UberMetalDood
New member
Do you think old strings affect the sound of your guitars? The reason I ask is because sometimes I run into people who act like I'm crazy because I change my strings every few weeks.
Last edited:
Old strings and tone
- Thread starter UberMetalDood
- Start date
ibanezrocks
HardtailPisser
Re: Old strings and tone
Yes. Old strings sound bad.
Yes. Old strings sound bad.
kramer.geetar
New member
Re: Old strings and tone
Also don't forget intonation is affected also with old strings.
Also don't forget intonation is affected also with old strings.
astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Re: Old strings and tone
I play with some mildly old strings alot of the time. I do wipe them constantly though. While they don't shine like new, theyre smooth and sound well.
I play with some mildly old strings alot of the time. I do wipe them constantly though. While they don't shine like new, theyre smooth and sound well.
Petrovsk Mizinski
New member
Re: Old strings and tone
Every few weeks?
Wow, I guess I am insane then.
Using non coated strings, I'm unlikely to keep strings on for more than 10 days.
With coated strings, they get 6 weeks at the most, then I ditch them.
I cannot stand the feel and sound of old strings at all.
Especially when recording, you HAVE to use new strings. Even 7 days old strings will sound vastly inferior to strings that are only about an hour old on the guitar.
Every few weeks?
Wow, I guess I am insane then.
Using non coated strings, I'm unlikely to keep strings on for more than 10 days.
With coated strings, they get 6 weeks at the most, then I ditch them.
I cannot stand the feel and sound of old strings at all.
Especially when recording, you HAVE to use new strings. Even 7 days old strings will sound vastly inferior to strings that are only about an hour old on the guitar.
shredhed
New member
Re: Old strings and tone
I have a dozen guitars or so. So, I change the ones that are coming out of the case for their usual rotation. Then I leave them on for the duration of this time. Usually about a month. Then back in the case it goes and the next one comes out.
I don't play live any more though
Yes, string's age affect tone. But I'm wierd I guess, because I don't like the tone of spanking new strings.
I have a dozen guitars or so. So, I change the ones that are coming out of the case for their usual rotation. Then I leave them on for the duration of this time. Usually about a month. Then back in the case it goes and the next one comes out.
I don't play live any more though
Yes, string's age affect tone. But I'm wierd I guess, because I don't like the tone of spanking new strings.
Kam
Shaftologist
Re: Old strings and tone
Same here, especially for clean tones. I always have to have a little time to break them in before a gig or recording or whatever.
I actually rarely change my strings, just because I can't afford new strings all the time. I have four guitars and I play all of them pretty equally, so they don't get worn down too quickly anyway.
But dead strings....man, I hate them. Especially when one string just completely dies and the rest sound okay. You can be flying along, riffing away and then BAM! Dead string, like a ****ing tone black hole. Out of tune, flat, lifeless, dull...****.
Same here, especially for clean tones. I always have to have a little time to break them in before a gig or recording or whatever.
I actually rarely change my strings, just because I can't afford new strings all the time. I have four guitars and I play all of them pretty equally, so they don't get worn down too quickly anyway.
But dead strings....man, I hate them. Especially when one string just completely dies and the rest sound okay. You can be flying along, riffing away and then BAM! Dead string, like a ****ing tone black hole. Out of tune, flat, lifeless, dull...****.
ibanezrocks
HardtailPisser
Re: Old strings and tone
Brand new strings are a little noisy, bright, etc. I prefer the sound of week old strings.
Brand new strings are a little noisy, bright, etc. I prefer the sound of week old strings.
Diego
New member
Re: Old strings and tone
The Edge's view on this matter is interesting.
He says in the "It Might Get Loud" outtakes that on some guitars, he always wants fresh strings and in others,
he wants to keep the old strings for a while because some sound better to him with the old strings.
Can't say I've ever had that feeling with any of my instruments.
I like them fresh!
