Scott Henderson Discussion

[jason3000]

Hey Scott,

Just curious, how often do you change your strings? I have noticed that a new pair of strings can make more a difference than any new pedal in the world lol. But I do prefer the feel of broken in strings, and find them easier to play.

Wondering your thoughts on this and if it's just something I should get used to for better tone.

[Scott Henderson]

When strings go dead it definitely affects the tone, and the intonation too. Some people get more use from their strings than others. I'm unlucky - I must have a lot of grease or acid or whatever in my hands - one gig and my strings are toast, so I change them every day when I'm on tour or in the studio. If I don't have gigs, I leave them on the guitar until they break. Strings will also go dead by themselves from oxidation, and I've heard it can happen fast depending on temperature and humidity.

[peter_heijnen]

Haha, i must be a pig. When i played floyd rose in the old days i would leave the same set on for 2 months. If a string breaks on a FR, it will break on the saddle. On tour, which meant 5 shows every week, i'd cut of every string once a week, exactly where they rested on the saddle. Then i could pull the string back by unwinding it. Since i gave every string as many windings on the tuner as possible i could go on with this for about 2 months. Never ever broke a string that way despite substantial FL abuse every night.

And actually, i liked it that way, perhaps my amp was too bright?