Finally,,, someone that doesn't recommend the "luthier's knot". I have used the method you are demonstrating for many years and have never had any string slippage. As a gigging musician this is the only way to re-string. That is not an arrogant opinion, it's just fact. Thanks for taking time to make this video.
I've been a guitarist for forty years, and I have always hated changing strings. Such a pain in the butt. Lately I am inclined to stick with guitars equipped with locking tuners to make it easier to change strings. (I mostly play electric.) But I have one acoustic with traditional tuners like those in this video. I really appreciate this video. In fact, I think its's the very best video I've seen showing how to change strings. (There's no editing here, so we see the whole process.) I am now convinced I need to buy an electric tuner-twirler (or whatever they're called) to speed up the process. Great video!
FINALLY!! THIS IS THE CORRECT WAY TO STRETCH THE YOUR GUITAR STRINGS!!!! A LOT OF RUclips PEOPLE,, DO NOT KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY STRETCH THE STRINGS! YOU CAN ALSO STRETCH YOUR ELECTRIC STRINGS IN THE SAME MANNER,AS THIS..
String Winders have been around, for awhile & it speeds up the process,& does a good job.I don't know anyone who doesn't use one. IVE been playing since, '67, but we didn't have them, or clip on tuners. String Winders came out I believe in the early 80s?
⚓️ Thanks Nolan 😎 I’m not complaining… ⚓️ BUT 😎 oiling the fretboard doesn’t hydrate the board … moisture > water < hydrates guitars. Oiling helps preserve the wood & conserves water content… in addition to keeping the guitar properly humidified. Details in terminology in these training videos is important.
I’ve been playing for 54 years and never saw a string remover before. I must have one. There’s not much I hate as much as changing strings. I just bought a Martin D-35. I want to make sure I take exceptional care of it. It’s a beautiful guitar with an incredible sound.
Saw Steve Howe of Asia/Yes fame in concert break a string. He was the only musician on stage at the time performing an extended solo. He kept on jamming and in the course of 3 or 4 minutes had the new string on. Never missing a beat. Amazaing.
As in? Someone changed it or it kinda sounds like you're implying he changed it while soloing??? I've always loved the SRV guitar change while he's shredding. Classic
This method of changing your strings is the best that I've seen and easy for me to understand and not mess it up with a bunch of stream flopping around on the end thank you
Thank you so much. A lot of RUclips guitar string instructions are done by guitar players but not necessarily guitar techs and this information from you is much more accurate and understandable. Thank you!
Who says it's accurate? There are several ways to restring a guitar. What put me off was the shameless plugging of products at the start, it went on through the video too.
@@stevejacques9359 do you have a business or job hopefully you are a mechanic cause my truck needs repair and for you to fix it for free would perfectly fine by me
@@stevejacques9359 So why does anyone have to make any videos and specifically not promote products and services. Promos are part of everyday life. Some of us are actually interested in some of the products or services. You could just figure out your own way to re-string your guitar....no youtube video needed. I have played since '78, I have my way of doing it, but watched just to see someone else's method, I was not harmed or inconvenienced by the promos.
I've tried it all and after watching and trying this method, this is the only way I want to ever do this. When Nolan cut the strings, I was taken aback - could it really be that easy? And yes it is. It's such a relief and it's staying in tune really well. Thank you, I love it!
I’ve been changing strings for many years using many methods. I tried yours last night because you explained it really well. It was much easier than my previous attempts and I consistently got the same number of winds on each peg. The big thing I noticed is that my guitar stayed in tune remarkably well afterwards, and that any tuning was accomplished with small turns. Thank you!
Its been so long since I changed my strings, thanks for reminding me what I've always done, (without the little drill or cutting before I wrap it). I watched another video and he did it completely different, crazy. If they keep in tune, I think you've done it right.
When I bought my Martin, the way the strings were installed were superb. They never slip. The method was to go over, or under, bend at 90 degrees and the string locks against itself. You really need to view it to understand how well it works.
This is a good method as it covers the bridge end, the tuner end, and stretching the strings. The one difference I recommend is replacing the strings one at a time so that the guitar never goes completely untensioned. That is, remove the 6th, low E string; replace it; and move on to the 5th, the fourth, etc.. As far as the winder goes, a cheap battery powered drill will do the job just fine, and many folks already have these in the house. (They've been around almost as long as small electric motors.) You buy a plastic sleeve that fits the tuner knob and fits into the drill.
