New strings tune more easily and sound "in tune," whilst old strings don't sound right, even when the electronic doodad says they're OK. That's 'cause the harmonics no longer match the fundamentals. Steel strings often sound pretty dead when old, too, though classical strings are less prone to this.

If you don't like the brash, John-Denver-new-strings-for-every-take-at-the-recording-studio sound of new strings, I'd try John Pearse strings, which, to my ear, don't have that effect, but keep their new-broke-in sound a long time. Except for Elixirs, Pearse's strings are the longest-lasting bronze strings I've ever used, and I recommend 'em.


Bob