How often do you change nylon strings?

[Rizzice]

So I've been playing my first nylon string guitar, and I'm just wondering how often you're generally supposed to change the strings?

I would change them every 3-4 weeks as needed for my steel string as needed, but I don't know when exactly "as needed" is for nylon strings.

Any help would be great

[jmiked]

When they start sounding dull. This depends on what kind of strings I'm using. Some brands last 3-4 weeks, others 3-4 months.

It also depends on how picky you are.

Mike

[tonewood]

Pls Realize That Nylons, Generally, Need Not Be Changed As Often As Steel Strings. Taylor Website Has A Great "how-to" On Changing Nylon Strings. Also, Realize That Strings Including Nylon Strings Deterioate Depending How Much They Been Played.
Tone Is A Good Indicator & Wear & Tear.

[cpmusic]

You're supposed to change them?

Hey, someone had to say it.

[BLenmark]

Rarely - I don't care for bright sounding nylon strings...I only change them when they break, get flat spots underneath, or (gasp) break...then the whole set goes. Plus they take forever to stretch out and stay in tune, even when I follow the guidelines. I am kind of particular about the knots, too - they need to be uniform. Ever since I saw the Breedlove knots in their nylons straight out of the factory, I kind of obsess over them.

[Polyhymnia]

I tend to change them when the silver begins to tarnish visibly, or when the wound strings get a little "bumpy" from riding up and down over the frets. The pure nylon strings seem to be fairly impervious to wear, but they probably get a bit dull sounding with age. I imagine the advice on classical strings probably is all over the map, and will vary from player to player.

[lw216316]

for me its several months - and then only because of the bass strings -
the trebles seem to last on and on.

- Larry

[optichero]

The 1st three nylon strings generally last 2-3 times longer than the bass strings. Generally, I just change the bass strings... I use the EXP Daddario strings which last alot longer and also relatively cheaper that the rest...

regards
Kevin

-------------------

http://www.youtube.com/user/Optichero

[Foster]

I use a semi-solid body classic guitar even when I'm playing in bands, so the strings get a pretty rough work-out. I was doing a 6-nighter for a few months at a fishing resort up in Dutch Harbor, Alaska back in the late 90s, and after 6 nights of 4-hours a night, the set was shot. I changed the set on our day off. If I tried to be cheap and go longer, I ran the risk of a string popping on me... plus the tone just wasn't there anymore.

Treble strings will last longer, but they are susceptible to fret wear, and the tone and intonation deteriorate as the strings stretch at the thin points over the frets, so they won't last forever.

A good visual gauge seems to be the E note, 4th-string 2nd fret. For many players, that particular note will show signs of the windings falling apart before other notes do.

The Savarez Carbons I've been using lately definitely last longer than nylons, so I was recently on a set of those for over a month of weekly gigging.

Basically, use your eyes and ears, and when the strings look or sound funky, change 'em.

[Jitterbug]

After changing a complete set of strings, I usually replace the bass strings after about three months and then change the complte set again after six months.

[Hack Amatuer]

I change them when they break or have little wear marks from the frets on them. Ha ha that's when she gets cleaned and polished too. I usually keep several sets at home and at least one set in the case. Just in case.

[mr. beaumont]

when they start staying in tune