tuning question....

[samcatluth]

Hi all,
I need to re-tune several times after installing new strings Four, five, six times and it seems I turn the tuning keys several times each time. Never broken a string though. I'm wondering if this is a sign of something else. thanks. Jeff B (soon to be 65 in 1 hour 57 min)

[Dave T]

I have spent the better part of a day at it, retuning every half hour or so after putting on new strings. Even after it will hold it's tune long enough for a song or two, I usually have to retune every time I pick it up for a couple days. That's just the nature of nylon.

Dave

[WaddyT]

New Nylon strings take at least 3 days to settle down and hold tune.

[Dischord]

Part of my regular routine is to stretch new strings after installing and tuning to pitch. I just grab each string near the 12th fret and give them a firm, but gentle tug - then re-tune to pitch. I found long ago that stretching newly installed strings this way helps both ends of the string seat themselves and results in a more positive grip (by eliminating slippage) and reduces the need to re-tune as often. Works well on every type of string I've used. Give that a try....

Oh, and happy birthday you ol' fart. If all goes as planned, I'll be 65 in just over four years, lol.

Mark

[jim1960]

I had a nylon string guitar over 40 years ago when I was first learning. I don't know if this is good advice, but I used to over tighten new strings for a couple of days to give them a good stretch. After that, they'd usually hold tune.

[jgillard]

As has been said, Nylon strings take some time to stretch. You will find you have to keep tuning back up. Eventually, they will stop stretching and stay fairly constant in their pitch.