Removing all the strings at once releases all the tension on the neck at once and can cause the neck to warp. Also removing the bridge pins with wire cutters can damage those as well. You should remove one string at a time to keep the tension on the neck to prevent warping and use a plastic bridge pin remover to prevent any damage to those.
Just to be on the safe side, I'd go one string at a time, too. There'a a heck of a lot of tension in there and I've seen it firsthand. I've had 2 guitar headstcocks snap in my lifetime.
I've always took all strings off never had problems when you restring the neck will go back the position it was in just one question why doesn't gibson Martin etc warn you about it if it was true
🤔 I don't think that is necessarily true that the neck will warp , I've owned over sixty acoustics and never once did the neck warp as I properly cleaned the frets fretboard and headstock whilst the strings were off for about an hour or so , i've even left them off over night on occasion; bring the tension down and also up evenly and carefully 😳
Naaaahhh.... No warping of necks. You're WAY overestimating the tension in a guitar neck. Been playing a plethora of acoustics and electrics for 53 years and take off all the strings and clean the guitar before restringing. Everything goes right back to normal. The ONLY time your theory might make some sense is if you're restringing a floating trem strat or something and that's just to get things exactly where you left them. Also.. He's hardly releasing the tension "all at once" . He's tuning down one string at a time and the truss rod tension moves accordingly. I think you've thought about this a tad too much and have created a scenario in your head that doesn't really exist.
Thank you for the BEST video I have seen on restringing my guitar. Smart, clean & efficient. I'm embarrassed to say that after all the years of playing, I have never had someone show me this awesome method. 👍👍
The string wants to approach the peg from the inboard side. This creates the minimum angle where the string goes through the nut, which will create les friction in the nut slot.
Great video. It's always nice to get a refresh even after changing strings for years. I use the same winding method. But YIKES on using wire cuttings to remove the bridge pins. I use a plastic tool that doesn't have sharp points.
Thank you so much for this! This is the easiest and best way I've ever seen to restringing a guitar. I just did it in like 30 min and the other methods would always take me well over an hour. And I could never get the strings to wrap around correctly. Thanks again!
I have been changing strings for 60 years and I always work from the outside in or work away from the nut so you have plenty of working room for 1,2,4 and 6. It's easier to string it up if you don't have a string running by the post you are working on. Everything else is spot on. I do make my cut after the string is wound because and old wives tale said the wound strings could unravel if you cut them before you put the bend in them but I have never seen it happen. Great video.
From who? because if you watch RUclips, all the luthiers and technicians from guitar companies and guitar teachers all remove all the strings on an acoustic guitar before they restring. Not talking about tremelo-systems on electric guitars like Floyd rose for example.
I've always been a little leery about changing my strings. After watching this video, I'm ready to do my own restringing. Thanks for the great step-by-step process.
Here is a thought. Why not do one string at a time? My reason is that by releasing all strings at once, a sudden and large tension is released on the neck. Can that cause problems? One string at a time maintains most of the tension, and avoids the sudden tension release.
It depends, if you are not going to do any treatment on the neck or frets then I would change one string at a time, but for any kind of maintenance while you are changing strings then you'll need to remove them all.
Wow, the grain on that fretboard is beautiful. I enjoy changing strings on my guitars. I have tried a few different things over the years and I do mine mostly like you did. I cut mine to length exactly like you, but I don't do the over/under wrap. I have done it in the past and I have also just let the string wraps go under on each round. I have never had an issue with strings slipping either way, so I just wind the strings downward because I like how it looks better than the over/under method. Just my preference. I also tune my strings up a half-step initially (E#, A# D#, etc.) and strum some chords for a minute or two. Then I loosen the strings below normal tuning pitch and back up to pitch. That takes care of the stretching. I am going to adopt your method of inserting the strings into the bridge. I've always given the strings a little bend at the ball end, but I think I'll like your way better.
I'm going to try winding the strings all under next time I restring. I want to see if it looks better than one over and the rest under. Plus I want to test how well it will stay in tune. Thanks for the tip!
