How Often Do You Change Strings? |
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May 2 2012, 07:44 PM
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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. --------------------   Check out my awesome Nintendo Cover-band, EMULATOR!! http://www.reverbnation.com/emulator Now.....go practice!! |
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May 2 2012, 09:51 PM
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Hah - I guess I'm CHEAP then
 But I change them every 2-3 months or so Then again I don't do gigs yet 
This post has been edited by Dinaga: May 2 2012, 09:51 PM |
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May 2 2012, 11:07 PM
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QUOTE (dark dude @ May 2 2012, 08:56 PM)  You think you're cheap? My strings are probably going on 6 months now  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 I wish they sold them in single string packs!-------------------- My Sound Cloud Profile: http://soundcloud.com/casinostrat
Gear I Use: Guitars: Gibson: Les Paul Custom, ES-339, and Faded Flying V Fender: American Stratocaster Deluxe (I think?) Epiphone: Les Paul 56' Gold Top and Les Paul Standard, Casino Yamaha: FG720S Accoustic Amps: Fender Champ, Peavey Bandit 112, and an ancient Epiphone Amp:) Effects: Digitech RP 500 Effects Pedal Picks: Dunlop Jazz IIIs Practice, Practice, Practice, and remember Every Artist Does Get Better Eventually!  |
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May 2 2012, 11:22 PM
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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
-------------------- The more I practice, the more I wish I had time to practice!
My Band Forum: http://passionfly.site/chat  |
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May 3 2012, 05:30 AM
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I change my strings once a week sometimes even more often!
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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.
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May 3 2012, 05:57 AM
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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...101441000000000 My Schecter Damien FR which I use for Black/Death metal has: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories...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."
-------------------- All the elders have fallen down...
Heal her now... All the elders have fallen down... Heal her now... Grandfather elk Turned to me And spoke: Light the fire deep inside. Light the fires!  |
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May 3 2012, 02:00 PM
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I knew you'd understand
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May 3 2012, 06:26 PM
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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!! -------------------- Check out my awesome Nintendo Cover-band, EMULATOR!! http://www.reverbnation.com/emulator Now.....go practice!! |
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May 3 2012, 09:53 PM
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You know, I prefer almost fresh strings
 they feel better on the hands somehow, for me at least |
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