when do I need to buy new acoustic guitar strings?

Question

An electric tuner says that my acoustic guitar is in tune, but it still doesn't sound right. Is this a sign that I need to buy new guitar strings?

Answer 1

It depends on the brand and amount used for.
If you use steel strings then when the strigns start to discolour and appear to be rusted.
If you use nylon i guess when you ahve had them for a long time.

Brands like Elixir are made to last for a long time.
In fact, I had mine for like 1 year.
But if you have had them for a long time, I reccommend just changing them!

Answer 2

I usually change the strings on my guitar about every year or so, or when I break one. Even if they hold a tune, the sound will get less and less bright over time. So it depends on what tone quality you want out of your guitar, I guess.

To help your guitar hold a tune better, make sure that you tune it frequently during the first few days after you put on the new strings. The strings will stretch out to their appropriate tuning and you won't have to make many adjustments after that. If you don't keep it in tune during this time, they might never hold a tune well.

(When you break a string, you might as well change the whole set. Guitar strings are pretty inexpensive.)

As far as your guitar not sounding "right", I can't tell you what exactly is the problem with the sound without listening to it. You can ask your guitar teacher if you have one, or perhaps a more musically accomplished friend. I also like the previous answerer's suggestion of taking your guitar to the store where you bought it and asking them.

Enjoy playing guitar! It's a wonderful pastime. I've enjoyed it for many years.

Answer 3

intonation?
try playing the 12th fret harmonic( real easy, look it up if you have to) on each string and compare the sound to the open string. if their different, your guitar isnt set up right, take it back to the store or get someone with a good ear to set it up.

are your frets real high?
sometimes pressing down too much can change the pitch of a string and make a chord sound out of tune in a way you cant put your finger (sorry!) on. either way, it sounds like a set up problem.

old strings just sound dull, not out of tune.

good luck!

Answer 4

With a spruce top you want phosphor bronze which are warmer than 80/20 bronze. If you don't want to change strings alot, get coated. I like daddario EXPs. Elixirs are ok, but they are really slippery and feel greasy... I recommend lights (12s), but remember the higher the gauge the louder your guitar and more tension on your neck.

Answer 5

Yes it is, your guitar will have a duller sound, also the more expensive better sound qualty strings like used for recording, have a shorter life than your regular strings

Answer 6

When the strings sound dull
New ones will make your instrument sound bright again
get new strings, they aren't expensive for a decent set

Answer 7

It could be that your strings are tuned to the right notes but not to the right pitches. New strings will only give you a bright/dirty Sound.

Answer 8

It depends on the use they get and exposure to damp conditions. Professionals change them every week but every couple of months should be fine.

Answer 9

where y0 bought the guitar 0r t0 s0me XperTs!!!♥♥♥