life, I could have been a guitar tech. 

mfc2006

mccreadyisgod said:

I love changing strings, I find it theraputic. I'm that way about fixing anything, really.

I use D'Addario EXP coated strings, I find that they don't feel "plasticy" in the same way that Elixirs feel to me.

I use those as well & really like them.

ledvedderman

rgambs said:

ledvedderman said:

I swear to God, changing strings is the most frustrating part of it all. I'm sure you guys are all pros by now, but I still suck at changing them after nearly 18 years of playing. 

It's a pain in the ass.
I play for about a half hour every day and I change strings about once a year.  I usually play the 12 string so I'm never eager to tackle that task.
Worn and rusty strings don't bother me, I'm a worn and rusty kind of guy lol

I love everything about 12 strings...except the idea of changing the strings. That's literally the only reason I don't buy one. If I need one in the studio, I know a guy with a good 12 string I can use and all it costs me is a 12 pack of beer or something. That's a steal in my eyes!

mfc2006

ledvedderman said:

rgambs said:

ledvedderman said:

I swear to God, changing strings is the most frustrating part of it all. I'm sure you guys are all pros by now, but I still suck at changing them after nearly 18 years of playing. 

It's a pain in the ass.
I play for about a half hour every day and I change strings about once a year.  I usually play the 12 string so I'm never eager to tackle that task.
Worn and rusty strings don't bother me, I'm a worn and rusty kind of guy lol

I love everything about 12 strings...except the idea of changing the strings. That's literally the only reason I don't buy one. If I need one in the studio, I know a guy with a good 12 string I can use and all it costs me is a 12 pack of beer or something. That's a steal in my eyes!

Agreed!

brianlux

Same here!  Changing strings on a 12 string?  Oh man!

But I think even more vexing would be tuning a 12 string.  Six strings are hard enough.  If the combined vibrations of all 6 aren't just so, they grind my gears unmercifully.

dudeman

For those of you who don't like changing strings, have you tried locking tuners?

I bought Sperzel locking tuners for my Strat and it really simplified string changes. I just have to slide the string through the hole in the post, tighten the thumbscrew and tune to pitch. 

They work great and are very stable, provided I stretch the strings properly. 

brianlux

dudeman said:

For those of you who don't like changing strings, have you tried locking tuners?

I bought Sperzel locking tuners for my Strat and it really simplified string changes. I just have to slide the string through the hole in the post, tighten the thumbscrew and tune to pitch. 

They work great and are very stable, provided I stretch the strings properly. 

Wow!  I checked out a few short videos on YouTube.  This looks PROMISING!  Anyone had any bad experiences with locking tuners?  If not, I might just have to try a set on one of my guitars!

Thanks, dudeman!

Added questions:
1.  What about locking tuners for acoustic guitars?  Good idea or no?
2.  What about added weight?  Noticeable?  (Especially concerned again re. acoustic guitars).

Thanks!

rgambs

dudeman said:

For those of you who don't like changing strings, have you tried locking tuners?

I bought Sperzel locking tuners for my Strat and it really simplified string changes. I just have to slide the string through the hole in the post, tighten the thumbscrew and tune to pitch. 

They work great and are very stable, provided I stretch the strings properly. 

I will have to look into that, I could stand to play on fresher strings, it wouldn't make me cry lol

rgambs

ledvedderman said:

rgambs said:

ledvedderman said:

I swear to God, changing strings is the most frustrating part of it all. I'm sure you guys are all pros by now, but I still suck at changing them after nearly 18 years of playing. 

It's a pain in the ass.
I play for about a half hour every day and I change strings about once a year.  I usually play the 12 string so I'm never eager to tackle that task.
Worn and rusty strings don't bother me, I'm a worn and rusty kind of guy lol

I love everything about 12 strings...except the idea of changing the strings. That's literally the only reason I don't buy one. If I need one in the studio, I know a guy with a good 12 string I can use and all it costs me is a 12 pack of beer or something. That's a steal in my eyes!

I love a 12 string for many strum and picking applications, but not all.  I think it really shines with a strum more than picking, which is the opposite of what most people think, or at least assume until they play more. 
The tones don't come together to enhance single notes all that well IMO, but they really boost the sound for chords and make such a full and warm timbre.

rgambs

brianlux said:

Same here!  Changing strings on a 12 string?  Oh man!

But I think even more vexing would be tuning a 12 string.  Six strings are hard enough.  If the combined vibrations of all 6 aren't just so, they grind my gears unmercifully.

