How often should I change a guitar's strings?

Question

Ok. So i started playing with an ovation that my dad doesn't play anymore. How often should I change the strings on this guitar? I imagine the current strings are several years old. Are the strings why the sounds is not so great?

Answer 1

If the strings that are on there are several years old, then the guitar will not sound great.  Put a fresh set of strings on it. It will sound crisp and clear and wonderful.  Over time as you play the guitar, the strings will gradually go dead, lose that bright clear sound and acquire a dull, "thuddy" sound.  That's when you should change them.  

Depending on your individual body chemistry and the acidity and corrosiveness of your sweat and skin oils on your hands, and how much you play, you may be able to go for several months between string changes, or you may need to change them every month or even more frequently.  

Answer 2

Change the strings monthly if you play the instrument for hours every day. Change strings before each periodic gig or entertainment venue.

Answer 3

Change them right when they break and not a second later!

Answer 4

It sounds like you do need to change them. As a general rule, when you notice that the strings are a darker color, and your guitar becomes de- tuned way too easily, then it is probably time to change the strings.  

Answer 5

when they break or become untunable