This is indeed the best method for winding strings on a steel string guitar. Tying a knot is fine, until you have to untie it! The over and under wrap is a sweet spot compromise between putting a knot, and winding it straight down. Now to see your tutorial for restringing a classical guitar…
It's funny how the "simple" act of changing strings can generate so many different approaches. I'm one of the nervous Nellies out here who needs a few days of getting in the right mindset to do the job. It takes me about an hour. Thanks very much for this video; I found the repetitive "over/under" instruction not annoying but reassuring.
This is my first time ever changing my guitar strings on my own. This helped so much. I’ve watched other videos that had millions of views but for whatever reason I was drawn to this one and your explanation was perfect. The structure of my guitar is a little bit different maybe because it’s very old but I was still able to catch on and adjust as needed
We're so glad to hear that our video has helped! Nolan has been on tour with several artists over the years, most notably Sixpence None The Richer and he swears by this method for long lasting playability with minimal adjustments and quick changeability! Thanks again for watching
Thank you very much. I’ve been playing guitar for a long long time and I suck big time at changing string so I’m gonna buckle down and try this method and make a clean look cause what I’m doing now is terrible. !!
@@cornermusic5057 when I can cross back over from Canada, I’ll come see you guys. I’ve been well man thanks for asking! Hope all is well with all of y’all!
That's mostly what I've done for the last 40 years but I normally don't cut them in advance. That trick about measuring to post spacing is a good one, at least for that headstock design.
This is the most detailed and well-explained video on this topic. I wish I had come across this when I first learned to change strings. But the presenter’s claim that other videos are all wrong is not true (it’s a smart way to catch viewers’ attention though).
An outstanding method!!! SO well organized, up to alternating loosening and tightening to maintain even tension on left and right. I’d never thought to do that!
Thank you for the video. I have learnt that wInd the string one up and then under for the rest. Stretch the strings by both hands. I also saw some other guy who made a bent at the pole, wind the string, then cut the string at last.
Thanks so much, no one was showing close ups of them feeding the string through the holes at the top, I was so confused on where it went. Keep up the great work!
I think the only thing he needed to add, was stretching the strings from the nut to the tuning posts. I always press down on the string there, just to complete the stretching of them. Good video though. Lovely Gibson guitar
Amen on locking tuners. I’m assuming it’d be a taboo to put aftermarket lockers on a Gibson Custom Shop guitar. It still puzzles me to this day why there aren’t new acoustic guitars coming out with locking tuners. To me it’s a no brainer. It’s SO much simpler.
Good points on wiping down the fret board and polishing the frets. I am impressed you did not have to use a tuner to know the pitch of each string. The only part I did not like was using the cutters to pry out the bridge pins. I am sure you are experienced but I would be afraid of slipping and damaging one of my bridge pins.
Correct! The over first then under allows the physics to create tension on a string around that post . Also less winds is better for tensile strength, hence two under is sufficient. Too often I see lazy luthiers just wind under the fed in string. Slightly liftigthe strings as you have done is sufficient, then re-tune up to pitch. Beautiful guitar BTW. ( Terry from Oz).
Enjoyable and instructive video. I have been doing this in a sloppy way for years. I will now make some of those small templates, and stop applying lemon oil by the gallon. Thank you, Sir.
My brother invented that Ernie Ball electric pegwinder, at his store back in the early '70s, in Tallahassee, when he cut up a plastic manual string winder, and attached it to one of the drills he used to make guitar cabinets with. I have been playing 60+ years ... I just use 0000 steel wool to polish frets and clean the board. Does no harm at all to the wood, especially since lemon oil or some Watco will dress that wood nicely. Back in the early '60s, Fender recommended using 3-IN-1 oil on their boards. Steel wool takes a lot of dirt and grime off the board, by the way. Try a set of heavy electrics on your acoustic ... man, I bucked that idea for years and was knocked out when I finally gave in to it! When you install the wound strings, do not cut them off. Run them through whole, keeping a post-and-a-half for winding straight down the post. Bend the excess toward the middle of the headstock (thus forming an "S"), and wind the string down the post like a coil. With the plain strings, double top the through-string and wind down the post. Now, bend each string back and forth until it breaks off, leaving NO little stickers to nail your fingers and decorate your guitar with that red stuff! If you don't double wrap on top of that through-string, your string will slip when you break off the plain strings. Makes for a clean, tight wind on the post with no need for clippers. Change your strings regularly and you most likely will not break them. But we all have our technique, so whatever works best for you! God bless for helping people!
