Keeping track of string changes

[jkilgour2000]

Anyone else do this?

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Cool idea. I actually have an Excel spreadsheet with model, serial #'s and just added a column for string changes.

[gmel555]

Originally Posted by jkilgour2000

Anyone else do this?

Have multiple guitars and am always “testing” string-guitar combinations, so I keep an Excel spreadsheet (OCD right?) with a sentence or two re tone, feel, longevity. For whatever strings are on a guitar at present I write the date they were strung, onto -usually- the front “label” from that string pack and toss it into the case’s storage compartment. I can then always quickly check the type and age of strings on that particular guitar.

[fazool]

I write the month/year on the packs when i buy them so i rotate stock and use oldest ones first. i never use string that are over a year or two old.

But once on the guitar i never have any need to know when i changed them. I change them when they need it regardless of the calendar.

[The Bard Rocks]

When I change strings I put the old ones in the packet in the case, along with the date. Then if one of the new ones breaks. i at least have an extra with me to replace it + I have the date the "new strings were installed and what they are.

Simple - and it coves the bases I need to cover.

[lowrider]

I just keep track on typing paper. I write across; which guitar, date, strings, first impression, note on taking off.

It's easy to go back and read what I thought last year or when ever it was that I use a different string.

So far, what I've learned is that I like D'Adario stings, more than most others.

[Moocheng]

some of you guys are much more organized than I have ever been. I just leave strings until I feel they need changing, never really paid much attention to how long they are lasting.

I do throw the old packet in the case so I know whats on it just so I know what works with each guitar. Almost everything gets 13 PB's anyway so irrespective of brand it all ends up pretty close

[maxtheaxe]

I've started doing something like this; I have enough guitars that I tend to forget which strings I used or how long ago they were changed. It was never really an issue when I simply used Elixir PBs on everything, but since then I've been trying others and need to keep track.

My axes are all out on a rack in my studio...I just date a string package from the set I used and put it under that guitar. This is only necessary with my acoustics...still using GHS Boomers on all my electrics and change them regularly.

[henryrobinett]

Yup. I keep the last empty pack of strings in each of my guitar cases. I tape a printout from my computer of the strings changes made on that guitar in the last year or two. In a column. The last string change is in red.

Yeah. It’s a bit much.

[Coop47]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

Cool idea. I actually have an Excel spreadsheet with model, serial #'s and just added a column for string changes.

Me too. I have a spreadsheet with tabs for maintenance and mods as well gigs and gear purchases/sales/trades.

[L20A]

I keep a small recipe card inside all my guitar's cased.
They have the date and brand/type of strings listed for every string change.
I use this to see how long strings last and which strings I like best on each guitar.

[Treenewt]

I use the “notes” app on my iPhone. I start a note for the year, and type in the string type and date installed. When I had multiple guitars, I simply had a bold face title for each guitar, and typed in the info beneath. I would go back and type in my thoughts, which helps me remember why I did or did not care for a particular brand/gauge on a particular guitar. Then I start a new note each year. Simple, easy, and goes wherever I go.

[Rosewood99]

I use my computer's calendar to log the string type and date. It syncs to my phone I can access it multiple ways.

[Ed66]

Originally Posted by Coop47

Me too. I have a spreadsheet with tabs for maintenance and mods as well gigs and gear purchases/sales/trades.

Same here! That way I keep everything in one place.

[CoryB]

Another Excel spreadsheet user here. The sheet has the make and model of the guitar, brand of strings and string size. Also any notes of changes to the guitars - different pickups, wiring, bridge pins, etc.

I like to experiment with different combinations until I find what I think sounds best on each guitar so this is the best way to keep track of things.

I tried putting the empty packages in the case pocket but it doesn’t work for me because the cases are stored in the attic an they are too hard to get to.