Strings

[jono]

how often do you guys change your strings? I ask because I'm overdue for a change but I'm putting it off because I like the way they sound right now. I use d'addario 10's which generally hold their tone for longer than most IMHO. They seem to be getting better as they loose their shine a little. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Burstboy]

Hey jono...it depends on how much you play...I have had some strings on for a year, and I have changed strings once a week on others.

The guys down at the jazz club I tended bar at would change their strings before every gig. If you play out, once a week, for example, I would put a fresh set on before each gig. Nothing sucks more than popping a string on stage...a new string can break too, but it is better to improve your odds.

I put a fresh set on one of my Pauls last night because they were sounding dead to me, and they were not that old.

I have had best results with D'Addario 10-46 on my Gibsons. They have a nice feel, and I have never broken a string.

Hope that helps...

 

[Ian Anderson]

I have two LP's I gig with and in a month where I gig every weekend, I'd change the strings on one guitar before each gig and alternate between the two so one guitar always has fresh strings (the other is a spare just in case of popping a string).

:tfiend

 

[Des Howl]

Lazy string-changers, unite!

I keep repeating this, but I like DR strings because they do keep a good tone and you don't seem to have to change them as often. Although the set I put on last week popped a high E (broke right off the ball) which I rarely do on these or other brand strings.

I hate the 'sshhing!' of brand-new strings too, so I like to put on a new set and then just leave them overnight to settle in & mellow a bit. Maybe it's psychological, but I believe this helps.

 

[johnnyslim]

Hey Des Howl...

Funny you should mention your string mishap. I have been playing DR Strings "Pure Blues" 10-46 for a couple of years now and I really dig them. First time I have ever been "brand loyal" with regard to strings. But the last two string changes I have done have been for the same reason. The high E strings has popped off right at the ball end. Very strange. I have noticed that in the last few packs of strings the E, B, and G strings are labeled "tite-fit" on the individual string sleeves. I have not broken a string in probably 15 years and now, suddenly, two within a week and breaking at the same place. Any input or suggestions?

 

[omarxx]

I'd bet DR would appreciate knowing about their strings breaking like that.

 

[johnnyslim]

DR Strings problem

Omarxx...

Just an excellent idea. I will send an email to them immediately. I don't expect any "freebies" from them but they certainly do deserve a "heads up" about this.

 

[60burst]

For gigs, I usually use a set for two nights and change the e and b strings every night. Being lazy this is a goal so I don't always accomplish it. I was playing the fourth night on a set ( I use at least two guitars on every gig) last saturday and I popped a 5th string. I use different guitars so sometimes I don't know how old the strings are.

 

[Davepaf]

I use 3 guitars live, change the strings every other gig. GHS boomers 10-46.

 

[1959burst]

HMMM!

i change strings before every gig, gibson vintage reissue's 11 to 50. i haven't broken a string in 8 years!

 

[Davepaf]

11-50???
How many necks have you broken, you madman!:lolspin

 

[toni]

I think the more you eat or drink acid food or drinks, the faster you kill the strings.
I used to drink a lot of coffee few years ago and i couldn't play more than one night with a fresh set of strings.
Now, my strings last over a month !
I like Gibson's "Les Paul signature" or "Bright Wires", and Ernie Ball, 10-46's.
I think every set has to be first streched and "broken in" for 1/2 hour before strings stabilize and sound good.

 

[Robert Sherman]

I used3 or 4 guitars live, and change the strings before each gig. I normally only play fri-sat night, so they normally make it through the weekend. GHS boomers 10-46.

 

[60burst]

I agree....

I like to put new strings on at least a few hours before a gig and stretch them all I can so they won't go out of tune while I am playing. Strings last forever for me when I keep the guitars at home or in the studio but on the gig they get worn and dirty quickly. Then they start breaking.

 

[JoeP]

I play out alot. I change strings before each gig. Depending on the guitar, Gibson Vintage 10-46, and DR Pure Blue 10-46 and 11-50. Davepaf, if you have a really good setup on your Lespaul, 11-50's play like 10-46's. I have no problem bending 2-2.5 steps when playin the blues.. And never have had a neck problem... Although, I have one guitar that just will not play right unless it has 9-46's on it. Mostly use it in the studio.. Don't know why, it just likes em' that way..

JoeP

 

[bluestein]

Has anyone tried the Elixer strings?

Opinions?

stein

 

[lpnv59]

I usually change a set, Daddario after playing 2to3 gigs. I'll sometimes do like 60burst and stretch a set by changing only the E&B. I like D'addario, Ernie Ball or whatever is on sale for cheap as long as its a nickle wrap brands, 10-46, 9-42(Tele only).

 

[60burst]

The only time I use less than 10s is when I set up a 335 for pure speed. Kind of my tribute to Alvin Lee..... otherwise I just can't get anything to go right with real light strings.....

Elixirs?? Great for acoustic if you are gigging. One night on bronze strings and they are way past dead. With Elixirs I can get several nights if I change the first two strings regularly. The tone isn't as good as bronze but that doesn't matter when you mic an acoustic guitar. Elixirs on electric are just plain bad to me...one of the few strings I just don't like........

 

[lpnv59]

bluestein

I've got a couple of sets as a Christmas present. They lasted 3 times as long and cost 3 times more than my regular brands. They sounded nice and costwise it evens out. As a lazy guy I should I should be using them, but as a cheap bast**d I refuse to spend the 18bucks a set.

 

[roadrunner]

I usually change my strings when they break or won't tune anymore... I HATE new strings!

GHS Burnished Roundwound Nickle strings: Warren Haynes turned me on to these... try 'em you'll forget D' Addario ever existed.
Huge ones on archtops, big ones on the Fenders, and slightly smaller ones on Gibson solidbodies.

I wipe down the neck and fretboard after each set, seems to help on the string life thing.