Before installing new strings on your guitar, make sure the old strings are definitely worn out and need replacing.
Signs of “old” strings:
- visual signs (strings are dirty, greasy, have microchips, or visible damage).
- the playing sound is “dry” and lacks overtones. Simply put, the sound isn’t what it used to be.
- many playing techniques (such as bending or sliding) are difficult.
If even one of these signs is present, then the strings definitely need replacing.
Generally, if you play regularly, it’s best to replace strings once a month. If you play moderately (every two or three days), replace them quarterly. Occasionally, replace them every six months. Much depends on the quality of the particular strings.
Removing Strings
First, here are some basic rules:
- REMOVE STRINGS ONLY AFTER COMPLETELY LOOSE THE ENTIRE TUNING MECHANISM. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ATTEMPT TO CUT STRINGS WITH WIRE CUTTERS OR ANY OTHER TOOLS. THIS CAN RESULT IN INJURY.
- NEVER PULL STRINGS OUT OF THE BOLT-IN TUNING MECHANISM (position the bolt-in hole so that the string can be removed without excessive force).
- NEVER REUSE STRINGS THAT HAVE BEEN REMOVED. It is recommended to simply discard removed strings. First, the strings can break due to age. Secondly, the guitar’s tuning with such strings will constantly fluctuate. Protect your hearing.
Once you’ve mastered the rules, you can begin removing the strings.
Since there are two main types of strings (synthetic and metal), the method for removing and installing them will differ.
Removing Synthetic Strings
First, position the guitar vertically with the side facing you, between your legs, so that the tuning pegs on the headstock are positioned under your right (most comfortable) hand.
1) Loosen the tuning pegs on the headstock.
The headstock has knobs (wing nuts) used to adjust the string tension.
Due to the special design of the tuning peg mechanism, the direction of rotation for strings 1, 2, and 3 is different from that of strings 4, 5, and 6. Therefore, before installing the strings, determine for yourself how you find it most comfortable to adjust each string.
By turning the thumbscrew (either manually or with a special turntable) while simultaneously playing the string, you can notice a pattern. Turning it toward you (or away from you) tightens the string, while turning it toward you (or away from you) loosens it. We turn all the thumbscrews and loosen the strings until the string pitch is barely audible.
2) Find a convenient location for the holes in the pins.
Arrange the holes in the pins so that the string can be removed without much effort. To do this, take the slack string, hold it in your hand, and turn the thumbscrew until the string comes out of the hole itself. Then pull the string out.
3) Release the strings from the tailpiece.
The strings are usually secured with knots on the tailpiece. After untangling the knots, we remove the strings.
The next post is about removing metal strings…
