Tiny Kinks in the strings....

[Leviathon]

Well that is the best that I can describe them.

I have noticed the my strings have developed little raises or kinks over the frets. They are unnoticable from just looking at them. What kind of sign is this? Is this normal as the string ages? Am I applying to much pressure to the strings.... etc. I figure this has to mean something in regards to my playing.

I have also noticed that my strings are getting harder to tune, so I am going to restring.

[madhatter@skool]

were they kinked before or after you put them on?
Don't ever use kinked strings. (unless you are @ a gig in a desperate situation.) yeah, go ahead and change the strings.

[EricV]

Those kinks mess up the intonation of the string, so if one or several of your strings has some kinks, you have to replace it.

Actually, sometimes they have kinks already when they leave the factory. I am not kidding... I have tried several different brands, and in many sets, I found at least one messed up string..

Also, strings that are too old, i.e. have been in storage at the store for too long shouldn´t be used either
Eric

[Bizarro]

It could also be normal string wear. From your description it doesn't sound like the string is actually kinked to me. It just has something "different looking" where it crosses the frets, if I'm interpreting it correctly.

That is due to string wear. The metal string rubs on the metal fret and they both get worn down. If you look down the string you can see how the string is deformed at each fret location you play at. After awhile they don't stay in tune worth a darn and it's time to replace the strings.

You're not pressing too hard... :)

[tom_hogan]

u should have changed strings a longtime ago

try elixir i use them now they dont have the bringhtest of tones but they last ages

( they are dipped in goretex)