I changed strings on bass, acoustic and electric at least 5 times each and I still look at these videos for extra care just because I know how easy I can make a mess just to protect me from my dumbness
This video saved me...as a non-musically inclined single mom, I was able to do this with your help! My 13 year old son just got a stratocaster and I told him with your instruction, he could totally do this. Thank you so very much!
This is my second time changing guitar string. First time I wasted a set due to poor instructions from other videos. This was my second time and I did it-- thanks to your video
He makes it look easy due to his decades of experience of setting up and restringing hundreds of guitars a year. It'll come with practice! Check out 2:56 again, he pretty clearly shows and describes how he's holding the string while winding it.
There is a lot of people out there blocking their bridge thereby moving the trem block forward a bit. The holes to replace the strings through will not line up anymore with the rectangular window, and you would have to take off the backplate to change the strings. My question is, if you take that plate off, say, 20 times wouldn't the screw holes wear out eventually? I'd rather leave it on as much as possible.
Hi there. I have a MIM Fender Player Strat. Would you recommend when changing all the strings to do them one at a time to keep the tension on the trem block? I used to do that on my Ibanez JS100. 6th E string then 1st E working even inwards top to bottom.
You can do so if you wish but it is not necessary. If you're replacing strings of the same gauge, the trem block should return to the same location/tension as you tune it up with the new strings.
I accidentally wound up the machine head for my b and high e on my strat when I last changed my strings. Though with the metal clip there holding the strings low, I don’t think it’s a massive issue, but definitely a source of paranoia. Any thoughts?
hi im tryna change my guitar strings but when i look at the back, it doesn't have those big holes but only the tiny holes for the springs. is there anything I can do ?
You said that you never want to cut a string under tension, but what about when a string snaps while playing? I just got a brand new Strat and I guess the strings they send them with are cheap, because it snapped almost immediately on the high E while doing a bend up the neck. Does this damage the guitar, or were you saying not to cut under tension because of safety reasons?
Just for safety reasons. It doesn't damage the guitar if a string breaks under tension, but you don't want to intentionally cut a string without loosening it first so it doesn't whip up into your eye or something.
@@longandmcquade that's what I figured. Thanks a bunch for responding! I got a performer Strat with vintage style tuners so it was a little different than the headstock in this video but I still appreciated how direct and straight to the point this was. Some of the string replacement videos are a half hour long and seem overly complicated - I just successfully replaced the string on mine in about 2mins.
A slip-up in editing. Just make sure that the string you're changing (say the 2nd string) stays consistent in its position from top to bottom. Second string goes into the 2nd hole in the back, over the 2nd saddle, lays in the 2nd nut slot, and wraps around the 2nd tuning peg.
I was thinking about buying vintage saddles for my strat, could there be a problem with the string being bent because there isn't a hole for it to stay stuck like in modern saddles?
Vintage bent saddles do have a hole in the middle for the string to pass through. Just ensure that the saddles you get match the string spacing for your bridge/guitar and it should work just dine.
I always face problems while winding the string. These strings don't sit one below the other, and gets overlapped. I always make sure that the tip is pointed above, and apply proper tension to the string while winding them. What am I doing wrong here? I don't have a string winder though, I wind the pegs by my left hand while holding the string down by my right index finger.
That's odd. Is this a consistent problem or something you've only experienced once with a particular set of strings? If it isn't a case of user error, this sounds like a defective pack. If your guitar is a regular 25.5" scale length Stratocaster, any major brand's guitar strings should have enough extra length to reach from the saddle to the tuning peg with several inches to spare.
I was wondering should i immediately bend the high e string a step after i just installed the string? or should i be more careful? I've always had this problem whenever i installed the string and then bend the high e string a whole step and it breaks immediately. I don't know if its because it's a cheap string?
You should be able to bend strings just after they're installed if you've properly stretched them out beforehand. Check 4:25. Stretch the string out, tune it up, stretch it out again, tune it up... repeat until stretching it doesn't pull it too far out of tune.
It probably sounds more like a sitar because the neck is backbowed and the strings are buzzing and rattling against the frets. When you go from such a high gauge string like 11s to a low gauge string like 8s, there's not enough string tension to counteract the neck's backbow to pull the neck straight (or, ideally, with some relief). You need to have your truss rod adjusted, or better yet, a full setup after switching from 11s to 8s.
