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  #1  
Old 04-26-2022, 02:37 PM
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canuck7 canuck7 is offline
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Default Time to replace strings on my Classical Guitar

So, this is an age old question, and haven't seen any recent posts....although I'm not a regular reader going back the last several years. I usually play acoustic steel string, but recently have gone back to Classical guitar.

I find it's pretty easy to tell when my steel strings need to be replaced sound-wise and feel. With nylon strings, I'm having more difficulty telling sound-wise.
Any advice/comments on how often you change strings on a Classical guitar?
I play it every day, and think it pretty much sounds the same, but maybe my old ears just don't appreciate the slow drop-off in sound quality...

thanks!
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Old 04-26-2022, 03:08 PM
Carey Carey is offline
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It can be refreshing to put a new set of string on, especially the basses.
Myself, I only change the low E string on a regular basis, usually leaving the trebles on until they no longer play in tune, or the high e gets too scratchy.
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Old 04-26-2022, 04:36 PM
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my experience is that classical guitar strings need the least frequency of changes, partially due to the fact that they can take the longest to settle in. therefore i change mine every 2-3 months which may seem quite frequent compared to most ppl but i also change my steel strings ( nickel/bronze/phos bronze) every month at most. silk and steels I change every 1-2 months, i find they take a while to settle but also go dead quickly (imo) my 12 strings i wait around 4-5 months or so.

I change them a lot, not just from playing daily, but i also suffer from string acquisition syndrome and keep around 60 packs around. on my classical guitars i have one that i purposely run extremely heavier gauge 5th and 6th strings to emulate a contrabass sound on my briarwood
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Old 04-26-2022, 04:53 PM
pentaprism pentaprism is offline
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I have 3 acoustic classical guitars that I play regularly. I change strings once a month. That means 3 months for each guitar.

For my Yamaha SLG200NW, which I assume more forgiving in terms of string quality, I change strings every 6 months.

For how to changes strings, see this:

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Old 04-27-2022, 08:36 AM
CoastStrings CoastStrings is online now
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I check for:
  1. Corrosion on the bass strings and wear where these meet the frets
  2. Wear/coarseness on the trebles from nails
  3. Intonation issues

I find that 1 and 2 are my primary indicators that I need to change strings. That's typically every 3-4 months since I do technique exercises.
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Old 04-27-2022, 11:04 AM
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canuck7 canuck7 is offline
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Thanks for some good tips...I'm sure I don't change them frequently enough!
And I realize that I have a bit of GSAS - Guitar String Acquisition Syndrome, a lesser known subtype of GAS. So, you would think I would get those new strings on more often.

I think my French Polish top has scared me off a bit, but I'm going to change the strings this week. I do have a top guard, should be good to go.
Great video as well!
Thanks!
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Mark Hatcher Pina Parlor Torrified Maple/Cedar
Stephen Kinnaird 00 B&W Ebony/Engelmann Spruce
Simon Fay African Blackwood/Sinker Redwood
Wolfgang Jellinghaus Torres Modelo 43S Maple/Spruce
K Yairi CYTM Maple/Cedar
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