Dear Skivee,

Changing strings before each set is a an exellent idea. Not only is your audience treated to that wonderfully "fresh" sound but they will thrill to the many tales you relate while you retune for each new song. If the duration for each of your sets is fixed by the management, you can get through the evening with many fewer songs in your repertoire.

From your letter, I have to believe you just aren't trying. Assuming you carry a SideWinder and a pair of wire snips in your guitar case, and your guitar is a standard flattop with a pin bridge, you should be able to change strings in under 2 minutes. That won't make a very big hole in a 20 minute break. You should have plenty of time to be available to your groupies. If you can't manage the 2 minute quick change, try taking your guitar with you to the bar and change strings there. Everyone will be able to crowd around you and watch you at work and the spilled beer will just add to the rich patina of your instrument.

Shake a leg, Skivee. You don't want to waste your life changing strings.

Dr. Folkenmusik