Does the strings on a guitar affect the sound?

Unless you are doing something really wrong and breaking a lot of strings, your guitar is going to sound and feel dreadful with strings that are eight years old!

Normally, strings have little if any effect on the sound of a guitar providing they are similar strings - for example replacing a set of medium gauge phosphor bronze acoustic strings with a set of extra-light 80/20 brass Is going to affect the sound as they are different gauges wound with different material. With eight year old strings though, even replacements ha are exactly the same type are going to sound different - crisper, brighter and more in tune. It's not going to sound "softer" though.

I'm assuming you are talking about acoustic guitars rather than electric but even identical guitars can sound different and, of course, most of the sound is down to the player.

I believe not only the strings can make a difference, but the Guitar, also, the way it is constructed.

You should be asking your instructor this!

He can tell you what type of strings he uses.

And by the same guitar, so you mean the brand name or the exact model AND brand?

There are many different guitars in a brand.

It's probably just the strings ...ask him!

"I haven't ever changed my strings (I've had my guitar for 8 years)"

Change your damn strings. All of them.

Strings are not meant to be a permanent fixture on a guitar, they are supposed to be replaced every so often.

Yes, the strings do affect the sound and tone of the guitar.

I usually change my strings every three months or so.

Check out this link for more info: http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/7390

Hope this helps!

Take what Tony has given you.

8 years?

Give me a break.

Uh, oh... I said a funny.

(8 years.)

Not something to brag about for sure, when it comes to any guitar player. But maybe being too lazy, or too cheap, about the care of ones guitar if not their overall playing experience.

You should change all your strings they should be replaced every so often.