When to change strings
It's hard to give a definite answer how often to change strings. Some musicians change them every week or more, others keep them til they break.The state of the strings does affect the banjo's sound considerably. Old worn-out strings sound considerably duller and softer than new ones, so if you want a crisp, clear, loud tone, you should change them quite often.
One thing is certain in any case: If
- the underside of the plain strings are rough and uneven from accumulated dirt and corrosion or
- the thread on the wound strings are visibly worn down or damaged or
- the fretted notes are out of tune even when the open strings are right
the strings should have been changed long ago!
