About to do my first slothead string change-wish me luck!

[Teleman52]

Originally Posted by SongwriterFan

Try it with the strings you're not supposed to cut until AFTER they've been wrapped around the tuning posts.

With roundwound strings, you can bend them and then cut past the bend so that they don't come unwound. That is what pyramid strings recommends to do if pre cutting is necessary

[Silly Moustache]

slotted headstocks are no more difficult than slab heads.

It is not necessary to pre-cut the strings.

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

slotted headstocks are no more difficult than slab heads.

Bleedin' are!

[Teleman52]

Originally Posted by ewalling

Bleedin' are!

It's just a matter of learning to do it properly. The same way you had to learn how to string a solid headstock. And It is something that everyone can learn to do (discounting disabled people). But you have to learn the right way.

I've never once cut my fingers while changing strings on a slothead, not even my first time. I'm not sure what people do for this to happen

[HHP]

The great mystery of the Universe is how someone who has the dexterity in their fingers and hands to play a slot head guitar has to experience arterial bleeding changing the strings on one.

[SongwriterFan]

Originally Posted by HHP

The great mystery of the Universe is how someone who has the dexterity in their fingers and hands to play a slot head guitar has to experience arterial bleeding changing the strings on one.

Heck, I got my finger to bleed on a non-slot-head Greven . . . . AFTER it had been strung up for a day or so.

It was during my 72-hr trial period from Dream Guitars, so I took it as a sign that I was truly bonding with the instrument and decided to keep it.

[Mycroft]

Have you had your tetanus shot?

[pjroberts]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

The Taylor method worked great for me. Just have to pay a little more attention after the first inside string wind to make sure the remaining winds don't go to far out to the right.

Yeah, I do not get why there is so much fear about this, it's not that different than a paddle head. Reading AGF I was worried I was in over my head, but it is maybe a mm more challenging than first time changing strings, and I am no DIY mastermind -- honestly prefer to pay people when it makes sense or even if I feel it's not worth my time -- but this is not hard. If you're in doubt check out the Taylor PDF and video and it's as easy as it looks ( or if it looks hard, then it's easier than it looks).

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by painasusual

I dont get the whole slotheads are harder go restring thing.

I agree; you're doing exactly the same thing as with a non-slotted headstock but sideways. A little more awkward, perhaps.

[billder99]

For what it's worth...

• On the "Taylor Method" string change video, at the end there is a short segment on changing steel strings on a slotted headstock... I found it very helpful my first time
• I add one thing, after "cut to correct length", and "insert in tuning post"... the unwound strings always pull out when I start winding... I use a pair of dikes to bend the last 1/4" of string, and I bend it tight... keeps the string in place, and the bend keeps the sharp end from being a blood drawing implement.

[Kh1967]

I can change strings on a slot head, but I don't care for it. It's not hard, but stringing guitars is like meditation for me. With slot heads, I am just a bit more anxious so it is less satisfying.

[Westy]

My first time was a bloodbath, thankfully I haven't repeated that effort since

[Rosewood99]

Originally Posted by Westy

My first time was a bloodbath, thankfully I haven't repeated that effort since

Since yesterday was my first try I can happily report no blood! I actually think there is less chance of that on a slot head then a regular string change since I don't have to leave as much of the string left after tuning. I didn't need to trim any like I usually do with a regular headstock.

I'm definitely in the "no big deal" camp on slot head string changes now but I also understand the trepidation for those who haven't done it before. My only advice is at worst you might blow five bucks on a pair of strings so you might as well give it a shot at least once.

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by Teleman52

It's just a matter of learning to do it properly. The same way you had to learn how to string a solid headstock. And It is something that everyone can learn to do (discounting disabled people). But you have to learn the right way.

I've never once cut my fingers while changing strings on a slothead, not even my first time. I'm not sure what people do for this to happen

Yeah, yeah, yeah ...