My String Changing ritual

[Silly Moustache]

I read the thread about string buying addiction - that's me, but so is my "ritual" for string changing -
I am quite sure that this will seem anal to some - don't care - but I thought I'd share - it might be useful for some.

Most people seem to hate this process - but for me it is an aspect of owning fine instruments that I enjoy as much as playing them.

I have a small workshop/utility room with a good solid wooden and well lit workbench with a carpet covered top.

I like to keep a good stock of strings enough for at least two changes for each instrument and I keep them in an airtight plastic box.

I keep a log of string changes for each guitar (I told you I was anal)!

I have a tool box with all the tools I might need - - electric screwdriver, pliers, planet waves neck stand and winder/pincers,tuners , small screwdrivers, - steel dentist tools for recalcitrant strings, Stewmac action gauge, truss rod keys and my own preferred brand of wood care polish (designed for antiques - no silicone).

My flat-tops get most use but I have....well more than one - I usually get two months out of a set.
Dobro and 12 strings - three months,
Mando,resonator, and Weissenborn - about four months
Jazz guitars - maybe nine months (light use).


My flat-tops and 12 strings are all slotted headstocks.

With the radio switched to BBC Radio 4 (talk radio) and a beer, glass of wine or coffee - I'm all set.

First I check the action and relief and make any adjustments and note any movement from the last time.

I remove all the old strings and dispose of them.
I wipe down the guitar body with a clean damp cloth and dry down.

Using those plastic gloves that they give away at petrol stations I polish it with a cloth soaked in "Regency Gold" silicone free polish - expensive - but I only need one bottle about every ten years ! (Google it - they are in Wales). This stuff removes nasty stuff and I am careful to remove it all from finished woods and fretboard ensuring no moisture left on them- ESP. Fretboards !)

I check any screws - tuners, electrics , internal cables etc.

Then I restring - outside to in - 1st then 6th etc., carefully seating ball ends or loops and using some tape to hold them in place in the case of tailpieces etc. not to tension, put 'em all on wound correctly, then bring them to tune, cut ends, and re tune.

I recheck the action height and relief making sure nothing nasty has happened.

Final polish and there we have a happy clean bright instrument! (there has often been a second glass or cup involved).

And on to the next instrument if necessary.

Do you hate re-stringing ? Why not turn the process into an enjoyable little ritual (alcohol in moderation is optional).

I just wish I could think of something useful to do with old strings !

[Bonenut65]

That sounds like the best saturday morning ever!

[Edbuff]

I have a similar ritual but alcohol in moderation is not optional.
Ed

[matty1001]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

I have a tool box with all the tools I might need - - electric screwdriver, pliers, planet waves neck stand and winder/pincers,tuners , small screwdrivers, - steel dentist tools for recalcitrant strings, Stewmac action gauge, truss rod keys and my own preferred brand of wood care polish (designed for antiques - no silicone).

That's some list! My list of string changing tools is...a spoon...

[Michael Watts]

Nothing like a good relaxing string-change to get you focused.

[roadbiker]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

I like to keep a good stock of strings enough for at least two changes for each instrument and I keep them in an airtight plastic box.

I do the same thing

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

I keep a log of string changes for each guitar (I told you I was anal)!

I do it too... with MS Exel

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

With the radio switched to BBC Radio 4 (talk radio) and a beer, glass of wine or coffee - I'm all set.

I prefer conservative talkshows, but not Rush Limbaugh. These days I am liking Sierra Nevada Torpedo Ale.

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

I remove all the old strings and dispose of them. I wipe down the guitar body with a clean damp cloth and dry down.

I save my old strings for recycling

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

Then I restring - outside to in - 1st then 6th etc., carefully seating ball ends or loops and using some tape to hold them in place in the case of tailpieces etc. not to tension, put 'em all on wound correctly, then bring them to tune, cut ends, and re tune.

I do something similar: ouside in, but I install the low strings first, then the high strings in this sequence: E-A-D, E -B- G. I also bend the string a little before I put it in the bridge as it seems to help getting them to pull up the pin slot securely. I wind mine up using the lock-in method, where you bend the end of the string over, then wind it up. I prefer this over the "Taylor method." But that is another whole discussion...

