When to Change strings?

Most players change strings when they lose their brilliance, sound too mellow, when intonation falters, or when their instrument is difficult to keep in tune. Changing one string after it breaks is not recomended, as the newer string will definately be brighter sounding than the rest of the set.

String tone not very bright? Strings buzzing?

Check points at the nut and saddle to make sure strings are not pinched or laying on badly worn surfaces or paper shims. String buzzes and tonal deadness most commonly occur on worn or poorly seated frets.

I hate the way these strings feel!

Hand perspiration and dirt build-up are the main culprits that shorten string longevity. Wipe strings down with a clean cloth after each session. For those of you with more acidic perspiration, wipe strings down with a 91% isopropyl alcohol. In terms of time, some active performers need to change strings on a weekly basis. Occasional players make take months to wear out a set.

I can't tune this guitar!

Most tning problems are a result of high string height or a truss rod that is bowed too far away from the strings. A combonation of the two results in a guitarist's worst nightmare - the inablity to play in tune. The problem is exaggerated as you play higher up the neck.

Some tuning problems stem from a nut that grabs the string, causing a snapping or pinging sound as the string jumps through the nutslot. Scraping pencil lead shavings or powdered graphite into nut slots will lubricate them

Make sure electric guitar saddle locations are set for proper intonation with an electric tuner, Check acoustic guitar saddle placement by measuring from the front of the nut to the 12th fret. Double this measurement and compensate for string height (the stretch of the string in order to fret a note) by adding 3/16" at the bass E and 1/16" at the treble E. Classical guitar saddle placement is about 2mm or 5/64" longer than twice the 12 fret measurement.

Make sure to recheck intonation if you use a different string guage.