How Long Do Guitar Strings Last in Package?
Unlike food and other products used for human consumption, most guitar string packages do not have a “sell-by date” on the back. Although this is the case, guitar strings do have a life span depending on how they are stored inside their packaging.
In other words, some guitar strings have no shelf life, whereas others do. It depends entirely on the guitar strings in question. To learn how to determine how long your guitar strings will last inside their package, keep reading.
How Long Do Guitar Strings Last in Package?
Most guitar strings will last 3 to 5 years in the package. If the package is completely sealed and kept in a cool, dry environment, the guitar strings can easily last 5 to 7 years, if not more. Packaging that is not properly sealed or stored correctly will cause the guitar strings to meet their shelf life faster.
What this means is that the shelf life of guitar strings depends on the sealing and environment the package is kept in. If you properly care for your guitar strings while they are in the package, they should last you many years before you decide to use them.
Factors That Impact How Long Guitar Strings Last in Package
As we learned above, the exact lifespan of a guitar string in a package depends on factors, such as sealing, environment, and manufacturers’ recommendations. It’s important to consider these factors when you are gauging how long your guitar strings will last.
Sealing
Package sealing is the most important factor that will determine how long your guitar strings will last. Guitar strings are supposed to be sold in properly sealed containers, which will protect the guitar strings from rust, corrosion, and other damage caused by moisture or air.
Unfortunately, not all guitar strings are sold in completely sealed packages. For this reason, it’s best to purchase guitar strings that are sealed correctly. The package should be entirely sealed, much like a bag of chips. This sort of sealing protects against both moisture and air.
As you likely know, moisture will cause the guitar strings to corrode and eventually form rust spots. Lesser-known is the fact that air will cause the string to oxidize over time. It is for this reason that the sealing needs to be airtight.
If you select guitar strings that are not properly sealed, they will not last as long. Improperly sealed guitar strings should last around 3 years, but conditions and other factors may cause them to meet their shelf life even sooner.
Environment
In addition to the sealing, it’s important to consider the environment packages are kept in. Certain environments will cause the guitar strings to meet their shelf life faster, especially if they don’t have proper sealing. Making sure to place the packages in proper environments ensures that the guitar strings are taken care of to the best of your ability.
Keep the guitar string packaging in cool and dry places. For example, a nice drawer inside your music room or bedroom might be the best choice. These drawers will help to protect the guitar strings from extra moisture, air, and light.
Keep in mind that the environment is most important if the guitar string is not properly sealed. Keeping the packaging in this location will help to slow the corrosion process. Even if you think your guitar string is properly sealed, it’s still good to store them correctly. That way, your guitar string is protected in case the package isn’t properly sealed or the seal becomes compromised.
Manufacturer’s Recommendation
Certain manufacturers will list their estimated life expectancy for the guitar string. These estimations are based on caring for the guitar strings the way they ought to be. Simply read the manufacturer’s recommendation for an idea of how long the guitar strings will last. Still, sealing and the environment are more important.
Where Is the Best Place to Store Guitar Strings?
The best place to store guitar strings is in cool, dry locations. Avoid locations with dampness or temperature extremes. For example, attics, basements, and kitchens are bad storage locations since the temperature and moisture levels fluctuate quite a bit.
A bedroom or music room will be the best option for your guitar strings. These rooms have relatively stable temperatures and humidity. For best results, put the guitar strings inside a box or container inside these rooms. This box will help to prevent the packaging from getting damaged while in storage.
Tips for Extending the Life of Guitar Strings
Just like the guitar itself, you want to protect your guitar strings. To extend the life of your guitar strings, here are some tips to follow:
Keep Them Sealed for as Long as Possible
Only open the guitar strings when you are about to put them on the guitar. Keeping them sealed for as long as possible will prevent corrosion, rust, and oxidation.
Store Them Correctly
Make sure to always store guitar strings properly. As we learned above, store guitar strings in a box or container inside a room with stable temperature and humidity.
Clean Them
Once you are ready to use your guitar strings, make sure to keep them clean. Cleaning the guitar strings will not prevent rusting and oxidation completely, but it will slow the processes.
Conclusion
How long guitar strings last in the package depends on a variety of factors. In most cases, the guitar strings will last anywhere from 3 to 7 years. Factors such as sealing, storage environment, and manufacturers’ recommendations will specifically determine how long your guitar strings will last.
With this in mind, it’s imperative to select guitar strings with proper packaging. You want the guitar strings to be sealed from both moisture and air. From there, be diligent in storing the guitar strings in proper locations.
Just by doing these two things, you’ll be able to extend the lifespan of your guitar strings by several years. Once you are using your guitar strings, make sure to keep them clean so that you can continue to extend their lifespan.
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