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I know its been done to death here a few times. But I still find changing strings a frustrating chore - taking me almost an hour to complete. ( I remove and replace each individual string - not remove all at once. I start with the 1st and work down to the 6th. And I use a cheap string winder).
I seem to recall seeing a site somewhere giving advice on the method and order of changing strings on a nylon guitar, but can't find it anywhere?
I like to change strings at least once every month, and I'd like to be able to complete the whole process in less than 30 minutes - if thats feasible?
RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to britguy)
Chuck out the string winder. slacken the string 3 or 4 turns cut it in the middle with a nail clipper take off the old attach the new at the bridge poke through the hole in the tuner pull tight wrap it around the standing part hold on to the end while tightening up 10 minutes for all strings
RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to britguy)
Practice is the key, it only takes me 5-10 minutes. Most annoying part is waiting for them to settle.
However my my old dad who's competent at most things, is string challenged and no matter how many times I show him, has me change his strings every time I visit.
RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to britguy)
quote:
taking me almost an hour to complete. ( I remove and replace each individual string - not remove all at once. I start with the 1st and work down to the 6th. And I use a cheap string winder).
YES ME TOO! I need to change my 3 month old strings, but uuuggh ...
RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to britguy)
It takes me about 15-20 minutes if not in hurry - I like to take care of the aesthetics. Never bother with change them individually.... just bang down the old ones and put on the new ones
I've heard that theory that You should change only one string at a time but I think it's ****. I've always changed strings this way, never had any problem and the guitar just sounds fine....
Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A
RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to britguy)
i change mine one at a time. i change the string, tune it up, change the next string, tune that one up, tune the previous string, etc.
it tunes up faster this way. something about taking all the strings off, messes with the tension in the soundboard or something. that's my theory anyway.
also, i leave absolutely no slack when i pull it through the pegs. not necessary at all and just takes longer to tune up.
Posts: 15725
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to britguy)
I go 1st to 6th one at a time. I might cut the old ones as suggested thats faster. I tie bridge first, then roller or peg, but I make a knot so it won't slip and tune up by hand one half step sharp. AFter 6 minutes (i minute each string) im done and let the guitar settle down to concert pitch... ready to go for the gig in minutes if needed.
Posts: 833
Joined: Oct. 29 2006
From: Olympia, WA in the Great Pacific Northwest
RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to britguy)
quote:
I like to change strings at least once every month
Trebles last a lot longer than basses, so you should be able to get much more than a month’s worth of mileage out of them. I really hate changing strings, so leaving the trebles on for several months and only swapping the basses out every month or two (or six? Think I last changed ‘em in February) takes a lot of pain out of the process for me. The whole ordeal whips by a few minutes. And basses settle in quicker that trebles, so, change ‘em after a practice, give ‘em a little yank, tune ‘em sharp, and they’re ready to go the next day.
RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to britguy)
When u change a string, attach at the bridge, pass through the clavijero, with the holes parallel to the diapason. Now pass the free end over the roller and loop it under the string. Pull. This will seat the string in the hole of the clavijero without any knots. Maintain pressure and wind. The string is captured immediately. Then tune it sharp, as suggests Richard, y hey presto.
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