It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:47 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 10 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: new strat, new player
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 3:52 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2008 3:47 pm
Posts: 91
Hey Everyone,

I just recently picked up a Fender Strat from Guitar Center. Crazy deal for a MIM strat, paid $256, it was on clearance. The guitar sounds great, but I'm curious whether I should put new strings on it since it had been on the floor for a while at GC or if I should just wait?

I already broke the little e and replaced that, but that string doesn't sound the same. Would I benefit if I just put a whole new set on the strat?

Thanks for the help!


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:02 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2007 6:34 pm
Posts: 377
Location: The Rocky Mountains
Well, it's not necessary, but it will help brighten your sound up. And also, unless it was do to vigorous playing, a string breaking is usually a sign its time to change the rest

_________________
Formally known here as The Metalhead Punk
Gear:
Standard Stratocaster HSS w/ SD SH-6 Distortion in the bridge
Ernie Ball Strings
Monster Cables
Dunlop Picks
Peavey 5150 II 120watt Head
Vader 2x12 Cab 240watt


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:21 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:42 am
Posts: 65
Depending on how far you are from GC, and how often you get out that way, I'd suggest playing a guitar with "new" strings so you can make the comparison yourself. When I was a new player though, I tended to break strings, usually the high E, so it may be a waste to get a whole new set if your only gonna have 5 strings by the end of the week anyway.

Good luck.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 12:04 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 23, 2007 8:46 am
Posts: 394
Location: New Jersey
For what it's worth, I put new strings on a new guitar, whether it needs them or not- you have to figure if it's been on the wall for any length of time, it's been played by a bunch of folks, so there has to be some dirt/oil/whatever on the strings-also at least then you will know exactly how old the strings are and when to replace them.

_________________
2002 Fender MIM 70's Reissue Strat
2006 Squier QMT Deluxe Strat
2005 Epiphone Classic Quilt Top Les Paul
Zagar ZAD50CE Acoustic Electric
PRS CE 22 Electric
Ibanez Sage Series 12 String Acoustic


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 12:59 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 3:47 pm
Posts: 4294
Location: Somewhere near Seattle
It's funny. I almost never break strings, even with Gilmouresque 2 step bends. I can't remember what I used to do when I was younger to break strings all the time. Must have been a lack of finesse.

_________________
"is that a real poncho...i mean
Is that a mexican poncho
Or is that a sears poncho?
Hmmm...no foolin ...." FZ


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 2:01 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:28 pm
Posts: 1956
A good way to test if the strings need replacing is to carefully run your finger along the bottom (underneath) of the string. If it feels really rough, especially at points directly opposite the frets, it's probably best to restring.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:06 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2008 3:47 pm
Posts: 91
thanks for all the input! I'll probably change them out this weekend since working a 9-5 really cuts into the fun during the week.

I picked up a couple set of 3250L's as replacement strings until I can find a good set that feels comfortable once I get more acquainted with my strat.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 7:32 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:27 pm
Posts: 1151
Location: In.
I always restring a new guitar.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 7:34 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jun 29, 2007 4:02 pm
Posts: 2353
Location: Pennsylvania
yeah, i always put a new pack of strings on my guitar after i get it.... eithe d'addario or ernie ball slinkys


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:02 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:57 pm
Posts: 414
Location: Los Angeles, CA
When you do put on your new strings concider this cool trick - solder the coils above the balls on your strings. I got this trick from Stevie Ray Vaughan himself. It's especially good when you'll be gigging and finding yourself changing strings often as that's one less area that'll need to stretch out as you are playing. Also if you continue to break strings, especially the same one, the bridge saddle might be set too far back. If you know how to check your intonation do it and see how it sounds. If you don't know then it might be a good idea to take it to a luthier for a setup.

_________________
"If I don't see you no more in this world I'll meet you on the next one and don't be late... don't be late." -Jimi Hendrix

Image


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 10 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: