Changing strings will change the sound of the guitar. You are absolutely correct if you prefer the sound of dull strings. That is your prerogative
If you are a pro on the road all the time, you are required to change them or your band members will criticize you for not changing them! I have had this happen to me many times because they hear the sound of your rese in a different manner than you do. Sometimes the audience can tell the difference as well. What you hear in your head will determine the best answer to this question. The number of hours on a set of strings will vary on the amount they are used.The type of strings and brand will play into this too.

I don't know if it is true or not but I have heard that Larry Sparks has the same taste as you in old dead strings. He is a very underrated guitar picker.

Yes, there are those of us out here that cannot stand the sound of old strings, on our own guitars or others too! I have very sensitive hearing, have had all my life, and still hear better than i want to some days! Ever try shopping for a guitar and finding so many guitars in the stores have old strings? That kills the deal for me, unless I can get them to change the strings and find out how they really can sound!

As long as no one El Kabong's you that you play with, with your own guitar, then carry on! Enjoy what you like! Just don't ask me to listen, OK? Friendly advice, unless you misunderstood!

PS  Earplugs work too, for when you finally do change your strings, for whatever reason you would do it!

Some blues players don’t like bright new strings, especially on metal bodied guitars such as the various Nationals.

And Megan Lovell, for example, hates the sound of new strings on her lap-steels.

I think in bluegrass circles, bright new strings help the dobro rise above the group congestion. And pretty songs with chimes and ringing notes sure sound nice with new strings.

I guess I like both depending…..

Both here also. Bright new bronze on the wood body/spider, mellow old nickel on the metal/tricone.

Yeah, it's well documented that a lot of those old blues guys were crying over their guitars because they didn't have any money to buy new strings! You know that classic; Old String Blues, right? ; )

Ouch, dead strings on a tricone? That hurts my feelings! ; (

Yeah, there are some singer/songwriter types that don't like new strings. Then there are others who really like new strings. I recall an interview from a bunch of years ago where the guitar tech for Dave Matthews said that Dave would start every concert with new strings, then during intermission he would change those out and put on a whole new set for him. 

I enjoy new strings but I don't put my money where my mouth is - I'm not a fan of changing strings. Some players find changing strings relaxing and "therapeutic." I'm not that guy. So I end up with older strings because I'm too lazy to change them as often as I'd like. 

I don't think MIke Auldridge was big on changing strings either. He said in a couple of interviews many years ago when asked how often he changes strings, he laughed and replied, "when someone is paying me to play."

quote:

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Originally posted by MarkinSonoma

I don't think MIke Auldridge was big on changing strings either. He said in a couple of interviews many years ago when asked how often he changes strings, he laughed and replied, "when someone is paying me to play."

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Yeah, I get it!

I'll often let the strings go too long when I'm not gigging or jamming much, but before a camp, gig, or jam, I'll put on freshies because it allows me to be gentle with my picks and not have to flog the strings to be heard.

quote:

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Originally posted by MarkinSonoma

I don't think MIke Auldridge was big on changing strings either. He said in a couple of interviews many years ago when asked how often he changes strings, he laughed and replied, "when someone is paying me to play."

 

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When Mike came to ResoSummit in 2010 I was surprised at how quietly he played. He had a light touch which contributed to his impeccable tone. I imagine a set of strings lasted a long time for him compared to Jerry Douglas, Andy Hall and today's shredders. 

I am in the middle. Brand new strings are too bright, and really old tarnished strings are too dull. This is one of the reasons I switched to coated strings. I love Elixir because they sound good almost from new and stay that way for quite a few months.

CheapRes,

I will try those Elixirs. I never liked them on an acoustic guitar, but I’ll definitely give them a shot on a square neck.

Thanks,
PT

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Originally posted by taygrover

CheapRes,

I will try those Elixirs. I never liked them on an acoustic guitar, but I’ll definitely give them a shot on a square neck.

Thanks,
PT

They have 3 different styles of coating.  The original, I think, is polyweb, and is probably the least bright.  I am using nanoweb, the medium one, and it is working well on my cheap reso.