Can guitar strings get, um, stale?

[democracyindanger]

'Stale' for lack of a better word. Electric guitar strings. I've got some sets, unopened, probably at least a year old, maybe longer. Wondering if they're more likely to snap or anything.

[ProfessorGAC]

1. No

The only thing that happens to strings is corrosion. Most guitar strings are 20 series stainless steel so they resist corrosion from normal exposure to air. The corrosion is accelerated when they're on the guitar by the oils and breakdown acids in the skin. So, the "stainless" in stainless steel isn't permanent. But, if they've in the package that can't happen.

Strings that are on a long time at tension will eventually lose some tensile strength, as well. So, once they're on there, they can go "stale", but if they've never been brought to tension, they should be perfectly fine.

If you're concerned, send them to me! I'll use 'em! I've got 4 guitars that need restrings and reregulation! (Just kidding. I have about 12 packs of strings at home.)
The Professor

[democracyindanger]

2. Cool. Thanks!

[XNASA]

3. Only if they're on Eric Clapton's guitar.

[mitchum]

4. LMAO!!!

nice one

[ProfessorGAC]

5. Just Can't Get Off The "Hatin'" Can Ya?

I could add a few others to your list:

Keith Richards (been playing the same 4 riffs since 1964)
Johnny Winter (who admitted he quit trying to get better long ago)
Neil Young (sloppy only cuts it so long)
Chuck Berry ('nuff said)

The strings are really stale on all those guys' guitars.
The Professor

[XNASA]

6. I reserve my guitar god barbs for EC. That's true.

Besides, Keith is in great form on the new disc. His playing may seem a bit hackneyed now and then, but you can't question his attitude.

I never thought much of those other 3 you mention as guitar players. Although it is fun to play Neil Young songs onstage 'cause nobody can tell when you make a mistake.

[ProfessorGAC]

7. "nobody can tell when you make a mistake" LOL!

Very good!
The Professor