Just make sure you are going the right direction first or you could warp the neck and break off the old strings. Thet fret buffer is cool. I noticed you going against the frets rather that with them. How do you tie the strings on a classical guitar. That is good to know. Great job and thank you for that priceless info . Appreciated.
Certainly some good tips however, I was told by a Luthier not to release the tension on more than 2 strings at a time to change strings in a hurry. Releasing all the tension at once may cause the neck to Knot, was the meaning I took from it, if not the exact word he used. When dressing the fretboard, slowly loosen the strings over time to remove all the strings. It made sense to me whether he was correct or not? Maybe I should watch more videos to determine the general consensus on this practice. He said one should clean and polish the neck 2-3 times a year so maybe he just showed the condensed version? Always willing to integrate new ideas if they concur with industry standards but, willing to devote the added time to my instruments if needed.
This is exactly how I restring my guitars, except I don’t cut the string until it has been wound on. I do measure the same amount of slack (one peg space), but then I take the string and loop it over the top of the peg and over the tag end. This creates the “over” wrap so once I start winding the rest all go “under” the tag end. It saves a little winding. Once I have it to pitch I cut all the ends off fairly short. Never had one slip yet.
Hi, thank you for this informative video! Best I have seen. As a newbie, I have a J200, which I snapped a string of when tuning it. Can I ask why you change all of your strings at once? All of the other videos I have seen state not to change them all at once as it can affect the sound?! Now I am confused, I don’t know whether to follow and do them all at once? I do want to change them all however and give her a freshen up! Thank you
I note that when removing the strings you alternated one side to the other. Do you think this is better than removing all strings from one side and then the other? Great video by the way
Some tend to do that (i.e., alternate from side to side. I've also known folk who do not do that. I was a drummer in a regionally successful southern band in the mid to late 60's. The lead guitarist actually changed one string at a time. His reasoning was that the guitar got used to a certain tension and it (in his opinion) stressed the guitar to take all the strings off at once [please know that I have never known anyone else to go to this extreme and I am not at all sure that his "stress theory" would stand up in court - but that's the way he did it] -- and he changed strings every night - sometimes twice a night during a four-hour gig - that would, of course, be with beer bottles flying. Anyway, the bottom line is it depends on who you talk to as to whether they alternate strings or not. I've known techs - some of who do it; others who just get 'em off zip, zip, zip.
I changed the strings to a really light string and changed the bridge pins and the nut and saddle to bone. Had to fit the nut and saddle by hand and very gentle sanding using a caliper gage. But the resulting sound after setting it up was a lot better. More sustain and deeper lows. A significant improvement in the sound on a not so expensive guitar. I only wish I could buy a Gibson. Only in my dreams, or a Martin. But I love acoustic guitar and the sound!!!!!
Yamaha makes some great sounding guitars at a third of the price of a Gibson or Martin. Check out their LL6. It is all solid wood great sounding guitar that rivals any Gibson or Martin
Excellent video ,very well explained ,I agree the electric winder is way better ,I own one not Hernie Ball but still efective and loved the way you wind your strings,used to do it in a different way ,but my guitar strings are due to a change ,going to give a try to your shown method,thanks
This is amazing. I’ve never changed my own strings because of being to nervous and the Martin or crimped method looked a bit difficult. Your way here is the best. Thanks for making this video. I can’t wait to change them again….and again. Lol
Another good reason for going over and then under the string is to ensure the string is pressing down on the nut so when you tune the guitar it stays tuned.
As with just about anything, there are several ways to accomplish a task. There are, however, certain rules that apply to all. Find what works best for you and go in peace. I agree that a drill can be tricky if not used correctly. But if you looked carefully, his gear ratio spins very slowly. I don’t have a problem with that. His post winding technique appears to be fine. Fret hydration is dependent on climate, temperature, and amount of usage. Only glaring inconsistency in this tutorial was not having a template on the bridge when oiling it as with the neck template. Otherwise, this is a perfectly good way to re-string your guitar. Now pick up the guitar and play. Cheers!
