Have any tips on stringing slotted headstocks?

[Charlie Bernstein]

Love my OMI Dobro roundneck, but I put off restringing forever because the headstock slots are such a nuisance.

So far, I've learned:

- Capo the loose string to keep it on the tailpiece.

- Snip the end after just a turn or two instead of waiting till the winding is done.

- Don't try to make a luthier's knot. Just wind.

Have any other suggestions for making it a not-so-arduous job?

Thanks!

[islandguitar]

I think I used this Taylor site as a guide years ago for my slotted headstock D12-20. Scroll down for the slotted headstock section.

https://www.taylorguitars.com/suppor...-steel-strings

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by islandguitar

I think I used this Taylor site as a guide years ago for my slotted headstock D12-20. Scroll down for the slotted headstock section.

https://www.taylorguitars.com/suppor...-steel-strings

Yep, this is the way I do it. Except I wind the E & e to the inside and the rest of the strings to the outside. Pretty simple. Looks like this when finished…

[RJVB]

Originally Posted by Rev Roy

Except I wind the E & e to the inside and the rest of the strings to the outside. Pretty simple. Looks like this when finished…

https://i.postimg.cc/XvxvTYS1/IMG-4463.jpg

Why would you increase the break angle and the likelihood of strings binding in the nut?

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by RJVB

Why would you increase the break angle and the likelihood of strings binding in the nut?

If I remember right it’s recommended to keep those two strings from getting too close to the wood. It’s the way Martin ships them and the way Music Villa strung it up and sent it to me after doing the setup on my 000-15SM.

[BluesKing777]

Originally Posted by RJVB

Why would you increase the break angle and the likelihood of strings binding in the nut?

Isn't it is to stop those strings rubbing against the wood, wearing a hole, catching, on the inside of the tuner slot?


BluesKing777.

[Bluenose]

I was under the impression that the strings should be as straight as possible although it probably doesn't matter much but if you trim the string and then wind, be careful the sharp end doesn't scrape the inside while you wind and make rings in the finish around the posts. Sadly I know this from experience.

[sinistral]

Silly Moustache made this video about stringing a slotted headstock:

[Stevien]

I've learned it's better just to stick to paddle heads. Life is easier.
Steve

[Mark Stone]

I may be the strange one here, but after 50 or so years of stringing up both paddles and slots, there’s really very, very little difference.

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by Stevien

I've learned it's better just to stick to paddle heads. Life is easier.
Steve

If I’d of stuck to a rule like that I’d have missed owning wonderful guitars like my sweet Martin 000-15SM. Slots take a few minutes more of concentration until you get used to string changes. If you love the tone and playability it’s worth every minute.

[The Bard Rocks]

Originally Posted by Mark Stone

I may be the strange one here, but after 50 or so years of stringing up both paddles and slots, there’s really very, very little difference.

Agreed. I prefer slotted because winding the G, B & E strings is so much easier.

[hifivic]

Originally Posted by BluesKing777

Isn't it is to stop those strings rubbing against the wood, wearing a hole, catching, on the inside of the tuner slot?


BluesKing777.

BINGO, we have a winner folks!

[hifivic]

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[jeanray1113]

The Taylor video is really helpful. Also, practice. I should probably change the strings more often instead of avoiding it because I dread it. It has got a lot easier. Also, whether paddle or ladder, the electric string winders makes things so much easier and quicker!