Fingerstyle players - how often to change strings when gigging?

[Benjo]

I like to leave my strings on for a good 2-3 months. I play most every day for a few hours at least, but don't gig. The strings do lose their brilliance but I like a more muted mellow warmer sound so it suits me. But I was wondering for those who were gigging.Do you find that you need to change your strings more often, and if so how often? I would think that playing amplified makes it much less Important to do but that's just me guessing.

[LAPlayer]

It's going to sound trite but, honestly, it's when they need replacing. I go by feel and sound. I don't have a X hours then replace.

[Doug Young]

I change them when I notice the intonation going, mostly, so amplification has little to do with it. I don't keep track, really. I could be a few months on a guitar I don't play all that often, or a week on a guitar that's just gotten plenty of playing time.

[rstaight]

I know of folks who put on a new set before every gig. Others every 2 or 3 gigs.

Then there are others who change them when ever. It's all personal taste and what you feel comfortable with.

[TheGITM]

Originally Posted by rstaight

I know of folks who put on a new set before every gig. Others every 2 or 3 gigs.

Then there are others who change them when ever. It's all personal taste and what you feel comfortable with.

Same.

The guy I know that gigs professionally all over the country changes them before every show. He is an acoustic singer/songwriter, so it's just him up there... and he hates to have a string break during a performance. That is his main reason for new strings for every show.

[Nymuso]

I’m addicted to that clear, pianistic sound in the lower bass strings. I am not a guy who prefers that “dead, woody” sound. Consequently, I change them frequently.