Changing Acoustic Guitar Strings is a topic debated among guitarists of all levels. There’s no definitive, one-size-fits-all answer, making it a common question, much like asking when to change the oil in your car. While we wish there was a simple mileage marker for string changes, guitars and guitarists are far more nuanced than automobiles.
Question: “I find myself wanting to change my guitar strings after about 60–100 hours of playing. Is there a standard timeframe for string changes in the guitar world?” — George Peck
Answer: The reasons for changing your acoustic guitar strings are multifaceted. Firstly, many players simply crave the brilliant, vibrant sound that a fresh set of strings delivers. It’s a sonic sparkle that’s undeniably appealing. If cost wasn’t a factor, some might even change strings every other day just to maintain that sonic freshness! Professionals who handle guitars frequently, like luthiers and repair technicians, often experience this preference firsthand as they’re constantly putting new strings on instruments.
However, beyond sonic preference, there are tangible, physical reasons why acoustic guitar strings eventually require replacement. Even strings left untouched will succumb to environmental factors. Oxidation and humidity cause corrosion. Plain steel strings can develop a rough texture, while bronze wound strings will age, acquiring a greenish hue that transfers unpleasantly to your fingertips. While complete prevention is impossible, anecdotal evidence suggests regular playing might slow down this process. This could be attributed to a combination of protective oils from your fingertips and the slight polishing effect of finger friction. Consider it another excellent incentive to practice your guitar more often!
The accumulation of dirt, skin oils, and dead skin cells is another significant factor degrading acoustic guitar strings. This buildup, often found on well-played fretboards, is what the late luthier Charlie LoBue humorously termed “schmunda.” Some guitar repair professionals even jokingly add a “DNA surcharge” for instruments heavily coated in this grime. Similar to tartar buildup on teeth, this substance infiltrates the tight windings of wound acoustic guitar strings and hardens into a rigid, brittle mass.
Over time, this accumulation adds weight to the strings, reduces their flexibility, and dampens their natural vibrations. As a young musician, one common practice was to soak bass strings in alcohol to dissolve this buildup, extending their lifespan for a few more months before replacement became necessary. A more rudimentary approach, employed by another player, involved aggressively pulling and snapping each string against the fretboard to dislodge some of the accumulated grime. While initially skeptical, it was noticeable that this method did improve the sound of his wound acoustic guitar strings, making them sound livelier. However, this technique also carries the risk of string breakage from excessive force, which defeats the purpose.
This leads us to consider the string material itself. Plain acoustic guitar strings are constructed from a single strand of wire with a ball end. Wound strings, on the other hand, comprise a core strand overwound with bronze or other alloy wire to achieve a specific mass. String manufacturers meticulously control the diameters of the core and wrap wires as these dimensions directly influence the string’s tone and feel. Anyone who has installed new acoustic guitar strings knows they undergo an initial stretching phase, requiring frequent retuning until they stabilize at their intended length.
This elasticity is inherent and crucial for a string to produce musical tones. As a string vibrates, its length changes, and a lack of elasticity would result in a stiff, unmusical sound with dissonant harmonics. However, metals are susceptible to a phenomenon called metal fatigue. Repeated flexing and relaxing cycles cause molecular rearrangements within the metal, leading to a harder but more brittle structure. As acoustic guitar string cores age and endure regular playing, they lose elasticity and can sound “off.” Harmonics and notes in the upper register may become out of tune, and overall tuning stability can degrade. Furthermore, the string becomes more prone to breakage due to the core’s increased brittleness. Fortunately, most players tend to replace their acoustic guitar strings before reaching this extreme stage, although repair experiences suggest not everyone adheres to this practice!
String manufacturers have developed various technologies to address these issues. Over the past two decades, the most significant advancement has been the introduction of coated acoustic guitar strings. These coatings act as a protective barrier, shielding the strings from environmental corrosion and finger grime. W. L. Gore & Associates pioneered this technology with their Elixir brand in 1997. Since then, numerous companies have followed suit, developing their own string coating methods. D’Addario, for instance, developed a process to coat the wrap wire before winding the string, while Elixir coats the entire string with a Teflon-like polymer jacket.
Coated acoustic guitar strings have both proponents and detractors. While they might lack the initial brilliance of uncoated strings, their extended lifespan is invaluable for musicians who need durability and longevity from each set. The polymer coatings also minimize finger squeak on wound strings, a desirable feature for many players. Additionally, new alloys are being developed that exhibit improved resistance to long-term metal fatigue. Corrosion-resistant packaging is also becoming increasingly prevalent, ensuring strings remain in optimal condition until they are installed on the guitar.
Ultimately, determining when to change your acoustic guitar strings is subjective and varies from player to player. Personal experience is a key factor. For example, some musicians with highly acidic sweat might need to change strings weekly due to rapid corrosion. Conversely, players with a lighter touch and less corrosive sweat might find their strings last for months while maintaining acceptable tone.
There’s no rigid rule for string changes, but a good guideline is to assess the condition of your acoustic guitar strings regularly. If they appear dirty, feel rough to the touch, or sound dull and lack vibrancy, or if you are experiencing tuning instability or intonation issues, it’s likely time for a fresh set. (For a reliable method for restringing your guitar, refer to resources like the January/February 2021 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine or online tutorials. These resources offer efficient techniques for both removing old strings and installing new ones.)
In conclusion, whenever you replace your acoustic guitar strings, you’ll likely wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. New strings invariably enhance the playing experience, revealing subtle nuances of your guitar that you may have forgotten. Life is too short to play with dead strings. Embrace the freshness and vibrancy that new acoustic guitar strings bring to your playing!
This article was inspired by content originally published in the May/June 2023 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.
