Replace strings on a guitar you're selling?

Quick question, I'm selling a DeArmond M65 this week, and I'm just about to clean her up for the photos when a thought struck me.

Is it better to put new strings on, or just throw in a pack of strings instead?

Alanstrainor

I would put new strings on so it plays as well as possible.

When buying second hand i don't expect a pack of strings included.

Cheers mate, will do.

saa

Some one pipped me to the post I was going to say definitely don't throw in string, I play but I wouldn't have a clue how to change them
Good luck with selling make sure you mention they're new strings and add it to the price.

quicklickpaddy

If they're going to try it before they buy then putting new strings on it will be pretty much the best thing you can do. It'll feel and sound 10 times better for it which will mean they're a lot less likely to walk away or even try undercut your asking price. And don't charge extra for the strings... That'll only come across as stingey.

zenno

yeah, defo put new strings on it. I went out to buy a second hand classical guitar before from buyandsell advert and didn't purchase it as I wanted to test it for any defects in the body and neck of the guitar. it's always good to put new strings on it, at least the person can test it out for sound.

Only thing is, I don't have an amp anymore...

zenno

it doesn't matter about the amp, once they can test it thats the important part. you can still play it without the amp.

quicklickpaddy

Well, personally I'd never buy an electric guitar until I plugged it in and made sure that it worked... Just make sure you let them know you don't have an amp so they can at least bring along an electric tuner and a lead - or even their own amp - to show that it's actually functional

I'll see if I can borrow one. It is the tone that's important too. It has a beautiful fat warm tone.

-Chris-

Just state in the ad that you don't have an amp.

They can bring their own, why should you go begging and borrowing for someone who may only be kicking tyres?

Malice

For the last two basses I bought, I changed the strings immediately on one and haven't changed the strings on the other since the strings that were on it at the time sounded fabulous. Interestingly I've never thought about it from a selling point of view. Certainly if you're selling a guitar a new set of strings will make it sound much better and so is probably well worth doing along with giving the fretboard and the body a wipe too. I don't think I'd stretch to a new set of strings if I was selling a bass however unless the strings were really manky.

Squirrel

I wouldn't throw strings in because the person might play a different gauge/brand or whatever so let them choose. If you can I'd say restring before hand just so it plays a little nicer and no rust on the strings. Even a cheap set because many would change them themselves once they get it home

Demeyes

I don't think it's that necessary to change the strings unless the old ones are really bad, I wouldn't expect new strings buying anyway. If I was going to change the strings I'd probably check what gauge the buyer would like because you'd never know if they are going to rip out the 10's you just put on for something else.
Also I think the price point comes a bit into play. If the guitar is expensive I'd probably expect it to be in good shape and that would probably include strings in decent condition. However, if I'm picking up a beater starter guitar for €100 than I probably wouldn't even care if it came with strings.

Dord

I always change the strings on guitars I sell. It's relatively inexpensive and will make it sound and play better.

spoonbadger

Replace the strings and play them in for a few hours. Brand new strings will make a guitar sound tinny and overly bright.

Quillo

spoonbadger wrote: »

Replace the strings and play them in for a few hours. Brand new strings will make a guitar sound tinny and overly bright.

Agree with spoonbadger.... brand new strings don't always do an instrument justice. Change the strings a couple of days before the guitar is to be looked and have them well settled and in tune for the prospective buyer.