You don't have to worry about tension on the neck - that's a problem for the truss rod to worry about (there's always more tension on the bass side)....though you might break the headstock (if you're stringing up a Gibson - lol)
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One of the simplest and perhaps the best video on string changing.
That’s the best video I’ve ever seen on restringing an acoustic guitar and I’ve played for over 50 years brilliant
Thanks Dennis!
Finally,,, someone that doesn't recommend the "luthier's knot". I have used the method you are demonstrating for many years and have never had any string slippage.
As a gigging musician this is the only way to re-string. That is not an arrogant opinion, it's just fact. Thanks for taking time to make this video.
It looks completely like a luthier's knot to me and is what I use with a manual winder.
@@isthereanybodyoutthere9397 look closer, there is no knotting of the string on the post, over-under is not a knot
@@isthereanybodyoutthere9397 There is no knot created using this method.
I've been a guitarist for forty years, and I have always hated changing strings. Such a pain in the butt. Lately I am inclined to stick with guitars equipped with locking tuners to make it easier to change strings. (I mostly play electric.) But I have one acoustic with traditional tuners like those in this video. I really appreciate this video. In fact, I think its's the very best video I've seen showing how to change strings. (There's no editing here, so we see the whole process.) I am now convinced I need to buy an electric tuner-twirler (or whatever they're called) to speed up the process. Great video!
FINALLY!! THIS IS THE CORRECT WAY TO STRETCH THE YOUR GUITAR STRINGS!!!! A LOT OF RUclips PEOPLE,, DO NOT KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY STRETCH THE STRINGS! YOU CAN ALSO STRETCH YOUR ELECTRIC STRINGS IN THE SAME MANNER,AS THIS..
String Winders have been around, for awhile & it speeds up the process,& does a good job.I don't know anyone who doesn't use one. IVE been playing since, '67, but we didn't have them, or clip on tuners. String Winders came out I believe in the early 80s?
⚓️ Thanks Nolan 😎 I’m not complaining… ⚓️ BUT 😎 oiling the fretboard doesn’t hydrate the board … moisture > water < hydrates guitars. Oiling helps preserve the wood & conserves water content… in addition to keeping the guitar properly humidified. Details in terminology in these training videos is important.
I’ve been playing for 54 years and never saw a string remover before. I must have one. There’s not much I hate as much as changing strings. I just bought a Martin D-35. I want to make sure I take exceptional care of it. It’s a beautiful guitar with an incredible sound.
I agree. My father has a d35. The 3 piece back is gorgeous. Sounds amazing too.. Not as deep as a D28 but really great sounding in the mid tones
this is the best - i have tried them all - this method is failsafe. Well done!!!!
Saw Steve Howe of Asia/Yes fame in concert break a string. He was the only musician on stage at the time performing an extended solo. He kept on jamming and in the course of 3 or 4 minutes had the new string on. Never missing a beat. Amazaing.
As in? Someone changed it or it kinda sounds like you're implying he changed it while soloing???
I've always loved the SRV guitar change while he's shredding. Classic
@@daveh8686huh????
That Gibson always gives me the “Dear Santa” moment. Thanks. Great tutorial.
Ho Ho Ho!
This method of changing your strings is the best that I've seen and easy for me to understand and not mess it up with a bunch of stream flopping around on the end thank you
❤Thank you. So very helpful!
Thank you so much. A lot of RUclips guitar string instructions are done by guitar players but not necessarily guitar techs and this information from you is much more accurate and understandable. Thank you!
Who says it's accurate? There are several ways to restring a guitar. What put me off was the shameless plugging of products at the start, it went on through the video too.
@@stevejacques9359 do you have a business or job hopefully you are a mechanic cause my truck needs repair and for you to fix it for free would perfectly fine by me
@@stevejacques9359 So why does anyone have to make any videos and specifically not promote products and services. Promos are part of everyday life. Some of us are actually interested in some of the products or services. You could just figure out your own way to re-string your guitar....no youtube video needed.
I have played since '78, I have my way of doing it, but watched just to see someone else's method, I was not harmed or inconvenienced by the promos.
