Another String question

[iwalktheline]

hey guys, I had posted last week about my d-35 getting a set-up and sounding awesome and wanting to get my hummingbird a set-up soon. Before I do that I just wanted to change the strings and see if they are dead. It's been 3 months or more since I changed them and the ones that are on it now are the d'addario coated phosphor bronze 13-56. I have read that people leave these on for a year and they claim they still sound great and like new, which I really don't buy but with these types of strings how long would you keep them on before changing?? I still intend on getting the set-up in a week or so but I just wanted to see if it was possibly just the strings. Let me know your thoughts and ideas boys&girls.........

[Buc McMaster]

String tone is so subjective......really hard to say definitively when to change them. If the guitar still sounds good to your ear, play on. There comes a day when old strings will no longer hold tune and that, perhaps, is the only time when all would agree it's time to button on a new set of your choice.

[duluthdan]

There is usually a fairly direct relationship between how often its played, and the string change. I find that coated strings do indeed last quite awhile, but I rotate thru my 5 guitars pretty regularly. Have a set of Elixers on the JB that have been there alomost 7 months - was thinking of changing them this morning, not because it sounds like it needs it, as much as the principle of the thing. The strings on my J-45 take a beating every day, so those last about a month. Uncoated. Strings will last damn near forever on my CSN because it just doesn't get played all that much. The 28 gets new strings about every 60 days, depending on the whim, but usually I can hear those strings go dead almost as if overnight. Uncoated. The SJ has Martin Lifespans, about 2 months now, and they're still pretty good. I used to use EXPs, and the darn things seemed to last forever. Treat your 'Bird to a setup.

[iwalktheline]

Well since I have had the hummingbird it has been my main guitar. I play it at least an hour or so a day. Since I got her the low E string has always kinda sounded dead. Since getting the d 35 done i notice it more. I want to try and take her next Saturday for the set up but I have to make sure my guitar guy is in. Since I play her so much I just think it's time for a string change, even if they are coated.