Old Guitar strings

I’ve just restrung my guitar cos the old ones felt nasty and were going a bit green as well as sounding dull. (Steel core, bronze windings)

So what are you all doing with your old guitars strings? They should still be fairly strong and useful.

It makes great picture hanging wire, I have also heard that some more expensive strings can be boiled and reused if you so choose.

I save em all for if supply chain breaks down and I don't have any cats around to restring.  This might be the winter I actually get around to building cigar box guitars too, so they can go on there as well.  

Just curious, what kind of strings you recommend for your style.  My go to is Ernie ball earthwood mediums.  Always thinking about trying heavies but never get around to filing the nut

Cj Picker wrote:Just curious, what kind of strings you recommend for your style.  My go to is Ernie ball earthwood mediums.  Always thinking about trying heavies but never get around to filing the nut

I've had good luck with Ernie Ball Earthwood (phosphor bronze) strings also. Well priced and they stay playable a long time. I love the sound of Martin strings even more, but they don't last as long and they cost more.

My old strings mostly go into the metal recycling bin.

Two uses I have found:

- Being thin and stiff, they are great for clearing a plugged orifice in various equipment (engines, propane fittings, etc.).

- Because they are a precise gauge, I can use them as tough shims if I need to adjust a tool like pruning shears or loppers. The blades wear under heavy use/abuse and sometimes don't match up well even when sharpened. A shim in the right place gives them a new lease on life.

I’ve tried boiling the strings and they do feel better. I’ll put one back on and see how it sounds.

I’m trying some Martins Silk ones, the feel nice and are much brighter. But this is a short scale folding guitar, so it’ll sound different to most.

I've been using old used guitar strings to make sculptures over many years. Sculptures and minimalist jewelry.
I only use ones used - used, broken, whatever.

I weave as figures, as minimalist jewelry, then I inevitably give them away.

When I have enough strings to make another piece I'll post a photo.

It's very difficult (as anyone who's worked with a string would know, to wind and weave,) but in my opinion it's beautiful and full of music.

If anyone wants to donate used, broken, strings that were - let me know.

Peace,
Jo