Should I change my strings now?

[FrancescoFiligoi]

Hi Sneapers,

I'm in the middle of tracking a two-song project, almost finished the first.

I've put Elixir strings about a week ago on my axe, just to track some remaining riff and some leads on the first song, but it's been three busy days and I haven't got the chance to touch my guitar since.

Since they're Elixir, they surely last longer. Also, I NEVER sweat. But...

Do strings lose their "fresh" new sound even if I haven't played them that much?

Thank you

 

[Clockwork]

If they were still under tension then yes they are losing some of that fresh sound, but seeing as its only been a week I think the difference will be negligible. I'd say go ahead and finish the recording on them, you just don't want to be recording on strings that have been played and worn and tuned and retuned for weeks, but a week of sitting under standard tension is no big deal.

 

[BLUElightCory]

Just play the guitar unplugged - if the strings still have their metallic "zing" sound, you should be fine. If they sound dull, change them.

 

[Trevoire520]

No experience with elixirs but on normal strings I find they need replacing after about 6 hours of playing.

Go back to the first song you recorded and do another take, compare the tone you have now to the first one you recorded. If the new take is noticeably duller then it might be best to change strings.

 

[Fragarach]

If you still have that clangy sound while playing you dont need to change your strings.

 

[reg3n]

Just play the guitar unplugged - if the strings still have their metallic "zing" sound, you should be fine. If they sound dull, change them.

This.