Do you like (the process) of changing strings?

[Glennwillow]

Do you like (the process) of changing strings?

Not particularly. But I do it, because I want the sound of new strings. Some people don't like the sound of new strings, but I do.

- Glenn

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by StringMeUp

Spot on for me too! I treat the fretboard with Petros Fingerboard Oil too.

I use either Music Nomad F1 or Dr Duck’s, but only three tiny spots (1/8” dia) for the whole fingerboard, and no more than once a year - preferably once every eighteen months or so - and I’m very careful not to drive it into the fret-slots.

Also, I do it purely for cosmetic purposes, to make the board look and feel ‘nice’. I don’t delude myself that I’m ‘hydrating’ or ‘feeding’ the wood.

The usual disclaimers apply......IMHO, YMMV etc.

[jaymarsch]

I enjoy the process of changing strings on my guitars. I usually take the opportunity to wipe the guitar and check any fret wear and generally give everything a good once over. I am still not as comfortable changing strings on my one slot head guitar. I keep coated strings on that guitar so I change those strings about twice a year.
I have one of Frank’s Cranks which makes changing strings an easy and enjoyable process that I can usually complete in 20 minutes or so per guitar.
Best,
Jayne

[UncleJesse]

I enjoy doing it. It gives me time to look the instrument over and give it a wipe down. Takes no more than 10 minutes unless I'm cleaning a really cruddy guitar. Powered string winder makes it so simple. I've got a it down to a science.

[mawmow]

Changing strings allows you to have thorough inspection and good clean up of your beloved instruments. ;-)

[Earl49]

Nope, not especially. String changing is a necessary chore. I liken it to the stretches and calisthenics you do before playing a sport. The sport is the end and the warm-up is the means to that end. I'd rather play tennis than run laps to warm up. Plus I don't like brand new excessively zingy strings -- too harsh and brash for my ear. Give me three-day-old strings (or older) any time.

I have the process down pretty efficiently but I seem to need 25-30 minutes for a string change and cleaning. Last string change was a six string and a twelve string back to back, and took almost 90 minutes. Afterward I was too tired to actually play.

[Lkristians]

Like Dorothy Parker: "I hate writing, I love having written."
I hate string changing, I love having changed.

[Cool555]

Originally Posted by Lkristians

Like Dorothy Parker: "I hate writing, I love having written."
I hate string changing, I love having changed.

Very well phrased! I think you love poetry.

[FrankHudson]

I'm triple cursed regarding string changes.

1. I procrastinate, and when I have time and a guitar I tend to want to play it.

2. Therefore I don't do it often enough and I've never become very good at it. Yes, I know there are ways to get the right amount of string on the post, but I'm always misremembering them, or not compensating enough for larger diameter strings or different headstocks. This is stupid on my part, and when I once more end up with too much or not enough string on the post I don't feel good about the effort of making the string change. If I changed strings every week I'd get good at it.

3. I dislike the sound of new steel-core strings on an acoustic. Yes, in order to get the "later in the week" sound that I really like I have to go through the first day of too bright/over-toney, but that dampens the immediate satisfaction of doing a string change.

[Chipotle]

I do it as needed. Not something I either enjoy or loathe, just part of owning a guitar. I actually prefer a bit deader strings (some of my guitars do not sound great with new "zingy" strings until they've broken in a bit).

That said, I am really having a hard time envisioning a process where it would take 45 minutes to re-string. If all I knew was what I read on the forum, I'd think it was akin to learning nuclear physics. How hard is it to stick a string in a hole with a little slack and turn the knob until it tightens and is up to pitch? IMO there's some serious over-thinking going on in this area. I even use the oh-so-complicated "Martin locking method" and it still only takes 10-15min. Try doing an electric with a Floyd-Rose-style locking bridge AND locking nut someday.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by Chipotle

Try doing an electric with a Floyd-Rose-style locking bridge AND locking nut someday.

Love the guitar .. but Rickenbacker 12-strings don't look so easy too!

[LeDave]

I looooove changing strings!

[BluesBelly]

I enjoy changing strings, cleaning and treating my fretboard, doing setups, and general guitar maintenance. I find it very relaxing and I love the crispy fresh sound of new PB strings.

Blues

[personatech]

I voted "yes." I don't just restring - I polish, lemon oil the fretboard, change the battery (if necessary)... there's a real sense of accomplishment when I take that first strum and it just sounds right. Did it today with my Seagull S6, in fact.

[DanR]

To me, it's a necessary evil. I don't really like changing strings, but I don't hate it, either. I do enjoy the feeling when I'm done with the change.