I use an app (da tuner lite) and it's super easy.  It's also nice because it tunes anything, so I can do the uke as well.
Fortunately, my Alvarez 12 string stays tuned much better than any of my other guitars.  It only needs tuned in spring and fall when the temperature fluctuates wildly.  Maybe twice per summer and twice per winter.  Wonderful guitar!

brianlux

rgambs said:

brianlux said:

Same here!  Changing strings on a 12 string?  Oh man!

But I think even more vexing would be tuning a 12 string.  Six strings are hard enough.  If the combined vibrations of all 6 aren't just so, they grind my gears unmercifully.

I use an app (da tuner lite) and it's super easy.  It's also nice because it tunes anything, so I can do the uke as well.
Fortunately, my Alvarez 12 string stays tuned much better than any of my other guitars.  It only needs tuned in spring and fall when the temperature fluctuates wildly.  Maybe twice per summer and twice per winter.  Wonderful guitar!

I've tried all kinds of  electronic tuners with little or no luck.  I think it has something to do with Hz.  I may be more a 432 Hz guy than a 440.

Or maybe I'm just a little flat, haha!

For those who don't know what the heck I'm talking about, read here:

https://ask.audio/articles/music-theory-432-hz-tuning-separating-fact-from-fiction

rgambs

brianlux said:

rgambs said:

brianlux said:

Same here!  Changing strings on a 12 string?  Oh man!

But I think even more vexing would be tuning a 12 string.  Six strings are hard enough.  If the combined vibrations of all 6 aren't just so, they grind my gears unmercifully.

I use an app (da tuner lite) and it's super easy.  It's also nice because it tunes anything, so I can do the uke as well.
Fortunately, my Alvarez 12 string stays tuned much better than any of my other guitars.  It only needs tuned in spring and fall when the temperature fluctuates wildly.  Maybe twice per summer and twice per winter.  Wonderful guitar!

I've tried all kinds of  electronic tuners with little or no luck.  I think it has something to do with Hz.  I may be more a 432 Hz guy than a 440.

Or maybe I'm just a little flat, haha!

For those who don't know what the heck I'm talking about, read here:

https://ask.audio/articles/music-theory-432-hz-tuning-separating-fact-from-fiction

Da tuner allows you to set the A reference frequency at whatever Hz you choose!  It also displays the note you are playing accurately so you know to go up or down, and how many semitones you need to go to reach the correct note.
It has a pitch pipe and adjustable volume control on the input so you can tune with background noise being ignored. 
I love it, it tunes any instrument and works without screwing with it at all. 
It's only on Android though I think.  My only problem with it is that Simon deletes it and I have to keep downloading it again and again lol

dudeman

Does anyone use a strobe tuner? I bought a couple pedal tuners from Sonic Research a number of years ago. They are extremely accurate and built solid with a small footprint. 

At the time, they cost about  $120.00. 

brianlux

rgambs said:

brianlux said:

rgambs said:

brianlux said:

Same here!  Changing strings on a 12 string?  Oh man!

But I think even more vexing would be tuning a 12 string.  Six strings are hard enough.  If the combined vibrations of all 6 aren't just so, they grind my gears unmercifully.

I use an app (da tuner lite) and it's super easy.  It's also nice because it tunes anything, so I can do the uke as well.
Fortunately, my Alvarez 12 string stays tuned much better than any of my other guitars.  It only needs tuned in spring and fall when the temperature fluctuates wildly.  Maybe twice per summer and twice per winter.  Wonderful guitar!

I've tried all kinds of  electronic tuners with little or no luck.  I think it has something to do with Hz.  I may be more a 432 Hz guy than a 440.

Or maybe I'm just a little flat, haha!

For those who don't know what the heck I'm talking about, read here:

https://ask.audio/articles/music-theory-432-hz-tuning-separating-fact-from-fiction

Da tuner allows you to set the A reference frequency at whatever Hz you choose!  It also displays the note you are playing accurately so you know to go up or down, and how many semitones you need to go to reach the correct note.
It has a pitch pipe and adjustable volume control on the input so you can tune with background noise being ignored. 
I love it, it tunes any instrument and works without screwing with it at all. 
It's only on Android though I think.  My only problem with it is that Simon deletes it and I have to keep downloading it again and again lol

That's pretty cool!

brianlux

Finally got around to changing the strings on my two Martins and, personal record: two complete sets change and NO BLEEDING!

I'm thinking again about those locking tuners.  On one of the high E strings I didn't catch the loop right to secure the string and as I was winding it up it went POP! and slipped such that the end of the string is just showing through the tuning machine hole.  I don't know what the heck is holding it in place but I'd better get a spare E because I've got a feeling that sucker's gonna fly off there any time now!