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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ How Often Do You Change Strings?

Posted by: derper May 2 2012, 07:44 PM

I play regular slinkys, mainly because every time I have switched....they break easily.

I used to change strings about 1 time a month. I'd try and push them far, to save $$ and because I changing strings is a chore. Also, I would always change them the day before a gig. That way they are fresh, AND stretched!!

But recently I'm feeling like I need to change them every 2 weeks at the MOST!! I've been practicing more than ever, due to GMC and my gigs in Portland, so even if my strings aren't "crusty" they get the fret wear pretty easily. I'm playing more, harder than ever, and myI Parkey Nitefly (which I haven't had even a year at this point) has very tall, hardened steel frets. So they "beat up" my strings pretty fast also, I think. Stevie Ray Vaughn said his strings were "dead" after 1 show!! He also admitted... "...but I do play them VERY hard!". Mainly it was due to the fret grooves that you put in the strings, which deaden the tone.

I'm only asking, because recently I noticed this, and I feel like I should change strings more often.

Posted by: Dieterle May 2 2012, 09:12 PM

Hello,

i change my strings once a month - of course every 2 weeks would be the right time when playing everyday a few hours

but try to save some money cool.gif

i use ernie ball for strat and düsenberg strings for düsenberg 49

the best sound 4 or 5 days then the brilliant sound goes away...... wink.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 2 2012, 09:34 PM

Every couple of weeks is a good idea. If you are playing a TON or Gigging, once a week is better. If you are gigging a TON you might change more often. If you are on tour, your roadie/tech (if you are lucky enough to have one) will change your strings every gig.

Posted by: Dinaga May 2 2012, 09:51 PM

Hah - I guess I'm CHEAP then biggrin.gif But I change them every 2-3 months or so biggrin.gif Then again I don't do gigs yet smile.gif

Posted by: dark dude May 2 2012, 09:56 PM

You think you're cheap? My strings are probably going on 6 months now laugh.gif Not changing them until they snap!! Dirrrrrrrty strings.

Posted by: casinostrat May 2 2012, 11:07 PM

QUOTE (dark dude @ May 2 2012, 08:56 PM) *
You think you're cheap? My strings are probably going on 6 months now laugh.gif Not changing them until they snap!! Dirrrrrrrty strings.


Yeah I pretty much do this as well, but then again even my family says I'm cheap biggrin.gif I wish they sold them in single string packs!





Posted by: SirJamsalot May 2 2012, 11:22 PM

You don't need fresh strings for practicing. For gigs and definitely for recording, but in the comfort of your home, what does it really matter?

If they feel dead and you gotta play a gig, then change them! Frequency is in the hands of the player biggrin.gif

Posted by: TuckerG May 3 2012, 03:15 AM

QUOTE (dark dude @ May 2 2012, 08:56 PM) *
You think you're cheap? My strings are probably going on 6 months now laugh.gif Not changing them until they snap!! Dirrrrrrrty strings.

Haha, crack me^ dark dude! I'm a noob, but always enjoy a good goer against the Grainer! biggrin.gif your string procrastination is inspiring sir!:D

Posted by: Alex Feather May 3 2012, 05:30 AM

I change my strings once a week sometimes even more often!

Posted by: maharzan May 3 2012, 05:51 AM

I wish strings were cheaper here. A 4$ string set costs more than $10. sad.gif I got 12 sets from a friend who was coming from US with the target to change it every month. I broke 1st string 3 times in a month so had to change the whole set. Hopefully, I can get it changed every month or two.

Posted by: Nihilist1 May 3 2012, 05:57 AM

I change mine every two to three months. I practice about 12 hours a day too. My tone doesn't really change all that much either. Maybe you should switch the brand you are using?

My Ibanez Artcore, which I use for my Jazz and Classical Studies has:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/thomastik-bb113-medium-light-jazz-bebop-guitar-strings/101441000000000

My Schecter Damien FR which I use for Black/Death metal has:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/thomastik-pb109-power-brights-bottom-light-guitar-strings/101650000000000


Try using Thomastik Infelds sometime. They are amazing strings. I knew that a lot of my favourite Jazz guitarists used them and I made the switch after I found out that Akerfeldt uses the Powerbrights. I love the tone and it takes awhile before they die.

