Changing strings

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Changing strings - again!

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britguy

Posts: 712
Joined: Dec. 26 2010
From: Ontario, Canada

Changing strings - again!

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?

Anybody offer any help here?

_____________________________

Fruit farmer, Ontario, Canada

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 12:44:54

horationelson

Posts: 21
Joined: Jan. 31 2012

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

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 13:31:10

n85ae

Posts: 877
Joined: Sep. 7 2006

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.

Jeff

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 14:37:51

britguy

Posts: 712
Joined: Dec. 26 2010
From: Ontario, Canada

RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to n85ae)

quote:

However my my old dad

I'll bet your dear old dad is probably younger than me! (77).

Maybe that's my problem. Too old and too damned impatient. . .

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Fruit farmer, Ontario, Canada

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 19:02:56

kudo

Posts: 2064
Joined: Sep. 3 2009

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 ...

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 19:19:55

beno

Posts: 881
Joined: Nov. 3 2006
From: Hungary

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....

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 19:22:42

n85ae

Posts: 877
Joined: Sep. 7 2006

RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to britguy)

Nope, he's older :)

quote:

I'll bet your dear old dad is probably younger than me! (77).

Maybe that's my problem. Too old and too damned impatient. . .

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 21:43:55

at_leo_87

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.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 22:03:29

Ricardo

Posts: 14833
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.

Ricardo

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 22:10:16

srshea

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.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 22:34:10

RTC

Posts: 667
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: DFW Area, Texas

RE: Changing strings - again! (in reply to britguy)

Some great tips here, I am going to try.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 19 2012 23:44:36

Morante

Posts: 2184
Joined: Nov. 21 2010

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.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 20 2012 0:26:16