I think I'm tone deaf

[Kahrmine]

I feel the same way. There are some people out there with very acidic sweat, though, and they sweat like a pig. Those people are awful on strings. I hate buying a used guitar from someone like that. I end up disinfecting the guitar usually.

 

[Geddaric]

For all you tightwads out there.......
if your strings lose their zing.....boil `em.
I can usually get another month or two out of what i thought was a "dead" set.

 

[njones89]

Over time and with use, strings do corrode and it does affect the sound - not just the tone. I'm pretty sure that time over tension would also reduce the integrity of the material. It may also affect intonation. Of course, bass strings last longer than guitar strings because of the gauge, but they should be replaced if you are going to do some professional recording or performing.

I don't see it as changing tires. I see it as changing underwear. Sure, it's convenient to just keep wearing the same pair, but other people probably won't appreciate it as much as you do.

 

[Remyd]

I have more than just a little hearing loss from playing very loud music for many many years and I don't trust myself nearly as much as I used to when it comes to identifying intonation and finer tonal nuances, even when it comes to something drastic like string choice. It's nice to be able to get a second opinion from someone you trust about things like that.

I don't think it's a tin ear quite so much as a measure – twice – cut – once situation