String Changes? How Often?

ButchRG · #1 03-12-2008, 12:01 AM

I realize that the answer to this question will depend on a lot of different factors including (but not limited to) personal preference, type of guitar, amount of use, playing style, amount of whammy abuse, guitar setup, bending, weather, string type and gauge, etc.

I play on average around 2-3 hours per day in my home studio and I'm not a particularly heavy trem user. Years ago, with that amount of use, I'd change strings every two weeks or so. It seems lately though; I've become accustomed to changing them much more frequently. Every other day seems to be about as long as I can tolerate a "used" set of strings. Perhaps it's because I do more recording these days than live playing. I think I notice the tone difference more but I also prefer the "feel" of newer strings. I realize that many players prefer the feel and tone of a "broken in" set of strings.

I guess this is more a "poll" type question. How often do you change your strings? And while I'm at it: Since I'm going broke buying strings by the gross, what techniques and/or products do you use to clean your strings?

Thanks!!

**jaxadam** · #2 03-12-2008, 12:05 AM

I probably play about 5-10 hours a week, and I only change strings once every month or so. Sometimes longer. I'm sure I have guitars around here that haven't had a string change in a year or more. I pick them up every once in a while and play them and they still sound fine.

I've always heard the "two weeks" rule, but I guess it's just really personal preference. I actually prefer strings that have a few miles on them, as opposed to a brand-spankin'-new fresh set.

I usually just give the guitar a good wipe-down when I'm done playing, and I sure as hell don't use any of that "string saver" bullsh!t that our bassist used to rub all over his strings every five minutes.

**Ayrton** · #3 03-12-2008, 12:16 AM

I just change them when they feel "off" to me...

Some make it longer than others.

**jaxadam** · #4 03-12-2008, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

Some make it longer than others.

I think Elixirs and DR's seem to last quite a while.

ColinMmmmm · #5 03-12-2008, 12:28 AM

I play a lot less than you, but my hands are toxic. I can get probably a month to six weeks out of a set. I wish my hands weren't so damn clammy all the time. But I wipe my strings down very frequently (even between songs).

losgatosrg350dx · #6 03-12-2008, 12:41 AM

i get about a couple hours a day or even none when im traveling..but i dont know, maybe once in 6 months and that still average a hour to three per day of playing, some days ill miss

i find that

1. when the microtonal grooves(string dynamic) gets clogged i get less tone
replace
2. when the strings have a nice flat wear in the fret areas
change

but thats just me, i have strings on for a few days to several months it really depends, but i only change a whole set at a time

Ad_Astra · #7 03-12-2008, 12:51 AM

I usually change the strings when I break one (rarely). At least when the fretboard's full of grease and pieces of skin I change all the strings and clean the fretboard. This happens maybe once in 3-4 months. I've never wiped strings after playing. When I clean at home, I wipe the strings with a duster occasionally.

I don't even play much. Sometimes I've two weeks without even touching my guitars. Usually I play about 5 hours a week. But when I get inspired and record some stuff, I can play 6 hours a day.

Probably that's why I cannot play though I've played the guitar for 16 years. Proof -> http://ameba.lpt.fi/~vilkmati/Sontaa/Bloodline_v3.mp3

My guitars:

Dee · #8 03-12-2008, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

I just change them when they feel "off" to me...

Some make it longer than others.

Same for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaxadam

I think Elixirs and DR's seem to last quite a while.

DR Hi Beams rule on guitar. Black Beauty bass set is also nice. DR also have awesome customer service. Good company.

ButchRG · #9 03-12-2008, 01:04 AM

Probably that's why I cannot play though I've played the guitar for 16 years. Proof -> http://ameba.lpt.fi/~vilkmati/Sontaa/Bloodline_v3.mp3

Whew...that was fun!!

toshiro · #10 03-12-2008, 01:05 AM

Typically every other month, but I spread the playing time between 4 guitars, so it's like every 2 weeks.

screamndemon69 · #11 03-12-2008, 02:47 AM

It depends how many shows I played or didn't play that week. If I get two nights out of my two main guitars, then I did well. I don't trust my strings at a gig if they've had more miles than two nights worth. If we stay busy they are getting changed on my main guitars weekly.

My acoustic guitar, that basically lives in my teaching studio, goes anywhere from 3mos to a year between string changes and I play that guitar almost everyday for 1-6hrs.

~Bones

toshiro · #12 03-12-2008, 04:26 AM

Unfortunately the closest I get to playing out now is with the window open.

screamndemon69 · #13 03-12-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toshiro

Unfortunately the closest I get to playing out now is with the window open.

That's too bad bro, lots of cool players and places to play in your area. I would still like to give you a ring next time I'm in town to hang out and jam.

BTW- did you see in the "auctions to laugh at" thread, the one from Holly Hill? It's the one that Ayrton posted yesterday I believe. I got a good laugh outta that one, it is too fitting that it is from someone in Holly Hill.

~Bones

kotornut · #14 03-12-2008, 10:18 PM

I change strings once a month, I play about 1-3 hours a day.

When I was a gigging musician and I practiced witha full band 3-5 times a week I replaced strings every 1 or 2 weeks.

Oracle13 · #15 03-14-2008, 02:41 AM

I have three main guitars that I play in rotation and I change one set of strings every week. Obviously, that means that each guitar gets a new set of strings every three weeks. But if I'm playing one particular guitar more than the others, I might only go two weeks, at most.

My motivation is more based on fear of breaking a string while performing though. I think changing strings more than once a week is a bit excessive though, no matter how much a guitar is being played. Then again, getting a good track can be priceless.