#1
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How Often To Change Strings?
I got the Martin MA150 Authentic Acoustic - SP - 80/20 Bronze Medium strings two weeks ago and I'm already noticing some strings becoming dark (rusting?). I'm just wondering how often uncoated strings need changing. I've only played these for about 6 hours over two weeks!
I changed from coated to uncoated strings as the tone is better. |
#2
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As far as when, I go by either a degradation in tone, or if it gets really unsightly in terms of oxidation. I tend to stick with coated (D'addario EXP) or treated (Lifespan 2.0) so I don't encounter what you're seeing as often.
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Santa Cruz | Huss & Dalton | Lakewood Fan (and customer) of: -Charmed Life Picks -Organic Sounds Select Guitars -Down Home Guitars |
#3
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I find with uncoated strings I get about 1-2 weeks and with coated strings like Elixirs I can get 1-2 months. I use and like both. I play my guitars a lot though but 6 hours in two weeks seems like a decent amount to me!?!
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#4
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It depends. On the guitars I used frequently I will change strings usually after 2 months, sometimes a bit sooner. My case queens can have strings on for over half a year. If I don't like a string I take them off regardless of how old they are. I just took off a set of D'Addario PB mediums which sort of just died out after only 3 weeks.
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Barry Sad Moments {Marianne Vedral cover}: My SoundCloud page Some steel strings, some nylon. |
#5
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Once a year because I love the sound of old strings too much. I just changed my XT 12-53 yesterday for a new set ... I just can't wait for them to have 1 month of wear to appreciate the sound, because the metallic sound of the new strings attacks my ears.
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#6
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Everyone is different. Change them when you feel they need to be changed. After a few times you'll figure it out.
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Martin D18 Gibson J45 Martin 00015sm Gibson J200 Furch MC Yellow Gc-CR SPA Guild G212 Eastman E2OM-CD |
#7
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80/20 mediums ... hurt my fingers and my ears, I'd give them about 10 minutes.
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Brucebubs 1972 - Takamine D-70 2014 - Alvarez ABT60 Baritone 2015 - Kittis RBJ-195 Jumbo 2012 - Dan Dubowski#61 2018 - Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglo 2020 - Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1957 SJ-200 2021 - Epiphone 'IBG' Hummingbird |
#8
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I use coated/treated strings and change them routinely every two months. I play at least an hour or two daily splitting the time pretty equally between my two guitars. Fortunately, I don’t have a body chemistry that’s tough on string. Some folks do and blow through strings quicky.
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2021 Edmonds OM-28RS - Sunburst (Adi/Old Growth Honduran) 2014 Walker Clark Fork (Adi/Honduran Rosewood)…incoming FOR SALE: 2023 Martin 000-15SM 12 fret w/ K&K mini |
#9
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It's fine if playing by myself or in small groups but I play in a band every week and you notice the difference with duller strings. When my strings get dull, the tone of the guitar sounds dull when amped up.
Just had a go and it sounds ok but it's hard to tell until I hear it back when playing with others in the band. |
#10
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The 80/20 lessens the time you'll get out of any. Martin Sp's, in my experience, are particularly bad at wearing down fast. Ej16's last longer and if you clean them after playing you'll get about a month out of them
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#11
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Yep, that's what I would say.
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I'm learning to flatpick and fingerpick guitar to accompany songs. I've played and studied traditional noter/drone mountain dulcimer for many years. And I used to play dobro in a bluegrass band. |
#12
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Uncoated/untreated strings are completely dead after 2 weeks in my case. Seems my fingers are string killers and/or I prefer the sound of fresh strings.
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Martin D-18MD, Martin OM-21, Martin CEO-7, Martin J-40, Martin 000-1, Guild D-55, Guild D-140, Gibson SJ-200, Gibson Hummingbird, Gibson Frank Hannon Love Dove, Gibson Southern Jumbo, Furch Gc-SR Red Deluxe, Furch Yellow Masters Choice, Larrivee P-03ww, Kawaii piano, mandolines, drumsets, doublebass, Fender Jazzbass, ... |
#13
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I have a friend who changes strings almost every week. I have another friend who changes strings once a year at the most.
Some of this depends on the type of sting you are using, and the type of Fujitsu you play. When I was playing a Yamaha laminate guitar, and using Martin strings it sounded pretty dead and thumpy if the str8ngs were more than three weeks old. Now, I use Straight Up Strings, and change strings in my Collings about every three months. |
#14
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Change your strings when YOU feel they need changing. If they don't sound as zingy as you like If they are full of crud If they won't stay in tune If they keep breaking If you no longer like the feel If you no longer like the sound If you don't like the colour they've gone If you just fancy a change The list goes on. There are no rules and only opinions when it comes to all things relating to guitar playing. Play to enjoy and you'll not go wrong. |
#15
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Quote:
What JKA said +1
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John Brook ‘Lamorna’ OM (European Spruce/EIR) (2019) Lowden F-23 (Red Cedar/Claro Walnut) (2017) Martin D-18 (2012) Martin HD-28V (2010) Fender Standard Strat (2017-MIM) |