[Pete Gorilla]

How often you change strings on a Gretsch? I normally change it for every shows. But I just got mine regretted and after 3 rehearsals the strings feel more comfortable and smooth than the new, but I am afraid to use them tomorrow on a show. I play the guitar for long time, and I replace strings for every show, but something is happened after the refretting, and the slightly used strings are better. Sound better, feel better. But there is no bigger risk to break them during the show? (3Rehearsals so far). What is your experience?

[gray area]

Do you break a lot of strings? That really is the question, if you don't I don't think risk of breaking is high.
Our lead guitarist is always breaking strings-even wound strings, whereas I hardly ever break a string. I also prefer the feel of slightly worn in strings, but I also like the bright sound you get from fresh strings. As a non breaker, I tend to change a full set every 3-4 shows.

[Pete Gorilla]

Originally Posted by gray area

Do you break a lot of strings? That really is the question, if you don't I don't think risk of breaking is high.

Believe or not, I never broke a single string in my whole life (I play over 25 years). The last 15 I change them for ever shows, but I after the show Im using them until the next show for rehearsals and practice and never broke a string... I don't know why... Probably I play soft...

[MyBootsOnFire]

Our rhythm guitar player/singer breaks strings all the time, but he strums from his elbow. I play from my wrist more and i've only ever broken one string in my life. The time i broke a string i had been playing with alternate tunings though and i think the back and forth is what killed them.

I think if you change them for every show that could get kind of expensive. I don't change them as much as i should but i don't hear all that much difference to be honest. Maybe my hearing just isn't that good or maybe i just use cheap strings that don't sound real good to start. I probably change mine once every couple of months so after about 4-6 shows, plus practicing every day on the same guitar since it's my only electric rite now.

[Preacherofrock]

I tend to change strings every 3-4 weeks (3-4 shows)

[ampe]

i don't break strings, but my sweaty hands tend to corrode them after 5 seconds

[The Marlin]

I changes strings when they start to sound a bit flat. I have a few guitars, and tend to play them all in rotation.

My G Love Corvette was getting most of the action, but my white Corvette (with the rewound hilo's) is getting all the love at the moment. Typically, I change strings twice a year, maybe three (per guitar).

I don't seem to have grubby, greasy, acidic, or corrosive fingers. So my strings last a long time. I typically break my high E's, Low E's or B's most. On average, two or three breaks a year across 15 guitars.

I find my bass strings die first, so once that low E starts sounding a bit flabby, the strings are off, and a new set on. I typically have three of four sets of strings to hand. Mostly, they're Dr Blues 11's.

Marlin

[freddyfingers]

Every gig, i change them right before. If no gigs, every two weeks or so. I like the new string feel and brightness. Except for the thomas stiks, flat wounds, which are about a month old now. They cost about 20 bucks, so I am milking them for what I can. I can hear, or at least my mind tells me i can, strings that are getting old, less vibrants and tight.

[Bob M]

Originally Posted by freddyfingers

Every gig, i change them right before. If no gigs, every two weeks or so. I like the new string feel and brightness. Except for the thomas stiks, flat wounds, which are about a month old now. They cost about 20 bucks, so I am milking them for what I can. I can hear, or at least my mind tells me i can, strings that are getting old, less vibrants and tight.

I used to agree with the feel of new strings and changed them often. I have found if you thouroughly wipe them down after each use, they feel better and last longer. Also you get less gunk on the fret board. Strings seem to last longer these days. Not sure if it's technology or just my feeble recollection...

[ed5263]

I guess I'm not helping the string manufacturing industry but I change my strings every couple of years or when WD 40 doesn't bring them back to life. I don't play out anymore otherwise it would be changed every few months. (again the WD 40 trick).

I have too many guitars to keep fresh strings on them. With my new Tenn Rose I'll change strings until I find the right gauge - now 10 to 52, next change 10 to 49.

In the 60's I used Black Diamond Silvers---those wound strings wore out incredibly fast - right through the winding.

[Scott Fraser]

I change strings very rarely, mainly because I like a mellower tone. Since I've discovered DR Pure Blues nickel strings I change even less often. I go a few years on a set because they still feel right to me with some age on them. Then again, I play with my fingernails, not a pick, & it's not aggressive, so there's little wear & tear, & no sweat.
And I will admit that my PRS still has the strings on that it came from the factory with, 6 or 7 years ago. They're just right.

Scott Fraser

[telespank]

I change them @ every two weeks. I like the sound of new strings.

[JLD4133]

Gorilla, I think that you are changing your strings more often than you need to, and it is costing you more than you need to spend on strings. If price is no object, and it makes you feel better to change strings for every show, then that is what you should do. But I doubt it makes a real, detectable difference in your sound playing with a band. I agree with the idea of changing strings every 4 to 5 or so, and of course more often if you sense one or more strings are failing to hold pitch. Wipe them down and use them longer. You could cut your string expense by 75% and still retain a great sound!

[j.s.c]

1 time a year...

[catfish72]

I've changed strings on my strat yesterday. First time since January. It sounds so much better, almost like a different guitar. I think I had Fender Bullets previously, now I have D'Addario 10's.

On my 5129 I'm yet to change strings, the old ones are on it since Christmas and still sound great. I never changed strings on a Bigsby so thats why I may be reluctant to do so.

[james lee]

Every week or before for a show. I always make sure I have fresh strings on.

[Cashfan1]

i change mine every month would be less if i could be bothered to clean them

[Raspy]

You're supposed to change
the strings ?

I've just been turning up the
volume. lol

=============================

<><> Raspy <><>

[HBob]

Almost never. I guess my skin oil doesn't damage strings much. But it seems like every guitar I touch at Guitar Center has gross corroded strings on them.

[NickGretsch]

Change strings???? I never even tune them.


Ok but seriously, gigging guitars usually every four to six weeks, maybe longer if I can get away with it if they don't happen to go dull.

Stopped using FretFast for a time as I felt it gave a false impression as to how good the strings actually were, finding the intonation went off wack although the strings looked nice and new. Also the guitars did get a bit greasy.