Can someone tell me about guitar strings?

Question

Uh, I have an acoustic guitar. I haven't changed the strings in over two years [except for one broken G string], and I was wondering if new strings make the guitars sound nicer.
Because if feels like the strings [they're steel] have become harder to use...so I plan on replacing them soon. Do they actually get worn down?
What type of strings should I get, any suggestions? I haven't done this before -.-
I know there are different gauge-sizes, or something...but can you explain to me the benefits of each, or something? Thank you. XD

Answer 1

Well, yes you should change the strings every so often for a good sound and better playing. If you for some reason wanted to do a drop tuning on your guitar, heavier gauge strings are better. If you want standard or to do big string bending then use lighter gauge strings. Beefier sounds use heavier gauge strings. I don't know much about what gauge strings do what on acoustics but I could tell you about what gauge strings are good for what on an electric. That being said, some very good strings are Elixirs.

Answer 2

Hey XD; your question is one of opinion. My opinion is that I prefer the sound of old strings on my acoustic for the round wound strings (those are the strings that feel rough). However, the other 2 strings (normally the high E and B string) I prefer to be newer. Strings get dirty over time and corrode. You will find that putting new strings on will feel fresh and clean on your fingers. The sound that they put out will be dramatically different. It will be much brighter. Is that your preference? If so, then you have answered your own question.

You should also experiment with some different gauge strings. Some may feel more comfortable to you than others. Despite what people think or hear, most strings are made the same way using the same technology. What you pay for when you get brand name strings is the advertising that the company puts into it. Cheap strings are exactly that though. Guitar Research strings have given me problems in the past. However, you can get good quality strings that don't cost a premium.

As soon as you put new strings on, you will answer your own question about the sound however.

Answer 3

I change my guitar strings every 6 months. the reason is because although the strings look good they don't sound as good as they used to.

Particularly I use DR strings because they have a great sound and they´re flexible. since I have tender fingers these strings don´t hurt too much. I use the Sunbeam DR strings gauge 10 - 48 but if you don't have tender fingers you should get 11 - 50 gauge. they are a Little expensive about $8 per set.



You also can buy strings from Ernie Ball, D'dadario, or Martin. they're less expensive.



Here is this link where you can compare the prices and the brands.

http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/strinbyman1.html

Answer 4

yeh i had my first set of strings for 2 years the got really dirty and the left black marks on my fingers each time i went to play.

it does slightly make the guitar sound better

but some of the main reasons to replace guitar strings is because Over time a guitar’s strings change in tone due to stretching and fatigue. A brand new set of strings will always start out with a bright tone and fade to a soft tone the more they are played.

i suggest you by the strings and string it your self much cheaper dude

here is a web site to tell you all about the strings

http://www.guitar-stuff.net/2006/04/17/how-often-should-you-change-your-guitar-strings/

Answer 5

yes, replacing old guitar strings does make the guitar sound nicer, it has more of a ring and sounds brighter.

Seeing that it has been 2 years, yes, the strings will sound dull or flat. Guitar strings should be replaced every few months or annually.



For new strings, it depends on your guitar and how you want it to sound.

The "gauges" (thickness) are separated into extra light, light, and medium.

I recommend medium for beginners.



AND you can always ask the staff at your nearest music store :)

Answer 6

You should be changing your strings regularly, like every 2-3 months or so, depending on how much you play. The string windings get full of dead skin, grease and dirt from your fingertips and start to sound dead, and will also not hold tuning as accurately. New strings are incredible- after two years, you will be blown away at how alive your guitar will sound. Try D'addario Phosphor Bronze 10's. Cheap, great sound, hold their tone for a long time, and used by many pros.



And I agree about treated/coated strings like Elixers- they are not worth the money. And to my ears, they sound different, and they definitely play differently. I don't like 'em.

Answer 7

Guitar strings stretch out and loose their brilliance over time. A lot of people don't like the sound of TOTALLY brand new strings, but everybody agrees that old strings just don't sound as good.



The life of guitar strings varies... the main factor is how much you play the guitar. Don't get suckered into the expensive treated strings that claim to last 3x longer or something. They may resist dirt and corrosion, but they stretch out and sound crappy just as fast as any other string. Plus, for the price of one package of the fancy treated strings, you could get 3 packs of "normal" strings. Replacing strings isn't a big deal, no reason to have old worn out strings on your guitar.



Once you change them, you'll immediately notice how much richer and lively the guitar sounds.

Answer 8

Yea, guitar strings will rust and get duller over time. Changing them will definately make your guitar sound better.



Any acoustic strings will do. I like Martin's or D'addarios, they sound good and are cheap. Steel strings will sound more metallic. Nickle strings are less metallic. It's just a matter of taste.

Answer 9

you dont need to change the strings unless the strings are cheap.

also have you checked your amp and the acoustics of the room that you play in?