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I change my strings about once a month - and always find it such a pain to do, that I frequently keep putting it off.
I usually begin by removing the 1st string and replacing it before moving across the whole set, removing and replacing one by one from 1st to 6th respectively. It usually take me at least an hour to change a complete set. My peghead is a bit faster, but not much. Would I be better off just removing all of them first and then replacing? Never tried it. . .
Is there any really fast and simple way to change a full set of strings, and how long should it take?
Posts: 3497
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Washington, DC
RE: Changing strings - why such a pain? (in reply to britguy)
Hello, Britguy,
I'm no expert, but I have always heard that it is best to change each string one at a time, rather than take them all off and then replace them. The thinking, as I understand it, is that it is best to maintain tension so the neck does not even experience a slight change in angle and relief.
Cheers,
Bill
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RE: Changing strings - why such a pain? (in reply to britguy)
It also takes me at least an hour because I like to take my time and clean the fretboard a bit while changing the strings. I start with the low E and change one string at a time.
britguy and BarkellWH: could one of you please change your avatar, as it confuses me that you both have the same one.
Posts: 1956
Joined: Dec. 2 2006
From: Budapest, now in Southampton
RE: Changing strings - why such a pain? (in reply to rombsix)
i'd be done in 15 minutes, i always take the whole set off, then put the new one on...but i also like to clean the fretboard and the rest of the guitar too, i tune the strings up several times, etc...it takes 40 minutes if im thorough... it can be painful, but the sound of the new strings after the pain is worth it :)
RE: Changing strings - why such a pain? (in reply to britguy)
quote:
i'd be done in 15 minutes
same here, I usually clean the guitar with a suede, and that's all. very rarely the fretboard, but I usually don't have any dirt on it. I usually have dust on my case... Also agree that it's therapeutic, and relaxing. New strings sound best for me is after 1-2 days of use.
Posts: 2697
Joined: Jun. 7 2010
From: The South Ireland
RE: Changing strings - why such a pain? (in reply to britguy)
I made a little thing to fit onto the tuning peg and the other end fit a small battery drill I have. the drill has speed control depending on how much you press the trigger , it works fine and I have just been looking for it to take a photo to show you and I cant find it ! damn it I will make another , it doesn't take long, it was basically a small plastic box to fit the tuner and a dowel rod to insert into the drill.
Anyway I like changing strings it gives me a chance to give the guitar a good clean and once over, I remove all the strings to do this, it's amazing how much dirt comes off the fretboard. But I do find it relaxing and always look forward to the end result although I get a bit of slippage for a while I dont mind. Since I'm not in a hurry the whole thing would take about 45 mins or so .
why is that Don Quixote type avatar so popular ?, maybe I should get one too...
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