Typically it's time to change when the plain steel strings (high E and B) show signs of excessive wear. String life differs from player to player. With Elixir Strings players report their tone lasts longer than any other string, uncoated or coated..
Consequently, when should I change my strings?
Most players should plan on changing strings about once every 3 months or 100 hours of practice—whichever comes first. If you're late by awhile, it doesn't matter. Your strings may last twice this long, or more. They will continue to wear and you can continue to use them, as long as they don't break.
Additionally, are Elixir Strings worth it? They have a different tone than plain strings, at least to me, so if you like them and you tend not to break strings, they're worth it; they'll last for a really long time. You should at least take the plunge once.
Also asked, is nanoweb or Polyweb better?
Nanoweb strings have a more full range, whereas Polyweb strings are more balanced in the mid range. Polyweb strings have a stronger natural warm tone, whereas Nanoweb are slightly more bright and projective tone.
Do Elixir strings rust?
Lately I've combined that with Elixir plain corrosion resistant strings, and I find that extends the life of the plain string to more closely match the extended life of the coated wound strings. If I use Ernie Ball, D'Addario, Dunlop, etc strings they will rust within, get this, 2 days.
Related Question Answers
How do I know if my guitar needs new strings?
5 Signs It's Time To Change Your Guitar Strings - Your guitar strings won't stay in tune.
- Your guitar's tone is dull. We all know the familiar snap of brand new strings.
- Your guitar strings are discolored.
- Your guitar strings feel stiff.
- Your guitar strings feel dirty.
- 3 Comments.
What happens if you dont change guitar strings?
Tuning issues could also have nothing to do with the strings themselves; it could be anything from bad tuners to a warped neck to an improperly cut nut and more. All of these or some can lead to bad tone, intonation issues, slippage, fretting out, and tuning problems. Don't always blame the strings.Why do my new guitar strings sound bad?
It's not just you. New strings are considerably “brighter”. I have found that once the strings have stretched as much as they're going to, the brightness is gone and the strings start sounding “normal”. Not only will the guitar “keep” the tuning because you've stretched the string enough to get the “new worn off”.Do new strings guitar sound better?
Strings start to sound dull, become difficult to play, and are prone to breakage. A fresh set of strings will remedy this. New strings have a brighter tone. They stay in tune better and are easier on the fingers.How do you clean your guitar?
5 Tips for Cleaning Your Guitar: Wipe the strings, neck and bridge often with a lint-free cloth. Wipe metal parts clean with a soft, dry polishing cloth. You don't need to spray anything on them; simply wiping them off will usually suffice quite nicely.Do guitar picks wear out?
The Long Answer. Most standard plectrums can withstand heavy picking and strumming for a long time without much wear. But just like strings, guitar picks will wear out over time it's just the norm of playing guitar.What happens when guitar strings get old?
Old guitars improve with age, but old strings just get worse. Strings gradually deteriorate until they break or you can't take the dreary sounds they produce. Old strings sound dull and lifeless, and they lose their tensility (their capability to hold tension), becoming brittle.Do guitar strings expire?
If the guitar strings are in a sealed package than they don't have a shelf life. but if they don't you than those strings have a shelf life and you should check the date and their condition. Guitar strings don't have an expiry date and you cannot find it in the packages.What Elixir Strings are the best?
The 80/20 Bronze guitar strings have a bright, lively voice. Phosphor Bronze strings have a more distinctive tone, full of warmth and sparkle. Whichever is your favorite, Elixir Strings offer both 80/20 Bronze and Phosphor Bronze strings with a choice of our NANOWEB and POLYWEB protective Coatings.Which Elixir string is best?
Elixir Strings are Roundwound, by far the most popular format with a comfortable ribbed texture and brighter sound. Half Round strings are ground down to give smoother feel and warmer tone, while Flatwound strings have an ultra-smooth surface and a vintage sound that makes them popular for mellow, jazzy playing.What is the coating on Elixir strings?
Elixir Strings are noted for their patented fluoropolymer coating. The coating extends the strings' life and tone by reducing the accumulation of debris and blocking corrosion from elements such as skin oil.Do Elixir strings really last longer?
Elixir Strings last a really, really long time – but not forever! With Elixir Strings players report their tone lasts longer than any other string, uncoated or coated.Do coated strings sound different?
The plain strings have a much brighter, more trebley sound, allowing each note played to stand out. It is true that coated strings did not need to be changed nearly so often—they would maintain the same sound for much longer (maybe 6 months compared to 2 months, for light playing).Where are Elixir strings made?
Even before the rise of counterfeit strings, Elixir already had a bit of history with China. About a decade ago, there was an uproar when their strings were believed to be made in the U.S, but packaged in China.Why do guitar strings squeak?
You squeak when you slide a finger on the wound strings. This can be with pressure (pressing down a string) or not. You move up or down the fretboard before completely lifting the finger(s) and it creates a loud squeak.Which is better 80/20 or phosphor bronze?
Basically phosphor bronze is 92% copper—so a little bit more copper than 80/20 bronze—has about 8% tin and contains trace amounts of phosphorous, which is what makes it a little bit more corrosion resistant compared to 80/20 bronze. Phosphor bronze is really known for having a balanced, rather warm response.What is the difference between light and medium guitar strings?
Although thicker medium acoustic guitar strings tend to sound louder, they can be much more difficult to play than light strings. Medium strings may also put undue pressure on an acoustic guitar's neck and bridge, sometimes resulting in expensive repairs.Can guitar strings rust?
Like all iron-containing metallic objects, guitar strings corrode when exposed to moisture. Even in small amounts, moisture triggers a chemical reaction, known as oxidation, which converts iron into a new, weaker metal: rust. Because of this reaction, the once-strong strings become easier to break.What gauge acoustic strings should I use?
Body Style: A general rule of thumb is to string smaller-bodied acoustics with lighter gauges, larger bodied instruments with heavier gauges. A big dreadnought or jumbo will generally sound better with medium-gauge strings that take fuller advantage of their relatively larger sound chambers. 
