Do you like (the process) of changing strings?

[Social Exodus]

I certainly do enjoy the process, and the end result. I've been in stores where a tech is changing someone's strings for them while they wait and think about what that person is missing out on. It's a rite of passage! I also learned to do my own setup work long ago which is also a peaceful, cathartic process for me when needed.

[roylor4]

I voted neutral, but sometimes it can be a Zen-like experience. Just being and doing - that's a good feeling.

I am in the camp that changes strings in about 15 minutes. I DO NOT find it to be a chore at all.

[zombywoof]

If it is a 12 string I will gladly pay the lazy man tax to have somebody else change the strings.

[gretsch4me]

In my 45 years of playing, I've done hundreds, if not thousands of string changes. It takes me all of 10 minutes on an acoustic and don't find it a big deal at all. Since new strings on my four Martin's always sound glorious, I'm more into anticipating how beautiful they'll sound like after taking the old, dead, dull, strings off.

[DWKitt]

I've been playing for 4 1/2 years and I was really nervous and frustrated the first few times I did it. But now that I've figured things out I do enjoy the process and look forward to it each time. It takes me about 30 to 40 minutes to do a change, but I like to take my time and make sure everything is done right.

[Oldguy64]

If I’m doing a straight string change, it’s about a 20 minute job. Less with a pinless bridge.
Triple that for a 12-string.
I’ve done it in less time, but it was not nearly as enjoyable.

I find the entire process relaxing. I find the post-change result happy making.

[buddyhu]

It takes 20-30 minutes (depends upon whether I am oiling the fretboard, doing more than a wipe down woh a damp cloth, etc). I have come to enjoy it. An electric string winder takes a lot of the tedium out of he process.

[1neeto]

Picked up my old Yamaha with relatively new nylon strings and found the high e broken. I guess I’m changing those today. But then I have to wait a week before they settle.

[Tico]

Originally Posted by pagedr

I want to hear from the few people who voted that they pay someone to do it for them. Is it that you never learned? Just too lazy? Have so much money you're just looking for any way possible to spend it? Genuinely curious, it seems like it'd be such a hassle to have to go to a shop/tech every time you need a string change.

FWIW, I've never paid someone to change strings but I can understand it.

A friend told me he thinks of his time as worth X dollars an hour (because it is) - and he has a very high income.

[gmel555]

Yes, I find it a bit "Zen". I mostly do it in the evening in a relaxed setting, no rush. I always look forward to hearing the new set either just because the old ones needed changing or maybe they're a new kind/type that I'm interested in hearing on that particular guitar.

[aeisen93]

The elixirs on my taylor have been on for about a year. They still sound amazing. I generally dont change strings often (usually wait for one to break and then replace the whole set). I dont enjoy changing strings but i like the feeling after its done haha

[1neeto]

Originally Posted by Tico

FWIW, I've never paid someone to change strings but I can understand it.

A friend told me he thinks of his time as worth X dollars an hour (because it is) - and he has a very high income.

*raises one eyebrow*
“Change strings? Me? My time is worth $300 an hour, the guitar tech at guitar center can do it for 20 bucks.”

I get it to put value to your time since time is finite. But to use such example for something that’s pretty much the equivalent of washing your car, or installing a light fixture in your home, is quite conceited. Sad way to live life IMO.

[macmanmatty]

Why is there no option for I'd rather try to pull out a grizzly bears teeth with a wooden spoon?

[penname]

I consider string changes a necessary evil especially since I don’t like the sound of new strings. With cleaning it take me about 20-30 minutes to change strings on my paddle head guitars. The exception is my Voyage Air VAOM-04 with locking tuners so strings changes are much quicker. I have two slot head guitars and those are currently taking me about 40-50 minutes. But getting quicker as I gain experience.

[Tico]

Originally Posted by 1neeto

*raises one eyebrow*
“Change strings? Me? My time is worth $300 an hour, the guitar tech at guitar center can do it for 20 bucks.”

I get it to put value to your time since time is finite. But to use such example for something that’s pretty much the equivalent of washing your car, or installing a light fixture in your home, is quite conceited. Sad way to live life IMO.

Ouch, and

Then don't live your life that way.
I don't.

But I will respect others' choices.
No skin off my back.

There's only one person I'm in charge of, me.