I always trim my strings, one-at-a-time as I put them on. I can't stand the look of wild, untrimmed strings.

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

Do you hate re-stringing ? Why not turn the process into an enjoyable little ritual (alcohol in moderation is optional).

I'm in complete agreement.

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

I just wish I could think of something useful to do with old strings !

Save them for the recycling bin. Another use... the wound strings are good for hanging picture frames.

Jim

[BluesyRob]

Mine is similar yet different:

I use a hardwood desk and a towel for padding.

I loosen and remove all old strings and dispose of them.

Check for loose parts - tuning machines, etc. and adjust truss rod if needed (usually isn't).

I clean the neck (with lemon oil-if needed-about once a year) and I clean the body with Planet Waves Shine Polish.

I open new strings, fasten all to the bridge w/ pins, measure and clip then ends, then wind and tune.

Stretch and re-tune once more. Repeat as necessary.

-Alcohol, even in moderation is usually not an option because I'm such a lightweight, but coffee is.

Getting "help" from my 3-year old who loves anything tool-related is usual and added "bonus" I hope he's that excited about using the lawnmower when he's old enough.

My cat is usually around to chase any dangling string ends.

[Harmony Fire]

Originally Posted by BluesyRob

My cat is usually around to chase any dangling string ends.

Oh yes, mine have lots of fun while I try and get the new strings on...

[mr. beaumont]

I usually put a beach towel on the dining room table, throw on some Dub Reggae and crack open an IPA, but this sounds like it would work too.

[marikian]

Thanks for the wonderful description of your string changing method it was a great post.

[Gasworker]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I usually put a beach towel on the dining room table, throw on some Dub Reggae and crack open an IPA, but this sounds like it would work too.

IPA?? Indian Pale Ale? Who makes it? I thought this was a Canadian thing!

[roadbiker]

Originally Posted by Gasworker

IPA?? Indian Pale Ale? Who makes it? I thought this was a Canadian thing!

Since we're mixing strings with beer, how about a little trivia about the origin of IPA...

IPA was born when the British were first expanding to India. As we all know, the British are fond of their ale, so it was important to keep the troops in India happy with a supply of British Ale. Back then there was obviously no refrigeration, and thus no good way to transport the ale the great distance from Great Britain to India. Since hops are a natural preservative, they provided the solution. The brewers added extra hops to the ale as a preservative, and since hops also add bitterness and flavor to the beer, a side-effect was the creation of a new style of ale: India Pale Ale. Somewhat more bitter and flavorful than a standard ale.

So there you have it. Now I think I'll crack open a Sweetwater IPA (but I'm not changing strings today)...

Jim

[valleyguy]

Hmm, I sit on the sofa with the guitar in my lap while I'm watching watching tv, two mindless activities at the same time. I hate changing strings, wish I had a guitar tech for that.

I do write down the name, weight and type of string I put on and the date. If I tried new strings, I'll write a comment next to the strings I'm taking off. Lately, however, I've settled in on Martin SPs, Phos Bronze for the rosewoods, 80/20s for the mahogany's. Makes it simple.

[state-it]

Originally Posted by Gasworker

IPA?? Indian Pale Ale? Who makes it? I thought this was a Canadian thing!

You should have seen my Canadian nephew-out-law when he came to visit the UK (real ales are his vocation). Like a kid in a candy store.

Me: Guitar on futon bed in spare room (plenty of padding)...

Then get down and dirty.

Snipped off one-at-a-time. No particular order. Sometimes all off at once. Sometimes a bare fretboard and wipe with microfibre cloth.

Tune up and play.

Generally do in the day time so no booze, otherwise Harveys Best if I've got a flagon from the Harveys shop, Arundel Ale or a German lager.

[imwjl]

Originally Posted by Gasworker

IPA?? Indian Pale Ale? Who makes it? I thought this was a Canadian thing!

Great IPA styles all over. I joke about being crawling distance from the brewery but am very moderate drinker. My favorites are usually local for freshness and especially the unfiltered types.

I have a simple ritual of put the guitar on a table where I can catch some news or recorded music at the same time.

Right now I'm most worried about getting into an amp buying ritual.