FRET SHOP
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How to Install Strings on Your Guitar _______________________________________________________________________________________ So often I hear "I never learned how to change my strings" or "I don't know how to do it right", I decided to do this page. This is the way I do it and I've never had a problem with slipping, breaking or tuning. ____________________________________________________________________________ Each tuning machine style is handled a little different. We are going to cover the two basic types of tuning machines. __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ |
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| This is the most common tuner. This one is "non locking" or "standard". A variation would include locking devices to "lock" the string to the post. |
| Another style commonly called "split post". It is found on guitars, but more often found on Bass Guitars. |
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O.k., so lets start. Loosen the old strings. Be careful! If you turn the tuning knob the
wrong way the string will snap and could cause bodily harm! or damage the guitar! or
BOTH! Take note how they attach to the bridge. Then remove them completely*.
O.k., so lets start. Loosen the old strings. Be careful! If you turn the tuning knob the
wrong way the string will snap and could cause bodily harm! or damage the guitar! or
BOTH! Take note how they attach to the bridge. Then remove them completely*.
Attach the first new string at the bridge ( I start with the
low E) and run the loose end through the hole in the
appropriate tuning machine. Leave enough slack
(about 2 frets) in string "A" between the tuner and the
bridge to wind on to the post. Wrap the loose end ("B")
of the string around and under as shown in the next
photo.
low E) and run the loose end through the hole in the
appropriate tuning machine. Leave enough slack
(about 2 frets) in string "A" between the tuner and the
bridge to wind on to the post. Wrap the loose end ("B")
of the string around and under as shown in the next
photo.
Turn the tuning knob counter-clockwise and wind the
string ("A") onto the post. After one complete turn,
continue to wrap ("A") in a downward direction so part
"A" is now wrapped below part B.
string ("A") onto the post. After one complete turn,
continue to wrap ("A") in a downward direction so part
"A" is now wrapped below part B.
| Continue until all the slack in "A" is wound onto the tuning post. You should end up with three to four wraps on the post. Plain steel strings will have several wraps. Then tune to pitch and trim off the loose end. At no time should the string cross over itself. That is one reason strings break at the tuning post. |
*"Is it really bad for my guitar to take all the strings off at once when changing them; should I do
it one string at a time as some makers recommend?"
It's definitely OK to take off all the strings on any fretted instrument. It's just an old husband's
tale that taking off all the strings will injure the neck or any other part of the instrument. By the
way, there's no harm in changing them one a time if that's more convenient for you.
it one string at a time as some makers recommend?"
It's definitely OK to take off all the strings on any fretted instrument. It's just an old husband's
tale that taking off all the strings will injure the neck or any other part of the instrument. By the
way, there's no harm in changing them one a time if that's more convenient for you.
| _______________________________________________________________________________________ FRET SHOP 5 CHURCH ST. VERNON, NJ 07462 973 764-8828 |
On a peg-head with 6 tuners all
on one side (6-inline), all the
strings should be wound from the
same side of the tuning peg. Look
at the picture, all the strings wrap
onto the post from the same side.
on one side (6-inline), all the
strings should be wound from the
same side of the tuning peg. Look
at the picture, all the strings wrap
onto the post from the same side.
On a peghead with 3 tuners on each
side (3X3), the strings wrap from the
inside.
side (3X3), the strings wrap from the
inside.
| Split Post Tuners |
Here we are going to put on a low "E" string. To find
the amount of string to wind on to the post, pull the
string taught and cut it 2 tuners past the tuner it is
going to. (it is easier just to look at the picture)
the amount of string to wind on to the post, pull the
string taught and cut it 2 tuners past the tuner it is
going to. (it is easier just to look at the picture)
The end of the string is then pushed into the hole
in the tuner (in between the split in the post), all
the way down.
in the tuner (in between the split in the post), all
the way down.
The string is bent over in between the split in the
post and then wind all the slack onto the post. All
winds go beneath the previous wind. Check the
picture below.
post and then wind all the slack onto the post. All
winds go beneath the previous wind. Check the
picture below.
This is what it should look like. Remember, all the
strings should enter on the same side of the
tuner. The string should not overlap itself.
This picture shows the "E" and "A" string done.
You can see the split in the post, the bent string
coming out of the post and the wraps underneath
each other. Then just tune to pitch and you are
done.
strings should enter on the same side of the
tuner. The string should not overlap itself.
This picture shows the "E" and "A" string done.
You can see the split in the post, the bent string
coming out of the post and the wraps underneath
each other. Then just tune to pitch and you are
done.