recommended electric string winder?

Hi guys,

I just changed strings on 5 guitars and using a hand crank string winder is getting pretty old. Based on your experience, what is your recommended electric string winder?

[M19]

Ernie Ball.

[vindibona1]

Originally Posted by M19

Ernie Ball.

There are two EB models. The cheaper one isn't getting great reviews, unlike the professional version.

If I needed an electric winder I think I'd just get an attachment for my cordless drill. But I've changed my winding procedure for most strings and not longer feel the need...

... What I do now (having learned this from a professional technician) is pull the string relatively taught, wind each string around the post 2-3 times, more for the thinner strings), then shove the end through the tuner post at the top of the winds, pulling all the excess through. Then all it takes is two or three or four turns with my regular winder and the guitar is almost up to pitch. Also SO much faster than winding 40-60 revolutions for each string. Also with that method I'm not so inclined to put off string changes. I can get strings off in 2 minutes and back on in about 5.

[Rudy4]

Nine dollar Black & Decker cordless screwdriver and an adapter to use it for string winding.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DE...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[M19]

Originally Posted by vindibona1

There are two EB models. The cheaper one isn't getting great reviews, unlike the professional version.

Mine is years old. Red and black and power drill shaped, branded PowerPeg. Cost about $15-20 IIRC.

If I needed an electric winder I think I'd just get an attachment for my cordless drill. But I've changed my winding procedure for most strings and not longer feel the need...

... What I do now (having learned this from a professional technician) is pull the string relatively taught, wind each string around the post 2-3 times, more for the thinner strings), then shove the end through the tuner post at the top of the winds, pulling all the excess through. Then all it takes is two or three or four turns with my regular winder and the guitar is almost up to pitch. Also SO much faster than winding 40-60 revolutions for each string. Also with that method I'm not so inclined to put off string changes. I can get strings off in 2 minutes and back on in about 5.

Interesting stringing technique you employ. Don't think I've ever seen that one. I'll have to give it a try.

[Akousticplyr]

I use these. Great with any house hold electric screwdriver like Walmart Black and Decker’s etc.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tool...EZ-Winder.html

[Oldguy64]

I’ve got an Ernie Ball Power Peg Pro.
It isn’t loads faster than the hand winder.
It is much easier on the hands.

[srick]

Ernie Ball Power Peg Pro here also. I much prefer this to hand winding and fwiw, the tension that I apply is more consistent than hand-winding. The batteries seem to last forever. My only thoughts about electric screwdrivers and drills is that they always seem to lose their charge, just as I need them. AA batteries have their downside, but always are at the ready.

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by M19

Ernie Ball.

Me too.....

[Rev Roy]

I have a B&D power screwdriver with a tuner button attachment and an Ernie Ball Pro winder. Mostly use the screwdriver...but both work great.

[Silly Moustache]

This is my choice.

This comes with a charging cradle and a set of screw bits and stuff, and with a stewmac string winder bit - it does everything I ask - plus driving in screws.

Thanks guys for all the suggestions!

[gfspencer]

I have the cheap Ernie Ball winder. It has worked fine for me for quite a few guitars and a few years of service. I might get the pro winder later but I don't need it now.

[raysachs]

I have one of the cheaper Ernie Ball winders - green and black, takes AA batteries rather than rechargeable. It's fine, but I actually find that for paddle heads, I'm faster with one of these Music Nomad winders than I am with the power winder. I accidentally discovered these pretty recently and it's an awesome little tool - you'd think a winder is a winder, but this is faster and easier and it never bumps into adjacent tuning keys. Good basic design.

So I wasn't using the power winder and thought I'd get rid of it, but then I got a slot-head guitar and for THOSE, the power winder is invaluable. Something about the angle coming at it from below that makes using any manual winder a real pain in the behind. So I use the manual winder for my three paddle head guitars (two electric, one acoustic), and the power winder for my sloshed...

71x9wPDpoqL._SL1500_ by Ray, on Flickr

[Brucebubs]

Cordless rechargeable screw driver - not a drill.