What are some benefits of not changing your guitar strings?

While it's generally recommended to change guitar strings periodically for optimal sound and playability, there are a few potential benefits some musicians may cite for not changing them:

1. **Warmth and Mellow Tone**: Older, worn strings can develop a warmer and more mellow tone that some players prefer for certain styles of music, such as blues or jazz.

2. **Economic Savings**: Not changing strings frequently can save money in the short term, as new strings can be an ongoing expense, especially for musicians who play regularly.

3. **Personal Preference**: Some musicians develop a familiarity and comfort with the feel and sound of older strings, which they believe enhances their playing experience.

However, it's important to note that these perceived benefits are subjective and may not apply universally. Fresh strings generally offer better intonation, tuning stability, and brighter tone, which are important factors for many guitarists, especially those performing or recording professionally.

There are some benefits to not changing your guitar strings if they still sound good and hold their tuning. You can try cleaning the strings with a string-cleaning product to restore their tone and get more use from them. Coated strings can also reduce finger squeak and help prevent grime, sweat, and oxygen from corroding the metal of the string. This can help them last longer, even if you don't play your guitar very often.