Silk strings are generally not replaced (one is expensive and the other is difficult to maintain because of patina). If it is broken, it must be replaced. Unless it is broken many times and the chord length is not enough, it must be replaced.
If the steel string is broken or rusted (green), it must be replaced. However, because steel strings usually need to be preserved for more than a week to reduce the metallic sound, they are unwilling to replace them unless necessary. If the (inferior) steel string still has a strong metallic smell after cooking, then change it.
The new ice string is easy to use and can be replaced at any time, but if the ice string is similar to the steel string, it must be replaced.
In addition, if the nylon leather is used with ice strings and steel strings for a long time, it will be tired, and it will be replaced if it fails to meet the performance requirements.
Ancient strings are mainly divided into nylon-clad metal strings and silk strings. Guqin's nylon-clad metal strings were successfully developed by the older generation pianist Mr. Wu Jinglue and related people in the 1970s. They are widely used in today's guqin performance. They are characterized by long aftertaste, clean timbre, low price, easy maintenance, durability and long service life, and are the first choice for beginners. There is also a traditional string made of silk. Its advantages are simple and quiet timbre, but its disadvantages are expensive, difficult to maintain, easy to break strings, easy to run strings, and easy to damage fingers and nails due to large friction. Sixian is more suitable for piano friends who can control their finger mana freely after a certain level.
Here is mainly about the maintenance of nylon-covered metal strings. This kind of string is made of metal and wrapped in nylon, which can withstand the friction of nails. The nylon metal string with better quality feels smooth. Be careful not to let hard objects, sharp and rough objects scratch the strings. Once the nylon skin is scratched, it may lose silk and the whole thread is wasted. If there are children or pets at home, be careful not to let them touch the strings. Children like to use the piano as a toy, and pull the strings up with their hands. Too much force is likely to break the strings. Pets have sharp claws and teeth and are likely to scratch their threads.
There are many factors that will affect when you should change strings. But before thinking about this problem, we still need to know some details of the strings before deciding whether to replace them.
Guitar strings will age with use, and it is impossible to keep them in a certain state all the time. When one day you find that your strings are always out of tune or even begin to rust, this should be the limit state of the strings, and it is time to replace the strings without hesitation.