@@stonesfire5814 bring it over to the UK and I'd be happy to. Talk about missing the point.
@@joeshmoe7967 sad you missed the point.
This is the clearest demonstration I have seen of the over/under technique of string winding.
I've tried it all and after watching and trying this method, this is the only way I want to ever do this. When Nolan cut the strings, I was taken aback - could it really be that easy? And yes it is. It's such a relief and it's staying in tune really well. Thank you, I love it!
I’ve been changing strings for many years using many methods. I tried yours last night because you explained it really well. It was much easier than my previous attempts and I consistently got the same number of winds on each peg.
The big thing I noticed is that my guitar stayed in tune remarkably well afterwards, and that any tuning was accomplished with small turns.
Thank you!
I've been playing for 52yrs. I learned from your videos. Thanks 🤠🎶
Its been so long since I changed my strings, thanks for reminding me what I've always done, (without the little drill or cutting before I wrap it). I watched another video and he did it completely different, crazy. If they keep in tune, I think you've done it right.
0:25
When I bought my Martin, the way the strings were installed were superb. They never slip. The method was to go over, or under, bend at 90 degrees and the string locks against itself. You really need to view it to understand how well it works.
Alan : Perfect system !!!
This is a good method as it covers the bridge end, the tuner end, and stretching the strings. The one difference I recommend is replacing the strings one at a time so that the guitar never goes completely untensioned. That is, remove the 6th, low E string; replace it; and move on to the 5th, the fourth, etc..
As far as the winder goes, a cheap battery powered drill will do the job just fine, and many folks already have these in the house. (They've been around almost as long as small electric motors.) You buy a plastic sleeve that fits the tuner knob and fits into the drill.
Great job I can,t belive how many people don.t know
Removing all the strings at once releases all the tension on the neck at once and can cause the neck to warp. Also removing the bridge pins with wire cutters can damage those as well. You should remove one string at a time to keep the tension on the neck to prevent warping and use a plastic bridge pin remover to prevent any damage to those.
Just to be on the safe side, I'd go one string at a time, too. There'a a heck of a lot of tension in there and I've seen it firsthand. I've had 2 guitar headstcocks snap in my lifetime.
I've always took all strings off never had problems when you restring the neck will go back the position it was in just one question why doesn't gibson Martin etc warn you about it if it was true
🤔 I don't think that is necessarily true that the neck will warp , I've owned over sixty acoustics and never once did the neck warp as I properly cleaned the frets fretboard and headstock whilst the strings were off for about an hour or so , i've even left them off over night on occasion; bring the tension down and also up evenly and carefully 😳
Naaaahhh.... No warping of necks. You're WAY overestimating the tension in a guitar neck. Been playing a plethora of acoustics and electrics for 53 years and take off all the strings and clean the guitar before restringing. Everything goes right back to normal. The ONLY time your theory might make some sense is if you're restringing a floating trem strat or something and that's just to get things exactly where you left them. Also.. He's hardly releasing the tension "all at once" . He's tuning down one string at a time and the truss rod tension moves accordingly. I think you've thought about this a tad too much and have created a scenario in your head that doesn't really exist.
I don’t use the plastic pin remover anymore since it slipped and dented the top.Dikes over the saddle!
I have done this exact method since I was 15 years old. Created it myself out of necessity and have done it like this ever since.
Thank you for the BEST video I have seen on restringing my guitar. Smart, clean & efficient. I'm embarrassed to say that after all the years of playing, I have never had someone show me this awesome method. 👍👍
Wow great stringing tutorial !
Why Strings 6,5,4 wounded anticlockwise while 3,2,1 wounded clockwise ?
Can wound all strings in anticlockwise ?
The string wants to approach the peg from the inboard side. This creates the minimum angle where the string goes through the nut, which will create les friction in the nut slot.
Great video. It's always nice to get a refresh even after changing strings for years. I use the same winding method. But YIKES on using wire cuttings to remove the bridge pins. I use a plastic tool that doesn't have sharp points.
Thank you so much for this! This is the easiest and best way I've ever seen to restringing a guitar. I just did it in like 30 min and the other methods would always take me well over an hour. And I could never get the strings to wrap around correctly. Thanks again!
This was very helpful. I'm always looking for strategies and best practices when it comes to stringing up guitars. Great video!
