Shelf Life for Strings
What is the take from the group on shelf life for strings? Do you think that strings on a guitar that has not been played because it is new can lose a bit of playability? I guess the answer is obvious if the strings were old enough, but just the normal time of production, stringing, getting the guitar to retail, and then a player purchasing the guitar. What should they be able to experience from the strings as to use before needing a change? I have a new Strat and not sure. The strings sound pretty good but don't know if it would sound a lot better if new ones were put on. Still stays in tune okay and tone seems reasonable. Does anyone just put a new set on anyway when you get a new instrument?
Bobby
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@Bobby Elliott
It really depends. I know that "new" looking strings on a new guitar can look fine but cause some problems. I had that experience with the new/used strat I just bought. I got it home and the guy had never really played the guitar much. He said he changed the strings a several months ago and the guitar had been sitting in the case. There were a couple of intonation an tuning issues with the guitar, so I put a fresh set on and the problems just went away. It's always good to change strings on a new (or new to you) guitar right away. These videos from the Guitar Foundations course have some more tips on when to change your strings.