I must be seeing crooked here. The first string changed appears to be the one that's cut, and removed from the second to the end string. I would think that's going to be the B string. After removing the old string, it appears that the new string is in fact inserted through the same hole again. The hole for a B string, that is. It even looks to me like it runs over top of the B string saddle on the bridge. Then, he inserts the loose end of the string into the high E string tuning post. Does it look like that to anyone else? I know that would be wrong. I watched it twice. But, let me have another look.
Just a a bad video edit. The hole in the bridge that you insert the string into, and the saddle it rests on, and the tuning peg you pull it through, should always match. Ie E string goes through the first hole, over the 1st saddle, through the 1st tuning peg.
I just got an old fender and the string ends are all stuck in the bridge. I was hoping to seee a way to get them out. Anyone can help? I need a hook tool I guess
I have a custom shop Stratocaster which has open winding nuts which this did not feature and are a fucking nightmare to change and it makes me wonder how such a design fault was tolerated for so long as this would be impossible to do during a gig or in bad lighting and as for having to remove the back to align the string what a joke , I have often of thought of throwing the fucking thing out through the window as its such a pain in the arse .
You don't need it, it's completely aesthetic. In fact, lots of people remove theirs. But if you want to replace yours, we can help with that! www.long-mcquade.com/?page=search&SearchTxt=stratocaster%20backplate
I didn't read all the comments or watch every stringing video, but no one seems to mention; while handling a partially installed string, when drawing it up toward the headstock, never handle it in such a way that you put a bend or kink in it, say bending it over a fingernail. If that kink falls between the bridge and the nut, bizarre harmonics will be introduced and it will sound more like a sitar than a guitar string. Just my two cents worth from frustrating experience!
I wouldnt recommend using the fret as a guide. 2 frets for treble strings are not enough. I almost broke my new set of strings. I suggest using your four fingers. Place it vertically on the nut and have the strings lie on top of your finger. Use that slack as a guide then adjust the tuning pegs to tune the strings. I would say this video isnt that reliable
If you've determined that the width of your four fingers works for you, then that's great and you should keep using that method. The problem we see with suggesting the thickness of fingers to determine how much slack you need for windings on the treble strings (and offering that advice to 130,000 people who have watched this video so far) is that everybody's fingers are different. Some fingers are long and slender, and some are like sausages. The different hand/finger sizes from men to women, and adults to children, vary so much that we would not recommend it for reliable and consistent results across the board. Drawing back the string 2 frets is going to be the same length for almost every Stratocaster on this earth, and should result in 4-5 windings which is more than enough for the treble strings. We would say that THAT is more reliable than the varying thickness of fingers.
I changed strings on bass, acoustic and electric at least 5 times each and I still look at these videos for extra care just because I know how easy I can make a mess just to protect me from my dumbness
This video saved me...as a non-musically inclined single mom, I was able to do this with your help! My 13 year old son just got a stratocaster and I told him with your instruction, he could totally do this. Thank you so very much!
We're very happy to hear this! Thanks for sharing!
You're a good mom
You seem like a wonderful mom
You’re a Awesome mom
13 years old and already has a Strat 🤯
This is my second time changing guitar string. First time I wasted a set due to poor instructions from other videos. This was my second time and I did it-- thanks to your video
I don't know why other videos have to make changing the string so complicated. Great video.
A very helpful and concise video. Thank you Mike.
much better than all the over videos I tried, thanks
Thanks Georgina!
This guy makes it look so easy. I mess it up every time. I can't find a way to hold the string down in place and wind it at the same time.
He makes it look easy due to his decades of experience of setting up and restringing hundreds of guitars a year. It'll come with practice! Check out 2:56 again, he pretty clearly shows and describes how he's holding the string while winding it.
Is it me or did it look like he replaced the b string but when they showed the head stock part of the video, he was replacing the e string.
It's not you. There was an edit made in the video, but it doesn't affect the steps taken to change a string.
I watched it again to make sure I wasn't losing it - or being pranked.
I don't think I've ever been gaslighted by a musical instrument tutorial.
Hiii
you are correct... and instead of editing poorly... they shold have redone it.
Best Video I have seen on Strat string changes! Thank you, your video made this process much easier for me!
Thank you, this exact string snapped on my guitar! This video helped me to understand, I wasn't turning the string long enough. Thank you!
Great video. Very well explained and easy to follow. Very helpful. Thanks for sharing, Ray (Australia)
G'day Ray, Found it helpful myself. Happy playing. (From Brisbane)
Amazingly simple,
I have a gig tomorrow helped out loads, cheers.
Great, we're glad it helped!
