When to change electric strings?

[MSEV]

So I am a long time acoustic player, and have a good sense when I should change the strings.
But I have no idea about how to know when it is time to change strings on an electric.
Any thoughts?
And I have a standard electric (290) and a semi-hollow body (I 35)--are they different in when they need a string change?
Thanks.

[MSEV]

Gosh, am I to take it that no one knows when it is time to change strings on an electric???

[Frank Sanns]

Electric guitars use much thinner strings than an acoustic. As such, the tension is only about 60% that of that of an acoustic guitar. This lower tension is below the point where the string creeps and loses its uniformity and goes dead. In theory, an electric guitar with light strings can sit in a case for a decade and play like the strings were new provided there is no oxidation or corrosion.

So the deciding factor of when to replace strings on an electric is nearly entirely related to the amount and aggressiveness which the guitar is played. Also the smoothness of nut, saddle and frets. The strings get mechanically worn down or deformed by playing most especially with bending and such. When it happens, it is time for a string change. There is no good recommendation for that timing as it could be in a few hours of shredding or a couple years of gentle noodling.

[MSEV]

Thanks, Frank. I appreciate your answering and thoughts.

[Red Oak]

Frank’s explanation is the best I’ve read on this question!!

[franco63]

If you play regularly....change the strings 4 times per year. Once a quarter......it's easy to remember and it gives you a chance to clean and condition the fretboard, maybe go over the frets with steel wool........it's just good guitar maintenance and keeps strings (relatively) fresh.

[ripsaw]

...and always remember to wipe-down your guitar, including the strings, after each playing - especially after club gigs and the like. Keeping your instrument clean is a good habit to fall into.

[mikeford]

Back in the old days when I played 6 nights a week, I used to put a new set on after the third night just the keep the sound I liked. A lot of it can depend on your body chemistry. We all know players that we won't let touch our guitars. I used to play with a guy and if he played my guitar for five minutes, the strings were more dead than I could have ever got them.

If your hands tend to sweat a lot, your a string killer. If your hands get real cold, not so much.

Nice design of this site.

Mike