Guitar Help

[theologians91]

So I broke my low E string during a gig last weekend during rockin' in the free world, let's just say it ruined the song, as I had a backup guitar, but forgot to bring it up on stage.

 

But anyway, I'm overdue for compeltely restringing my guitar.

 

But, I'm recording with my band next week, so I'm hesistant to change all of them. I've heard that some people (Jeff Tweedy?) hate the sound of new strings and only change them when they have to. Would new strings really sound bad for recording? New strings are also more difficult to play, adding to my hesistation.

 

Should I just replace the low E or change all of them?

 

Thanks

[groovingdan]

Change them all.

[GtrPlyr]

For consistency purposes I would change them all too. Newer strings are a brighter sounding, so if you want them to sound a bit warmer just play the guitar a lot after changing the strings. A week of playing the new strings should deaden them a bit.

[oceanman]

Yeah, all. Recording with new strings has it's pros and cons. Make sure you EQ if running DI, tracks can sound rather tiny. I like to record by mics when using an older instrument. My D-15 always restrung and DI with EQ, Gibson 60's LG1 mic with worn strings. The Martin can take a fresh sound w/out compromising tone, while the LG1 needs a brake in period. Studios and Pro's recomend a string change every week. I now get free Martin strings for the next year through school, so I'm taking advantage of a restring as much as posible.

[theologians91]

Yeah, all. Recording with new strings has it's pros and cons. Make sure you EQ if running DI, tracks can sound rather tiny. I like to record by mics when using an older instrument. My D-15 always restrung and DI with EQ, Gibson 60's LG1 mic with worn strings. The Martin can take a fresh sound w/out compromising tone, while the LG1 needs a brake in period. Studios and Pro's recomend a string change every week. I now get free Martin strings for the next year through school, so I'm taking advantage of a restring as much as posible.

 

What do you mean: "EQ if running DI."

[BigWheeledWagon]

What do you mean: "EQ if running DI."

 

He means that if you directly input your guitar (DI = direct input) as opposed to using a mic to pick up your amp (or your acoustic), you will need to use equalization to counter the brightness you would get. I would recommend not going in directly -- I hate the way it sounds.

 

Also, I recommend changing ALL your strings every time, and although some like the duller sound of old strings, I generally try to put new ones on before recording.

[anthony]

Change them all, why not?

 

Although once when I was putting a fresh pair on I had one break. I'll be damend! So order a single from stringsandbeyond.com