Mandolin Strings

[junglejoe]

How often should the strings be changed on my mandolin? #On my guitar I change them about once a month. #The sound dosen't seem to be affected by old strings on a mandolin like it is on a guitar. #Any ideas?
Joe

[Stillpicking]

Loosen up a couple of the wound strings and take a look on the underside where the string hits the fits if there is a noticeable dent or shine in that area then it might be time to change them. Also if it gets hard to tune or keep in tune that may also be an indication as well as discoloring in the pick area. The most important is the wear under the frets.
I play a lot but I use TI strings and I get about 4 to 5 months from a set where in the past with lest costly strings I would get a month.

[John Flynn]

This topic has been "cussed and discussed" quite a bit on the board. There are plenty of opinions, but no hard and fast rules. Much like guitar, the variables seem to be: Type of strings, how much you play, body chemistry (how much you sweat and what is in it), enviornment (dry versus humid), how clean you keep your strings and what kind of sound your are going for. Signs that it is time to change include: You have a big gig coming up, the strings are discolored, the strings won't stay in tune, the intonation has changed even though the bridge is set properly, the strings sound dead, etc.

There have been some people on the board who say they change every couple of weeks, others have said they have gone a year. Most people are aren't on those extremes, but are in some number of months. It really comes down to listening to your instrument and making individual choices. If you are OK with the sound of your strings, leave 'em on. Personally, I don't change on any schedule, just on sound and circumstances.