Besides, you cannot argue with the main selling point that Thomastik has for their Powerbrights:

"You're a rock guitarist. These are rock guitar strings. There's definitely some chemistry here. Put it in the cart."

laugh.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 3 2012, 08:11 AM

I am using Elixir strings which are coated and thus they don't wear off that easily. I guess I am changing them each month - a pack is about 12-13 euros. In the case of my baritone, I change them after about 4 months, as I don't play that guitar so often when practicing, it's only on stage and I am using the Elixir 12-68ths which are wearing off somewhat like bass strings tongue.gif


Posted by: Nihilist1 May 3 2012, 08:14 AM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ May 3 2012, 07:11 AM) *
I am using Elixir strings which are coated and thus they don't wear off that easily. I guess I am changing them each month - a pack is about 12-13 euros. In the case of my baritone, I change them after about 4 months, as I don't play that guitar so often when practicing, it's only on stage and I am using the Elixir 12-68ths which are wearing off somewhat like bass strings tongue.gif


huh.gif

Why do you use such heavy strings laugh.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 3 2012, 08:20 AM

QUOTE (Nihilist1 @ May 3 2012, 07:14 AM) *
huh.gif

Why do you use such heavy strings laugh.gif


Well, the baritone is tuned to drop A and I only play riffage on it so this tension is pretty awesome for my needs biggrin.gif

Posted by: Nihilist1 May 3 2012, 08:34 AM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ May 3 2012, 07:20 AM) *
Well, the baritone is tuned to drop A and I only play riffage on it so this tension is pretty awesome for my needs biggrin.gif


It all makes perfect sense now!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 3 2012, 02:00 PM

I knew you'd understand biggrin.gif

Posted by: derper May 3 2012, 06:26 PM

Wow! Quite a big "range", but it sounds like I'm probably right on for how much I practice and gig.


When I wasn't playing out as much, and was cheaper, I used to spray a rag with a little windex and wipe the corrosion off of the unwond strings....and it REALLY helped them to sound better and last longer! I still do that if I'm just a week before a gig and only rehearsing, to make it last a bit. That has a lot to do with when I change them also.... I can wait, if it's a week before a gig, for example.

Other than that, I feel like fresh strings really react differently to your hand. Older strings have more resistance when sliding and such. In a perfect world, I'd change them every week!!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 3 2012, 09:53 PM

You know, I prefer almost fresh strings tongue.gif they feel better on the hands somehow, for me at least smile.gif


Posted by: Tangomouse May 3 2012, 10:19 PM

on my les paul i haven't changed mine since xmas 2010 , on my acoustic not since 2009 , on another les paul and strat that would be since 2008 or 2009 dont remember, i used to change them once a month or so but at this present time i just cant afford em, i plan to change em all next week.

tell u one thing tho my tokai les paul "2010" Always stays in tune lol.... strange eh!!!

Posted by: The Uncreator May 3 2012, 10:39 PM

Change them whenever I have a spare $7.00

But, I play Labella Big City strings, 11-72 guage, and use a resin called Fast Fret from GHS, and much to my surprise - It really does work. Keeps strings sounding bright and smooth for well over 2 months now, and I have played very heavily these past 2 months.

Posted by: Azzaboi May 3 2012, 10:50 PM

If your strings are breaking, you might have a problem with the bridge or neck. A rough edge or nock could be cutting them and might need replacing, padding, or just a simple sand/file down. Else unless your tuning wrong or your bending them like crazy, they shouldn't break.

Wipe down the strings after playing.
Store in a case, hard case is best.
Just throw a bag of silica gel with the guitar in the case.
Keep the case closed, however open one edge of the case a little if storing in a small area or the car (which is warm/hot) to allow it to breath.

Doing this, I haven't had a broken string since I was a newbie learning to bend.

I change strings every 2 to 3 months, depending on daily usage. You normally can tell when they start losing their spark and tone, however I do like semi-worn or pre-stretched strings. Brand new ones take a few hours to work in.

Posted by: derper May 4 2012, 12:52 AM

My question would be..... can you "feel" and grooves/dents on the string from the frets if you run your fingers up and down the high E or B string? I can, after a few weeks, and that effects tone. But my Parker has really tall and hard frets. I'm wondering if you get those too, with practice and playing after 2 months.


QUOTE (The Uncreator @ May 3 2012, 02:39 PM) *
Change them whenever I have a spare $7.00

But, I play Labella Big City strings, 11-72 guage, and use a resin called Fast Fret from GHS, and much to my surprise - It really does work. Keeps strings sounding bright and smooth for well over 2 months now, and I have played very heavily these past 2 months.


Posted by: SirJamsalot May 4 2012, 01:08 AM

On this topic, what are some REALLY Good locking tuners. One reason I don't change strings very often myself is laziness - Ibanez stock-head is slanted at such a harsh angle, there's about 7 inches of high E string to wind around that tuner - I gotta use needle nose plyers to ensure a good grip when winding more than 5 times !!!!

A royal pain in my...


Posted by: derper May 4 2012, 03:28 AM

I love the Sperzel locking tuners that come stock on my 97 Parker Nitefly.


Also, regarding string breakage, I don't currently have any problems. Just when I have switched to other brands in the past.

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