Changed Strings

[Realoldguy]

First time changing strings. Put EJ45's on my Laurel Canyon. What a difference.
While the strings were off I measured the hump/bow (it has a very slight bow). Put a straight edge along the frets, surprisingly even.
Polished the frets with oo steel wool.
Oiled the fret board
After the strings were on I measured the distance from string to fret with feeler gage. They are a little higher than mentioned in videos I watched but not worth lowering the saddle to fix.

Appearance is much cleaner with the new strings and clean fret board.
Low E, A, and D are harder to move around on. The strings tend to grip your finger.
Tone is much more mellow (well as much as it could be for this level of guitar).

Was nervous in doing it but glad I did. Learned a lot about guitars and will be a much smarter shopper when I finally go looking for a 'good' one.

Thanks to AGF for the links.

[Fatfingers12]

Good job. I felt intimidated by my first string change. Now I kinda look forward to the change…. It’s like a new guitar!

[JackC1]

Originally Posted by Realoldguy

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While the strings were off I measured the hump/bow (it has a very slight bow). Put a straight edge along the frets, surprisingly even.

I think you should measure with the strings on and tuned.

[Realoldguy]

Yes, I thought of that after I was done. Came up very close to flat.

As to being in tune....can't make it through a complete song before some string is out....but it is already getting better.

Makes me really want to play a good guitar so I can see what that feels/sounds like.

May have to stop by one of the local shops.....slippery slope