In the photo, the musician is trying to remove the strings using the “Kurt Cobain” method )
Before installing new strings on your guitar, make sure the old strings are definitely worn out and need replacing.
Signs of “old” strings:
- External signs (strings are dirty, greasy, have microchips, or visible damage).
- The playing sound is dry, lacking in 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, 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 metal strings.
Metal strings, unlike synthetic strings, are attached to the guitar body. These strings have higher tension, so they use so-called pegs (or pins) located in the tailpiece. The pins hold the string in place when tensioned.
To begin, place the guitar vertically, facing you, between your legs, so that the tuning pegs on the headstock are aligned with your right and left hands.
1) Loosen the tuning pegs on the headstock.
The headstock has knobs (wing nuts) that adjust the string tension. By turning the thumbscrew (either manually or with a special turntable) while simultaneously playing the string, you can notice a trend. Turning the thumbscrew away from you tightens the string, while turning it toward you loosens it. Turn all the thumbscrews toward you 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 reached without much effort. To do this, take the slack string, hold it in your hand, and turn the thumbscrew so that the string comes out of the hole itself. Then pull the string out.
3) Release the strings from the tailpiece.
On the tailpiece, remove the pins from their sockets (preferably with a special tool). Pull the strings with the ring at the end out of their sockets.
Once the strings are removed, you can wipe off any dust from the guitar in the areas where it was most difficult to do so while the strings were installed. Then, proceed to installing the strings.
Next, let’s talk about installing the strings…
