How often are you guys changing strings when tracking rhythm guitars?

["Evil" Aidy]

Probably a bit of a strange question - Just wondering how often are you guys changing strings when tracking rhythm/lead guitars?

Every song?

Or do you play it by ear and wait til you get a noticable dull tone?

 

[smy1]

Once before tracking. I usually only need 1-2 days for 10 songs, so the strings are fine ...

 

[spioraid]

usually once before tracking. more if I'm experimenting with string gauge and different metals.

 

[Splat88]

I honestly change my strings twice a year.

 

[MetallyGuitarded]

I honestly change my strings twice a year.

Dude, is that signature quote from Wesley Willis?!?

 

[JeffTD]

I know Ken told me James wanted him to change strings after every 2 songs or so while recording the new Abigail Williams.

 

[Splat88]

Dude, is that signature quote from Wesley Willis?!?

You better believe it! Huge fan and one of the best song writers of our time! I actually was lucky enough to see him perform live before he died. Then he whooped a camel's ass.

 

[LSD-Studio]

every day.....sometimes more often (players with sweaty fingers)

 

[Zack Uidl]

Just once before tracking. That is fine. The projects that I work with do not take long to record the parts correctly. (Maybe a day or two for a full album)

That is all I do

 

[smy1]

I honestly change my strings twice a year.

I change 'em less often

Basically everytime I track something serious myself, which is every 4 years on average ...

 

[Splat88]

I change 'em less often

Basically everytime I track something serious myself, which is every 4 years on average ...

I like that mentality. My ESP that I used for the majority of my songs I've posted here had the same strings on them for over a year and a half. I changed the strings on my other guitars a little more often. I really find no big difference in tone once everything is in the mix. I clean the strings, however, and my hands never get sweaty. I'll probably use a new set for each song for our album though.

 

["Evil" Aidy]

Thanks for the advice!

I'll probably opt for the new strings before every track option if the strings have got particularly sweaty other than that I'll see how it goes!

Cheers

 

[DrGleason]

I probably go through 3 packs a year; so is use the strings for about 4 months at a time. I can start to notice the strings getting more dull sounding and the intonation changing. Then I know it's time to change the strings.

 

[Zack Uidl]

3 packs a year! Wow!

I go through a new set every two weeks! But, I am totally OCD with changing my strings.

 

[Zuranthus]

i only change mines when something breaks
the good ol boil technique keeps em at least looking shiny

 

[Metaltastic]

See, for me, I have really freakin' sweaty hands and my strings always get ridiculously grimy, so I usually change mine every 1 1/2 - 2 months (and sure, I could wipe 'em off, but then I'd be more inclined to keep 'em on longer!)

 

[SpewChunks]

Depends where i'm living... While i am living inland in a cold town i only have to change strings about twice a year. When i'm living on the coast in warmer climate, i found the salty sea air causes corrosion a lot quicker and needed to change once a month. Wiping the guitar down with cloth every time i'm finished helps, but i'm pretty lazy and don't do it very often.

 

[Manicompression]

I like to change my strings every 2 weeks or so, It really depends how much playing your doing, old grimey strings just dont intonate as predictably / as well.

 

[colonel kurtz]

it totally depends, man...if i'm just fucking around and jamming, i'll leave the same set on until they break

if i'm trying to record something, and i want it to sound good, i'll change after 5-6 hours playing time

 

[Flal]

I know Ken told me James wanted him to change strings after every 2 songs or so while recording the new Abigail Williams.

lol, so useless......