When to Change Strings?

CarolD · #1 09-25-2020, 05:56 AM

Yet another beginner question...sorry guys and gals! I’m thinking I should start a separate section on the journey of an old(er) beginner...lol.

So, Eastman E6OM. I purchased and have been learning for about 6-7 weeks now, usually an hour or so a day. D’addario EXP16 Phosphor Bronze 12-53. They have gotten darker in color and sound much different than when they were new (maybe kind of sloppy in tone-I don’t know how to describe it, especially the bass strings). Is it time for new strings?

As always, many thanks for your replies!

llew · #2 09-25-2020, 06:01 AM

Probably time to change them Carol. I try to tear a piece off of the packaging that shows the string manufacturer and type and date it and toss it is the case pocket as a reminder. Some folks like older strings. I prefer new strings especially once they've settled in after a couple of days.

CarolD · #3 09-25-2020, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

Probably time to change them Carol. I try to tear a piece off of the packaging that shows the string manufacturer and type and date it and toss it is the case pocket as a reminder. Some folks like older strings. I prefer new strings especially once they've settled in after a couple of days.

Thank you so much for the reply! I thought it was time but wanted to double check with the knowledgeable folks here. I bought a few extra sets when one of the string shops had a BOGO sale, so I have them here. Going to put them on. And great idea for dating the package!

musicman1951 · #4 09-25-2020, 06:04 AM

There is no wrong answer to your question. It depends a great deal on the strings and the sound you like from your strings.

The short answer is that you can change them every week if it makes you happy. If you like a lot of sparkle/treble (whatever word works for you) you should change them more frequently - as soon as you start to notice you're a little unhappy with the loss of sparkle.

Some players like the sound of dead strings - a lot. They wouldn't think of changing them more than once a year - or less.

Some use titanium strings, which cost a lot and last a long time without loss of sound.

Martin Retro strings last for months, but I don't think that's the sound you're after.

It seems you like the high end sparkle, so I would not be surprised if you end up changing them every 3-4 weeks. But as long as you can afford the strings, change them as often as you like. Good sound is whatever pleases your ear.

LeDave · #5 09-25-2020, 06:07 AM

Carol. I change my strings weekly. If you have the urge to change strings frequently, I suggest something like Ernie Ball 80/20 2004 because those sound great and it's really cheap.

The Bard Rocks · #6 09-25-2020, 06:14 AM

Many find it hard to notice the change in sound as a string ages; it's so gradual. The darkening you mention is a visual way to tell, not as accurate in predicting how the sound changes, but certainly easy enough to see. You may be amazed at how much better the new strings sound over the old.

I save my old strings and put them in the box the new ones came in, then tuck that into my case. That way I always a replacement at hand should one break. On the box I write the date they were changed. That way, I know exactly how long they have been on and I know what brand/kind of string is on the guitar now.

CarolD · #7 09-25-2020, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeDave

Carol. I change my strings weekly. If you have the urge to change strings frequently, I suggest something like Ernie Ball 80/20 2004 because those sound great and it's really cheap.

Thanks for the reply and suggestion! I don’t think I’ll be a weekly string changer...lol, but I will definitely give these a try. I see they are 11-52’s and as a beginner, I might like the lighter set. I think with the BOGO on the D’addarios, I only paid about $8.50 a set, which I think is entirely reasonable. The Ernie’s are under $5, which is amazing to me that anyone makes any money on strings. Thanks again!

beatcomber · #8 09-25-2020, 06:32 AM

When you start questioning the integrity of the strings... it's time.

Bob from Brooklyn · #9 09-25-2020, 06:37 AM

Have you had a setup done by a quality tech? Now might be the perfect time.

Kitkatjoe · #10 09-25-2020, 07:00 AM

With time you will learn to change the strings by ear. The wound strings should last longer than the plain ones.

rstaight · #11 09-25-2020, 07:05 AM

I agree that if you are questioning the sound it's time to change. If you don't you will be unhappy until you do.

Since you play an hour a day, it's the perfect time to give the guitar a good cleaning.

CarolD · #12 09-25-2020, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

Have you had a setup done by a quality tech? Now might be the perfect time.

Now that’s an interesting suggestion. Should every guitar get a setup?

Dru Edwards · #13 09-25-2020, 07:10 AM

Hi Carol - some people like the sound of old strings but they're in the minority. What I recommend is to play your guitar so that the tone is fresh in your mind. Change your strings immediately after and then play it again. Do you prefer the tone? Sometimes you need to get an hour in or so to tame the strings so keep that in mind.

llew · #14 09-25-2020, 07:10 AM

I think so. It's like having a new guitar afterward in my opinion. If you haven't had your's setup properly with a qualified luthier/tech it will make a world of difference in how it plays and usually how it sounds. And you can get your strings changed while you're at it!

CarolD · #15 09-25-2020, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

I think so. It's like having a new guitar afterward in my opinion. If you haven't had your's setup properly with a qualified luthier/tech it will make a world of difference in how it plays and usually how it sounds. And you can get your strings changed while you're at it!

Awesome suggestion. Off to Google to see who I should take it to!