What a difference a string change makes!

[MusicManJP6]

I was very close to selling my amp because I felt like the tone was starting to sound boring and dull. I changed the strings on my JP (thanks AndyPeters for hooking me up with some strings!) and BAM, the tone has the zest and bite I was looking for again. I guess it had been 3 months or so since the last string change but it makes all the difference in the world!

So, for those that are getting bored with their amps... remember to change the strings on your guitar first!

 

[Lou]

Indeed

 

[kbaim]

Count me in the camp that loves the snap and sparkle of new strings

 

[TNT]

Fresh strings!!!! It's like a new guitar and amp - VIBRANT!!!

I love my Super Slinky Classic Rock n Roll Pure Nickel Strings!!

 

[azazael]

I was very close to selling my amp because I felt like the tone was starting to sound boring and dull. I changed the strings on my JP (thanks AndyPeters for hooking me up with some strings!) and BAM, the tone has the zest and bite I was looking for again. I guess it had been 3 months or so since the last string change but it makes all the difference in the world!

So, for those that are getting bored with their amps... remember to change the strings on your guitar first!

3 months?...
id change once a week at least when i was usin slinkys with casual playing

 

[MusicManJP6]

Once a week?! That's a little excessive. About as excessive as 3 months I guess! I think once a month would be better, but I just don't think about it until my tone begins to suffer (apparently).

Alright, enough typing - i'm off to play a bit...

 

[73h Nils]

Pssh, you need to start making a variables chart for when you decide to sell whatever gear you have.

and yes, new strings make the world go 'round.

 

[Larry]

I change strings at least once a month, usually twice. At the end of the month I look over the neck, Wonder Wiping it if the rosewood looks dry, and adjusting the truss-rod if necessary.

Regular scheduled maintenance is the key to a great playing and sounding guitar.

 

[azazael]

Once a week?! That's a little excessive. About as excessive as 3 months I guess! I think once a month would be better, but I just don't think about it until my tone begins to suffer (apparently).

Alright, enough typing - i'm off to play a bit...

Not at all mate...

When I was playing I would deaden a set of strings in a 3 hour practice with band and then have to restring just for rest of week and then restring prior to gig.

I will admit I have moved to another brand of strings that promise long life and i've been getting over a month out a set. Saving me a shed load of cash.

I think i sweat acid...

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Not at all mate...

When I was playing I would deaden a set of strings in a 3 hour practice with band and then have to restring just for rest of week and then restring prior to gig.

I will admit I have moved to another brand of strings that promise long life and i've been getting over a month out a set. Saving me a shed load of cash.

I think i sweat acid...

I have the same problem, and it doesn't really matter what brand of string I use. I currently use the EB RPS and can turn the plain strings black in about 2 hours of playing time. And that's when I wash my hands immediately before playing! I'm anxious to try the coated electric Slinky strings and see if those help.

EDIT: I can turn other string brands black in anywhere from 20-45 minutes.

 

[Larry]

I currently use the EB RPS and can turn the plain strings black in about 2 hours of playing time.

I always wash my hands before playing, but luckily my hand sweat isn't as acidic as yours or azazael's.

 

[DaPatrooch]

Yeah I use Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinkys, and I love em! I always wash my hands before playing, not only to prevent getting the neck and strings dirty, but some warm water always makes my hands feel more comfortable and move more easily on the neck.

 

[TNT]

I have the same problem, and it doesn't really matter what brand of string I use. I currently use the EB RPS and can turn the plain strings black in about 2 hours of playing time. And that's when I wash my hands immediately before playing! I'm anxious to try the coated electric Slinky strings and see if those help.

EDIT: I can turn other string brands black in anywhere from 20-45 minutes.

Pete,

You can get a "prescription" to help alleviate the hand sweat (at least I think you can). I'll have to ask a pharmacist.

 

[glockaxis]

I'm entertaining the thought of changing gauge on my JP from 10 to 9 to improve the feel and sound I'm after.

A little off topic, but so far the Luke has the best tone between all my humbucking guitars through my amp. I think I need to tweek the amp for each guitar.

 

[azazael]

Pete,

You can get a "prescription" to help alleviate the hand sweat (at least I think you can). I'll have to ask a pharmacist.

My hands actually don't sweat all that much. Maybe my Ph levels are odd lol

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

I generally give a few quick tweaks to the amp when switching from the JP to the LUKE at gigs. I try and switch as quickly as possible, so the changes are minimal.

NEW STRINGS ARE A MUST!

Pete,

You can get a "prescription" to help alleviate the hand sweat (at least I think you can). I'll have to ask a pharmacist.

Mike,

It's not necessarily that my hands sweat, it's that the oils in my fingertips cause steel to discolor and build deposits.

 

[Dizzy]

Mike,

It's not necessarily that my hands sweat, it's that the oils in my fingertips cause steel to discolor and build deposits.

Plus you are genetically enhanced to wear out and discolour strings 20% faster than anyone else !

 

[guitarman23]

wash hands, and don't forget EB wonder wipes string cleaners!

if my strings last well its about a month for me, but i mostly change two times a month.

 

[shogun]

3months!! wow!! mine last 2 days if im lucky.. i change every 1-2 weeks on whatever axe i choose to binge on.

 

[Slingy]

Don't forget to wipe. I usually let it go until they start to sound dead, then I experiment with all different tunings before changing em out. It really depends on the type of playing I'm doing too.

With the bass guitar strings I need to get more mileage out of them because frequent changes are expensive, but they really sound best fresh.