When Should I Replace My Strings? Our Top-Tips for Violin, Viola, Cell

Replacing strings: Back to Basics with Simply for Strings

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive here at Simply for Strings is how often should I replace my instruments strings. Here is our guide to replacing your strings to ensure you get the best sound out of your instrument!

For the violinists and violists: It is generally recommended that you replace your violin strings every 6-8 months to get the maximum quality out of your strings. This avoids any build up of sweat, rosin and just general germs from affecting your sound, fingers and instrument! If you’re playing for hours every day, you may need to replace them every 4-6 months, in order to keep that high-quality sound coming. If you are suffering from any unraveling, loss of sound or even rusting, then it is definitely time to pop into our store for strings replacement! You don’t want any nasties affecting you or your instrument.

Special note for those with E strings: squeaking, whistling, blackened strings: get that off your precious instrument quick sharp!

For the cellists: It is generally recommended that you replace your strings every 8-12 months to get the maximum quality out of your strings. This avoids any build up of sweat, rosin and just general germs from affecting your sound, fingers and instrument! Cello (and double bass especially) strings are made with stronger materials compared to violin and viola, so you lucky ducks can get a bit more out of your strings before replacing. If you’re playing for hours every day, you may need to replace them every 6-8 months, in order to keep that high-quality sound coming! If you are suffering from any unraveling, loss of sound or even rusting, then it is definitely time to pop into our store for strings replacement! You don’t want any nasties affecting you or your instrument.

For the double bassists: You can breathe easily: your strings don’t need replacing nearly as often as your counterparts do. Some string manufacturers recommend every 1-2 years, but there are bassists out there that swear to changing every 4-5 years. It’s down to personal choice, but remember that your strings are still exposed to sweat, rosin and general germ buildup like all other strings. If you notice a loss of sound, blackened or rusting strings, then it’s time for a change. Do not boil your strings to extend their life span - this, in fact, does the opposite. As many bass strings are made with synthetic cores, boiling your strings will actually cause the synthetic cores to break down quicker.

Simply for Strings is happy to fit any strings purchased from us to your instrument, free of charge. If you want to get in touch with us regarding any of your string needs, don’t hesitate to email or call us!