Having the right guitar strings is just as important as having a solid instrument. Too often, we take for granted that our guitars will live a long and fruitful life with only a quick tune-up in between sessions.
It’s true that acoustic guitars don’t need to be replaced nearly as frequently when it comes to their strings, but when they do need to be replaced, you’ll want to know all of the signs so you can get them replaced before they break and ruin your guitar for good!
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Which String Should be used:
The most important thing to keep in mind is that your acoustic guitar requires a specific type of string; one that is matched to its intended application and playing style. For example, if you play heavy and hard and expect the longevity of your strings to match your rugged lifestyle, look for a good set of stainless steel strings.
In contrast, if you have an acoustic guitar with a high action intended for slinky finger picking, nylon strings will be the only way to go! In addition, if you’re just starting out on an acoustic guitar or regularly practice at home or play regularly at home, then lighter gauge sets are ideal because they have less tension.
5 Signs Your Acoustic Guitar Needs New Strings:
Your Gstring is Excessive:
When it comes to acoustics, they’re super durable and won’t need as much string as a guitar that will play traditional metal. But sometimes, depending on the amount of playing you do and the style of music you do, your cheap acoustic guitar may need new strings faster than normal.
You know that if you’ve broken strings before, but it’s been a while since your last tune-up! So don’t be afraid to call us and we’ll help get the job done quickly and right! We’ll also gladly replace any old busted-up strings we find in your original packaging with fresh fresh new ones at no extra charge!
The Pickup Sounds Bad:
Your guitar may have a pick-up on it right now, but if the sound is wacky or you just don’t get that natural sound that was evident in the store, then it’s time to get your electric turned on. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that your acoustic is bad sounding, just that sometimes there are issues with pick-ups and they’re inexcusable!
It’s Getting too Bright:
Your guitar may be getting too much sunlight because of an open window in the room you’re playing in. In this case, it’s best to keep the room darker with blinds or heavy curtains. When playing in a party setting, the volume of your acoustic is going to be a matter of personal preference.
If you’re not deaf, then play it loud or don’t play it at all! If you’re in a party setting with your acoustic and you don’t want to bother anyone, then please turn it down a bit! The volume on a cheap acoustic guitar is completely up to you, so when in doubt just turn up the volume!!
It’s Getting Dirty:
One thing about guitars is that sometimes they get dirty from sweat and oil from people touching them when they touch them when they aren’t playing. Depending on the type of music you play, this may be unavoidable.
Sometimes, when the strings are dirty or when they get knocked around to much due to sweat or fluid, it’s time to replace them. Along the same lines, if you’re fortunate enough to have a soft-case for your acoustic guitar and it gets dirty frequently it’s definitely time for a wash!
It’s Getting Too Loud:
What I mean by this is that your acoustic couldn’t possibly be too loud unless you want everyone in the room to hate you, but if your acoustic is getting louder than usual then it could be due to something else.
The most common cause of an acoustic getting too loud is due to improper string height. Incorrect string height can cause buzzing or rattling, which produces additional noise. A guitar’s string height isn’t usually adjustable, but there are some tricks you can do to raise it up which will be covered in our next article.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, 5 easy steps on when to restring an acoustic guitar.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter if your guitar needs strings or not as long as it sounds good and plays well. In my opinion, as long as you’re content with that then there’s no need to replace strings on a regular basis.
Remember that some of the best acoustic guitars have been played for over 20 years without any need for a tune-up.
Always remember that if you don’t like the sound of your acoustic guitar or if it is too bright or too soft, just call us and we’ll help you fix it!
FAQ:
Q: How much does it cost to restring an acoustic guitar?
A: Microfiber cloth Metal polish ($4 to$5) Guitar string winder ($2 to$5) String Cutter or Wire Cutter ($2) Tuner ($10 to$100 – stomp box type) – highly recommended
Q: How to correctly restring your acoustic?
A: – Your guitar is sounding dull and lifeless e.g. lacks brightness and sustain, – Your guitar is not staying in tune, – You are noticing corrosion or a buildup of grime on your strings, – You are noticing kinks or indentations on your strings.
Q: How often should you restring a guitar?
A: How Often to Restring an Acoustic Guitar. You should restring an acoustic guitar every 2-4 months of playing. Less if you are able to maintain a good environmental setting for your instrument. If you play more than the average hobbyist, you may want to restring your acoustic guitar more frequently.
Q: How do you restring an electric acoustic guitar?
A: – Your guitar is not staying in tune, – You are seeing corrosion or a buildup of grime on your strings, – You are noticing kinks or indentations on your strings.