The Edge's view on this matter is interesting.
He says in the "It Might Get Loud" outtakes that on some guitars, he always wants fresh strings and in others,
he wants to keep the old strings for a while because some sound better to him with the old strings.
Can't say I've ever had that feeling with any of my instruments.
I like them fresh!
Bludave
New member
Re: Old strings and tone
I feel I can get about 48hours of playing time out of a set of strings. Now everybody is different. Once I get to about that point I have a hard time keeping them in tune & intonation is out. On electrics I don't hear a huge difference in tone at this point.... if I go a week or so longer I do. On acoustics I usually change them when they discolor from my fingers picking them. Either way it seems to be right about 48 hours of playing time. I don't play the same guitar everyday, so I can go maybe 3 months before I have to change them, but if I have a gig coming up I will usually change the strings a day or 2 in advance to let them stretch some before hand. I don't like changing strings just before a gig if I can avoid it.
I feel I can get about 48hours of playing time out of a set of strings. Now everybody is different. Once I get to about that point I have a hard time keeping them in tune & intonation is out. On electrics I don't hear a huge difference in tone at this point.... if I go a week or so longer I do. On acoustics I usually change them when they discolor from my fingers picking them. Either way it seems to be right about 48 hours of playing time. I don't play the same guitar everyday, so I can go maybe 3 months before I have to change them, but if I have a gig coming up I will usually change the strings a day or 2 in advance to let them stretch some before hand. I don't like changing strings just before a gig if I can avoid it.
butnut
New member
Re: Old strings and tone
I used to keep 'em on as long as possible, but fresh strings sound better. I try to play every night, practice with the band once a week and a 4 hour gig on Friday nights...I'm lucky to get 3 weeks outta one set. I've broken 'old' strings on gigs and I don't want that to happen, so I keep on schedule.
I should be getting my Strat today, my brother said the guy barely played it.. a 50th anniv model, 1996 with the original factory set of strings! Think I'll change those for a fresh set.
I used to keep 'em on as long as possible, but fresh strings sound better. I try to play every night, practice with the band once a week and a 4 hour gig on Friday nights...I'm lucky to get 3 weeks outta one set. I've broken 'old' strings on gigs and I don't want that to happen, so I keep on schedule.
I should be getting my Strat today, my brother said the guy barely played it.. a 50th anniv model, 1996 with the original factory set of strings! Think I'll change those for a fresh set.
astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Iron Horse
New member
Re: Old strings and tone
They sound different but that doesn't necessarily mean they sound worse. If the guitar/amp sounds painfully bright, it might even help to have old strings. Not TOO old, mind you.
They sound different but that doesn't necessarily mean they sound worse. If the guitar/amp sounds painfully bright, it might even help to have old strings. Not TOO old, mind you.
dmandude123455
New member
Re: Old strings and tone
I like new strings but old strings sound a little better I think, mainly because I dont like the chime that newer strings give. I like a warmer tone fo my strings.
I like new strings but old strings sound a little better I think, mainly because I dont like the chime that newer strings give. I like a warmer tone fo my strings.
jake_xms3_punk
New member
Re: Old strings and tone
i like to change them every gig. new strings just breathe more life and are brighter/ clearer then older ones! strings get warmer with age which i dont like, i like my low end from my pickups and amp, not the strings
i like to change them every gig. new strings just breathe more life and are brighter/ clearer then older ones! strings get warmer with age which i dont like, i like my low end from my pickups and amp, not the strings
Lazarus1140
New member
Re: Old strings and tone
I doubt I get more than about 16 hours out of a set. The first thing to suffer is high harmonics at low volume. I always change strings before the last practice preceeding a live gig. That way, they're well played in and I have confidence in them for the gig.
I doubt I get more than about 16 hours out of a set. The first thing to suffer is high harmonics at low volume. I always change strings before the last practice preceeding a live gig. That way, they're well played in and I have confidence in them for the gig.
