Choosing the right guitar for you is not an easy task. But once you have made the decision and purchased the right guitar that suits you, there are a few things you need to look out for.
Should you start playing the guitar right away? Or should you make some adjustments before you start?
About making the adjustments, the very first thing that might come to your mind is, if you should replace the strings or keep them as it is.
Should you change the strings on a new guitar?
Well, the answer is yes. In most cases, you should be changing the strings on your guitar. Because the guitar strings had been on for a long time before you purchased the instrument. However, the shop may sometimes do it for you for free while purchasing.
There could be other reasons why you need to change the strings on your new guitar.
Here in this article, I decided to break down the reasons for you for better understanding.
Give this article a five minutes read to find out the reasons!
Why Should You Consider Changing Your Guitar Strings?
To improve the sound of your instrument, most new guitars should have their strings changed. Here are some of the reasons why you should change them.
The Strings That Come with the Guitar Have Been on A Long Time
A guitar is shipped from the factory with a new set of strings. Before boxing, all new guitars are strung with new strings.
The issue is that the instrument might be sitting in a manufacturing package for months or even years before being sold. When a music store buys a guitar, it may sit on the shop’s wall for a long period.
Most places will not put new strings on new guitars because it is too expensive. When you buy a new guitar, the strings are rarely brand new.
Keeping Your Fretboard Safe Is Your First Priority
Old strings are frequently rusted or covered with filth. These instruments are stored in crates in the rear of a guitar shop.
The guitars will be stored in those cartons for several months. In many cases, you will not receive a guitar with the most recent strings. You don’t want this old filth to go on the guitar fretboard since it might harm it.
If you purchase a high-priced guitar, you will want to preserve it in good shape. Remove the old rusted strings and replace them with a new set.
The Strings Do Not Match Your Preferences
The Strings that came with the guitar might not be the ones you are looking for. The material, the gauge size, may be different from what you are looking for.
You can always change them according to your preference and comfort.
To Improve the Guitar’s Sound
You won’t obtain the desired tone with aged strings. Strings become more difficult to play as they age because you can’t glide up and down aged strings as easily.
This implies that your playing will only sound as excellent as you can because you’ll be fighting the strings more frequently than not. You don’t want to have to work hard to get a decent tone out of them.
When you play for a long period, old strings are more difficult to maintain in tune and may go out of tune often.
When Strings Do Not Need to Be Changed?
They Sound Good and Have a Clean Appearance
Sometimes you can come upon a guitar with a decent set of strings. If the strings sound nice to you, or if they are clean and unused. You may leave them on for a little longer and save money.
Don’t modify the strings if you don’t think they need it.
They’ve Already Been Altered By The Guitar Shop
The shop may sometimes do it for you for free while purchasing.
When you buy them from some retailers, they will do this. If the strings do not appear rusted and are glossy, they will not need to be changed when you take the guitar home.
You must analyze the strings and make a choice.
Picking The Right Guitar Strings for You
If you decide to change the guitar strings right after your purchase, make sure they match your preferences. Here are some different types of strings you can find in the market and choose according to your likings!
Right Guitar Strings for Acoustic Guitars
| Bronze & Aluminum Bronze | This tone is bright, crisp, and ringing. Because bronze oxidizes, they do not survive as long as others.
When compared to phosphor bronze, aluminum bronze has a crisper sound and better bass. |
| Phosphor Bronze | This is a darker and warmer version of ordinary bronze. The phosphor extends the life of the strings. |
| Brass | These have a metallic and bright tone |
| Silk & Steel | These have a nylon, silk, or copper wire core. They have a gentle, warm tone to them. These are frequently used by fingerstyle and folk musicians. |
| Nylon | A material that is commonly used in classical guitars. |
Right Guitar Strings for Electric Guitar
| Pure-Nickel | Provide a pleasant tone that isn’t as bright as nickel-plated strings. |
| Nickel pleated | Offer a good attack, warmth, and brilliance.
Stainless steel — This material has a clean and bright tone, as well as some corrosion resistance. |
| Chrome | These have a warmer tone but don’t resonate as effectively. |
| Titanium | This metal is brilliant and strong. |
| Cobalt | These have a dazzling appearance and a dynamic reaction. |
| Stainless steel | This material has a clean and bright tone, as well as some corrosion resistance. |
Choosing Right Guitar Gauge for You
String Gauge Thickness for Acoustic Guitar
| Extra Light | .010 .014 .023 .030 .039 .047 |
| Custom Light | .011 .015 .023 .032 .042 .052 |
| Light | .012 .016 .025 .032 .042 .054 |
| Medium | .013 .017 .026 .035 .045 .056 |
| Heavy | .014 .018 .027 .039 .049 .059 |
String Gauge Thickness for Electric Guitar
| Extra Super Light | .08 .010 .015 .021 .030 .038 |
| Super Light | .009 .011 .016 .024 .032 .042 |
| Light | .010 .013 .017 .026 .036 .046 |
| Medium | .011 .015 .018 .026 .036 .050 |
| Heavy | .012 .016 .020 .032 .042 .054 |
These are all you should know before deciding which string or string gauge will suit your guitar the best. Keep in mind your preference and the playability as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Change Guitar Strings Before They Break?
After every 100 hours of playing your guitar, you should change the strings because they are getting used and worn. Whichever comes first 100 hours or 3 months is a good time to change those guitar strings and avoid them sounding “funny,” breaking, or not tuning correctly.
Should I Change Strings Before Setup?
It’s a very good idea to experiment with different gauging – but you must prepare your instrument’s setup before changing your gauge. Many players switching extreme string gauges forget that the slots on their instrument’s nut have been cut to a specific width.
How Long Do Strings On A Guitar Last?
A seldom-played guitar will quickly acquire rusted strings because of humidity and moisture in the air. The average set of strings played by the average player may last around 90 days (about three months).
Conclusion
You just bought your new guitar and you’re testing the strings. Do they make a lifeless sound, seem rusted, or feel gunky? Then you might need to change them.
Do they have a gleaming new appearance, a smooth feel, and a pleasant sound? Then leave the strings on until they need to be changed.
But it is always recommended to change them before start using, for a more pleasant experience and of course, for better sounds!
