Whether or not new guitar strings stay in tune better than old strings is a complex question with no easy answer. There are a number of factors that can affect the tuning stability of a guitar, including the quality of the strings, the type of guitar, the player’s playing style, and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
That said, there is some evidence to suggest that new guitar strings may indeed tend to go out of tune more often than old strings. This is because new strings are still stretching and settling into their new home on your guitar. The stretching process can take a few days or even weeks, depending on how often you play and how hard you bend the strings.
As new strings stretch, they become thinner and longer. This can cause them to go out of tune, especially if the strings are not properly stretched before playing. Once the strings have stretched and seated properly, they should stay in tune just as well as old strings.
However, it is important to note that all strings will eventually go out of tune, regardless of their age. This is because strings are constantly being subjected to wear and tear from playing and bending. Old strings may be more likely to go out of tune than new strings, but they can still stay in tune for a long time if they are properly cared for.
Here are some tips for helping new guitar strings stay in tune:
- Stretch your new strings: When you first put on new strings, take some time to stretch them out. This will help to accelerate the stretching process and reduce the amount of tuning you have to do later on. To stretch the strings, simply play them up and down the neck a few times, and bend them gently.
- Use a locking tuner: Locking tuners can help to keep your strings in tune for longer periods of time. They work by locking the strings in place so that they don’t slip out of the tuning pegs.
- Tune your guitar regularly: Even if you’re not playing it, it’s a good idea to tune your guitar regularly. This will help to keep the strings from going too far out of tune.
- Keep your guitar clean: Dirt and grime can build up on the strings and cause them to go out of tune more often. Be sure to wipe down your strings and guitar regularly with a soft cloth.
- Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity: Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause the wood in your guitar to expand and contract, which can affect the tuning of your strings. Try to keep your guitar in a cool, dry place when you’re not playing it.
If you are having trouble keeping your guitar in tune, even after following these tips, it is possible that there’s a problem with the guitar itself. In this case, it’s best to take it to a professional guitar technician for further diagnosis and repair.
So, to answer the question of whether or not new guitar strings stay in tune better than old strings, the answer is: it depends. There are a number of factors that can affect the tuning stability of a guitar, and new strings may indeed tend to go out of tune more often than old strings until they have stretched and seated properly. However, with proper care, new strings can stay in tune just as well as old strings.