There is a lot of people out there blocking their bridge thereby moving the trem block forward a bit. The holes to replace the strings through will not line up anymore with the rectangular window, and you would have to take off the backplate to change the strings. My question is, if you take that plate off, say, 20 times wouldn't the screw holes wear out eventually? I'd rather leave it on as much as possible.
Most people just take the plate off and leave it like that 😁
Finally a video that helped me out .. I have a Telly but this helped alot .
Thanks for the easy to follow string change
Top stuff! 🎸
Thank you. I needed this vid. 👌
Thanks, excellent video. You make it so easy!!! :)
Thanks Ira!
@@longandmcquade Always wondered how much slack to give strings when winding them. :)
Me in awe at all the gibsons in the back
Thank you! Very useful!!
Hi there. I have a MIM Fender Player Strat. Would you recommend when changing all the strings to do them one at a time to keep the tension on the trem block? I used to do that on my Ibanez JS100. 6th E string then 1st E working even inwards top to bottom.
You can do so if you wish but it is not necessary. If you're replacing strings of the same gauge, the trem block should return to the same location/tension as you tune it up with the new strings.
Is he switching back and forth between the E and B string?
Clear and simple !
I accidentally wound up the machine head for my b and high e on my strat when I last changed my strings. Though with the metal clip there holding the strings low, I don’t think it’s a massive issue, but definitely a source of paranoia. Any thoughts?
hi im tryna change my guitar strings but when i look at the back, it doesn't have those big holes but only the tiny holes for the springs. is there anything I can do ?
You said that you never want to cut a string under tension, but what about when a string snaps while playing? I just got a brand new Strat and I guess the strings they send them with are cheap, because it snapped almost immediately on the high E while doing a bend up the neck. Does this damage the guitar, or were you saying not to cut under tension because of safety reasons?
Just for safety reasons. It doesn't damage the guitar if a string breaks under tension, but you don't want to intentionally cut a string without loosening it first so it doesn't whip up into your eye or something.
@@longandmcquade that's what I figured. Thanks a bunch for responding! I got a performer Strat with vintage style tuners so it was a little different than the headstock in this video but I still appreciated how direct and straight to the point this was. Some of the string replacement videos are a half hour long and seem overly complicated - I just successfully replaced the string on mine in about 2mins.
Excellent video!
Thank you very much!
It’s confusing that at times it seems like you’re changing the B string, and at other times it seems like it’s the high E string!
A slip-up in editing. Just make sure that the string you're changing (say the 2nd string) stays consistent in its position from top to bottom. Second string goes into the 2nd hole in the back, over the 2nd saddle, lays in the 2nd nut slot, and wraps around the 2nd tuning peg.
@@longandmcquadeYes, I know! Just thought it was odd because of the editing.
I was thinking about buying vintage saddles for my strat, could there be a problem with the string being bent because there isn't a hole for it to stay stuck like in modern saddles?
Vintage bent saddles do have a hole in the middle for the string to pass through. Just ensure that the saddles you get match the string spacing for your bridge/guitar and it should work just dine.
What string should I use??
youre able to pull the string out through the back so effortlessly, mine is jammed at an awkward angle, any recommendations how to solve this?
Yep good point he didn't bother to cover any issues like that. I've hit on same issue as you have, may have to push through with a fine allen key.
EASY THANKS
I always face problems while winding the string. These strings don't sit one below the other, and gets overlapped. I always make sure that the tip is pointed above, and apply proper tension to the string while winding them. What am I doing wrong here?
I don't have a string winder though, I wind the pegs by my left hand while holding the string down by my right index finger.
You can try holding the string down at the nut with the palm of your right hand and guide the string down the tuning peg with your index finger.
my e string is too short for its tuning keys ... what should i do? please help me sir
What kind of guitar do you have? There's usually at least a few inches of extra string length.
@@longandmcquade stratocaster guitar sirr
That's odd. Is this a consistent problem or something you've only experienced once with a particular set of strings? If it isn't a case of user error, this sounds like a defective pack. If your guitar is a regular 25.5" scale length Stratocaster, any major brand's guitar strings should have enough extra length to reach from the saddle to the tuning peg with several inches to spare.
Thank you!
Appreciated !
I was wondering should i immediately bend the high e string a step after i just installed the string? or should i be more careful? I've always had this problem whenever i installed the string and then bend the high e string a whole step and it breaks immediately. I don't know if its because it's a cheap string?
You should be able to bend strings just after they're installed if you've properly stretched them out beforehand. Check 4:25. Stretch the string out, tune it up, stretch it out again, tune it up... repeat until stretching it doesn't pull it too far out of tune.
