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Gospel Instruments => Gospel Guitar => Topic started by: 4hisglory on May 16, 2014, 04:25:08 AM

Title: Guitar strings
Post by: 4hisglory on May 16, 2014, 04:25:08 AM
How important are the strings you put on a guitar?  I have a guitar that's been sitting around for years.  I've always wanted to learn but am wondering if I should have new strings put on first
Title: Re: Guitar strings
Post by: funkStrat_97 on May 16, 2014, 07:07:57 AM
It's pretty vital.  This is where your sound stats.  As long as they hold their tuning an intonate properly, you can keep then on your guitar for as long as you'd like (until or unless they break of course).  There are new hard and fast rules as to how often you should change your strings, but I tend to change mine about every month or so.
Title: Re: Guitar strings
Post by: gtrdave on May 16, 2014, 03:43:12 PM
They're pretty important.
Old strings could be over-strectched or just worn, dull, rusted, dirt-ridden, etc...and will sound lifeless and probably won't stay in tune.
New strings can re-energize a guitar and make it sound like it's supposed to sound.

I personally would never go years without changing strings. 6 months MAYBE on a guitar that I don't play much, but usually every 2 months or less I change them regardless.
Title: Re: Guitar strings
Post by: funkStrat_97 on May 16, 2014, 03:47:45 PM
They're pretty important.
Old strings could be over-strectched or just worn, dull, rusted, dirt-ridden, etc...and will sound lifeless and probably won't stay in tune.
New strings can re-energize a guitar and make it sound like it's supposed to sound.

I personally would never go years without changing strings. 6 months MAYBE on a guitar that I don't play much, but usually every 2 months or less I change them regardless.

Funny enough, some bass players actually seek a duller, deader sound and will keep strings on a bass for years!
Title: Re: Guitar strings
Post by: 4hisglory on May 16, 2014, 05:06:54 PM
Soooooooo, what strings do you prefer and why?
Title: Re: Guitar strings
Post by: dwest2419 on May 16, 2014, 07:27:15 PM
I think it is time for me to change my strings.
Title: Re: Guitar strings
Post by: funkStrat_97 on May 16, 2014, 08:01:11 PM
I prefer GHS Boomers medium set (gauged .011 - .050).  I really don't have any particular reason that I've stuck with Boomers for the past 20 years, but the medium gauge best fits my playing style.
Title: Re: Guitar strings
Post by: gtrdave on May 16, 2014, 10:06:00 PM
D'Addario XL115 .011-.049 for electrics. I dunno, because I've been using them for years. Used to use Dean Markley hybrids, but they started to break too quickly.
Martin SP phospher bronze .011-.052 for acoustics. I love the rich, bright tone of them.
Title: Re: Guitar strings
Post by: 4hisglory on May 17, 2014, 06:56:31 AM
Thanks guys