I have been changing strings for 60 years and I always work from the outside in or work away from the nut so you have plenty of working room for 1,2,4 and 6. It's easier to string it up if you don't have a string running by the post you are working on. Everything else is spot on. I do make my cut after the string is wound because and old wives tale said the wound strings could unravel if you cut them before you put the bend in them but I have never seen it happen. Great video.
Outstanding video! I learned so much and now have to go shopping for some new toys!
I have heard it is best to change two strings at a time to not lose completely the tension on the neck
From who? because if you watch RUclips, all the luthiers and technicians from guitar companies and guitar teachers all remove all the strings on an acoustic guitar before they restring. Not talking about tremelo-systems on electric guitars like Floyd rose for example.
I've always been a little leery about changing my strings. After watching this video, I'm ready to do my own restringing. Thanks for the great step-by-step process.
Here is a thought. Why not do one string at a time? My reason is that by releasing all strings at once, a sudden and large tension is released on the neck. Can that cause problems? One string at a time maintains most of the tension, and avoids the sudden tension release.
It depends, if you are not going to do any treatment on the neck or frets then I would change one string at a time, but for any kind of maintenance while you are changing strings then you'll need to remove them all.
Wow, the grain on that fretboard is beautiful. I enjoy changing strings on my guitars. I have tried a few different things over the years and I do mine mostly like you did. I cut mine to length exactly like you, but I don't do the over/under wrap. I have done it in the past and I have also just let the string wraps go under on each round. I have never had an issue with strings slipping either way, so I just wind the strings downward because I like how it looks better than the over/under method. Just my preference. I also tune my strings up a half-step initially (E#, A# D#, etc.) and strum some chords for a minute or two. Then I loosen the strings below normal tuning pitch and back up to pitch. That takes care of the stretching. I am going to adopt your method of inserting the strings into the bridge. I've always given the strings a little bend at the ball end, but I think I'll like your way better.
I'm going to try winding the strings all under next time I restring. I want to see if it looks better than one over and the rest under. Plus I want to test how well it will stay in tune. Thanks for the tip!
This is indeed the best method for winding strings on a steel string guitar. Tying a knot is fine, until you have to untie it! The over and under wrap is a sweet spot compromise between putting a knot, and winding it straight down.
Now to see your tutorial for restringing a classical guitar…
Having a Crafter acoustic guitar i didn't know how to string it properly. Thanks!
It's funny how the "simple" act of changing strings can generate so many different approaches. I'm one of the nervous Nellies out here who needs a few days of getting in the right mindset to do the job. It takes me about an hour. Thanks very much for this video; I found the repetitive "over/under" instruction not annoying but reassuring.
This is my first time ever changing my guitar strings on my own. This helped so much. I’ve watched other videos that had millions of views but for whatever reason I was drawn to this one and your explanation was perfect. The structure of my guitar is a little bit different maybe because it’s very old but I was still able to catch on and adjust as needed
We're so glad to hear that our video has helped! Nolan has been on tour with several artists over the years, most notably Sixpence None The Richer and he swears by this method for long lasting playability with minimal adjustments and quick changeability! Thanks again for watching
Very informative. Thanks
Brilliant-totally clear-for some reason I'v ebeen struggling with string changes and this is now my go to method-thank you.
Thank you very much. I’ve been playing guitar for a long long time and I suck big time at changing string so I’m gonna buckle down and try this method and make a clean look cause what I’m doing now is terrible. !!
Awesome video!! Have to get me some of those products you were using!
You know where to get em! Hope you've been well btw!
@@cornermusic5057 when I can cross back over from Canada, I’ll come see you guys. I’ve been well man thanks for asking! Hope all is well with all of y’all!
That's mostly what I've done for the last 40 years but I normally don't cut them in advance. That trick about measuring to post spacing is a good one, at least for that headstock design.
This is the most detailed and well-explained video on this topic. I wish I had come across this when I first learned to change strings. But the presenter’s claim that other videos are all wrong is not true (it’s a smart way to catch viewers’ attention though).
An outstanding method!!!
SO well organized, up to alternating loosening and tightening to maintain even tension on left and right.
I’d never thought to do that!