@@longandmcquade 2 frets for the slack is enough? can i do a bit more? 2 and a half? 3?
@@SennaAR16 Yes it is! You're welcome to do more if you want but it's not recommended.
This procedure is basically the same if you're changing all strings, correct?
Yes exactly, although we'd still recommend changing one string after another, following this same procedure.
Oh ok so one at a time?
@@BrianWood Yes
I have a question. I changed my old strings (guess gauge 11) to 8 and now it sounds terrible (not even like a guitar)
Can anyone help?😅
It probably sounds more like a sitar because the neck is backbowed and the strings are buzzing and rattling against the frets. When you go from such a high gauge string like 11s to a low gauge string like 8s, there's not enough string tension to counteract the neck's backbow to pull the neck straight (or, ideally, with some relief). You need to have your truss rod adjusted, or better yet, a full setup after switching from 11s to 8s.
why has he been turning the high E peg while setting the B string in?
Just a disjointed edit.
Are you guys Canadian?
Yes, proudly!
I always mess up the tuner winding...
It's BJ Novak??
I must be seeing crooked here. The first string changed appears to be the one that's cut, and removed from the second to the end string. I would think that's going to be the B string.
After removing the old string, it appears that the new string is in fact inserted through the same hole again. The hole for a B string, that is. It even looks to me like it runs over top of the B string saddle on the bridge.
Then, he inserts the loose end of the string into the high E string tuning post. Does it look like that to anyone else?
I know that would be wrong.
I watched it twice. But, let me have another look.
Just a a bad video edit. The hole in the bridge that you insert the string into, and the saddle it rests on, and the tuning peg you pull it through, should always match. Ie E string goes through the first hole, over the 1st saddle, through the 1st tuning peg.
holy dry fingerboard on a usa strat. looks awful
I just got an old fender and the string ends are all stuck in the bridge. I was hoping to seee a way to get them out. Anyone can help? I need a hook tool I guess
oh man I have questions, what does oot mean? Eh?
I have a custom shop Stratocaster which has open winding nuts which this did not feature and are a fucking nightmare to change and it makes me wonder how such a design fault was tolerated for so long as this would be impossible to do during a gig or in bad lighting and as for having to remove the back to align the string what a joke , I have often of thought of throwing the fucking thing out through the window as its such a pain in the arse .
We covered those style of tuners in our "Common Restringing Variations" video here: ruclips.net/video/g6peXDjV4UI/видео.html.
I don’t have a back plate… help
You don't need it, it's completely aesthetic. In fact, lots of people remove theirs. But if you want to replace yours, we can help with that! www.long-mcquade.com/?page=search&SearchTxt=stratocaster%20backplate
Did this man put the b string in the e tuner?
Continuity error in filming/editing.
@@longandmcquade oh :)
I didn't read all the comments or watch every stringing video, but no one seems to mention; while handling a partially installed string, when drawing it up toward the headstock, never handle it in such a way that you put a bend or kink in it, say bending it over a fingernail. If that kink falls between the bridge and the nut, bizarre harmonics will be introduced and it will sound more like a sitar than a guitar string. Just my two cents worth from frustrating experience!
Good tip! Thanks!
i don’t understand how i mess this up everytime, so many countless bags of wasted strings
But do you understand now after watching this video?
hey, it's davie504
I totally dislike this design of Fender, so difficult to replace the string when it stuck.
That was confusing.
What part did you find confusing? We can help clear it up.
Strats are so complicated just like my ex husband.
1:00 I can’t remove the string.
I wouldnt recommend using the fret as a guide. 2 frets for treble strings are not enough. I almost broke my new set of strings. I suggest using your four fingers. Place it vertically on the nut and have the strings lie on top of your finger. Use that slack as a guide then adjust the tuning pegs to tune the strings. I would say this video isnt that reliable
If you've determined that the width of your four fingers works for you, then that's great and you should keep using that method. The problem we see with suggesting the thickness of fingers to determine how much slack you need for windings on the treble strings (and offering that advice to 130,000 people who have watched this video so far) is that everybody's fingers are different. Some fingers are long and slender, and some are like sausages. The different hand/finger sizes from men to women, and adults to children, vary so much that we would not recommend it for reliable and consistent results across the board. Drawing back the string 2 frets is going to be the same length for almost every Stratocaster on this earth, and should result in 4-5 windings which is more than enough for the treble strings. We would say that THAT is more reliable than the varying thickness of fingers.
THIS IS BORING
But helpful! There's nothing particularly exciting about changing strings.