Actually, I do three at a time so that I can still clean the fretboard, etc. But it does seem easier to take them all off at once, so I may switch to that. It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks!
walrus
walrus
String changing essentials
- Thread starter killdeer43
- Start date
So other than playing them, the only love I show my guitars is when I reluctantly change strings. I back off the tension starting with the low E and then after cutting and removing all the strings I clean the guitar, fretboard and all. . I use whatever cleaning product I can find in the cupboard.
Joe, my setup looks fairly similar, except my lubrication was Modelo Especial and I used one of these. I like a little mechanical help!
I bought that Ernie Ball Power Peg and I get a good wrap on the strings every time. Much better than the fumbling manual hand winding. Just the right speed.
davismanLV
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Mine needs new batteries, F312! It's slowed down so much but it's still going so I haven't changed batteries. I gotta do that before the next string change.
banjo
Junior Member
I have no qualms about removing all the strings on a guitar but there has to be an exception, and that is the case with resonators.
These beasties are more like machines and once all the strings are off, the cone can wander at will. Unless I'm going inside I'll only change one at a time. Removing all at once on a reso implies a wait for the cone to bed in again.
Also, to take off and replace all the strings on a reso, apply the automobile cylinder head bolts approach to balance stresses on the cone. Those that have handled a cone will confirm that it's barely thicker than a carry out meal foil container and feels as though it will collapse in between your fingers. It's imperative to ensure even spread of downward force on the biscuit / saddle whilst removing or replacing all the strings at once. Tri-plates are even more complicated!
These beasties are more like machines and once all the strings are off, the cone can wander at will. Unless I'm going inside I'll only change one at a time. Removing all at once on a reso implies a wait for the cone to bed in again.
Also, to take off and replace all the strings on a reso, apply the automobile cylinder head bolts approach to balance stresses on the cone. Those that have handled a cone will confirm that it's barely thicker than a carry out meal foil container and feels as though it will collapse in between your fingers. It's imperative to ensure even spread of downward force on the biscuit / saddle whilst removing or replacing all the strings at once. Tri-plates are even more complicated!
I use my capo to secure the strings at about the 2nd fret so I can wind the strings without them flopping around.
rampside
Senior Member
Great tip, dread!
idealassets
Senior Member
I do not use a string winder. I prefer all the stings off periodically to remove dust, and once a year I put linseed oil on all the bare ebony or mahogany surfaces.
Quantum Strummer
Senior Member
These days I actually enjoy restringing (used to hate it). I typically kit myself out with a glass of something tasty & relaxing, a podcast I can half-listen to as I'm snipping & winding, a wire cutter and a cleaning cloth. No power tools or string winders as I'm rarely in a hurry.
I plan to restring my Aristocrat this week, and will apply some linseed oil to the fretboard at the same time. As the guitar has a floating bridge I'll remove strings 2–5 first, then clean the board and apply & wipe off the oil, then restring 2–5, then finally restring 1 & 6. Thomastik-Infeld flatwound 11s…let's see if I can add some warmth to the Aristo's basic tone.
-Dave-
I plan to restring my Aristocrat this week, and will apply some linseed oil to the fretboard at the same time. As the guitar has a floating bridge I'll remove strings 2–5 first, then clean the board and apply & wipe off the oil, then restring 2–5, then finally restring 1 & 6. Thomastik-Infeld flatwound 11s…let's see if I can add some warmth to the Aristo's basic tone.
-Dave-