Thank you for the video. I have learnt that wInd the string one up and then under for the rest. Stretch the strings by both hands.
I also saw some other guy who made a bent at the pole, wind the string, then cut the string at last.
Thank you Corner Music from Nashville. Excellent tutorial.
Thanks so much, no one was showing close ups of them feeding the string through the holes at the top, I was so confused on where it went. Keep up the great work!
I think the only thing he needed to add, was stretching the strings from the nut to the tuning posts. I always press down on the string there, just to complete the stretching of them.
Good video though. Lovely Gibson guitar
A big THANKS to Nolan WOW so much fantastic knowledge in one video. Where were you when I was a teenager.
Locking tuners make it even easier. Put the string through the post, pull it tight, lock it, cut it, tune it up. Done.
Amen on locking tuners. I’m assuming it’d be a taboo to put aftermarket lockers on a Gibson Custom Shop guitar. It still puzzles me to this day why there aren’t new acoustic guitars coming out with locking tuners. To me it’s a no brainer. It’s SO much simpler.
Power peg pro? Can I buy that in shopee sir? Pls reply I'm one of your follower.
Good points on wiping down the fret board and polishing the frets. I am impressed you did not have to use a tuner to know the pitch of each string. The only part I did not like was using the cutters to pry out the bridge pins. I am sure you are experienced but I would be afraid of slipping and damaging one of my bridge pins.
Correct! The over first then under allows the physics to create tension on a string around that post . Also less winds is better for tensile strength, hence two under is sufficient. Too often I see lazy luthiers just wind under the fed in string. Slightly liftigthe strings as you have done is sufficient, then re-tune up to pitch. Beautiful guitar BTW. ( Terry from Oz).
Enjoyable and instructive video. I have been doing this in a sloppy way for years. I will now make some of those small templates, and stop applying lemon oil by the gallon. Thank you, Sir.
Nolan gave an excellent presentation. I learned a lot! Thanks!
Thank You, THank You , Thank You
MY newbie son and his musically challenged father appreciate this tutorial
My brother invented that Ernie Ball electric pegwinder, at his store back in the early '70s, in Tallahassee, when he cut up a plastic manual string winder, and attached it to one of the drills he used to make guitar cabinets with. I have been playing 60+ years ... I just use 0000 steel wool to polish frets and clean the board. Does no harm at all to the wood, especially since lemon oil or some Watco will dress that wood nicely. Back in the early '60s, Fender recommended using 3-IN-1 oil on their boards. Steel wool takes a lot of dirt and grime off the board, by the way. Try a set of heavy electrics on your acoustic ... man, I bucked that idea for years and was knocked out when I finally gave in to it!
When you install the wound strings, do not cut them off. Run them through whole, keeping a post-and-a-half for winding straight down the post. Bend the excess toward the middle of the headstock (thus forming an "S"), and wind the string down the post like a coil.
With the plain strings, double top the through-string and wind down the post. Now, bend each string back and forth until it breaks off, leaving NO little stickers to nail your fingers and decorate your guitar with that red stuff! If you don't double wrap on top of that through-string, your string will slip when you break off the plain strings. Makes for a clean, tight wind on the post with no need for clippers. Change your strings regularly and you most likely will not break them. But we all have our technique, so whatever works best for you! God bless for helping people!
Just make sure you are going the right direction first or you could warp the neck and break off the old strings. Thet fret buffer is cool. I noticed you going against the frets rather that with them. How do you tie the strings on a classical guitar. That is good to know. Great job and thank you for that priceless info . Appreciated.
This method works incredibly good!! Especially on a Les Paul. Great video!
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Nice video. I like this method for cleaning purposes and stability. I’ve tried a few different ways, but I like this over/under idea.
The best video I've ever watched on string change Thank you!
Awesome vid! Best stringing/restringing demo I’ve ever seen! Thanks for posting!
Why did you leave the lemon oil on the frets? Doesn’t the oil’s need to be cleaned off before you string the guitar?
Learnt something important about the post winding. Cheers
Its about time.Not everybody knows these things.yes its simple, but listen to this gentlman,and you will hear and feel the difference.
Excellent demo. Thanks...
I had always used the "Martin wrap" , but this is ALOT easiser ! Thanks :) .
Great video! Only thing to emphasize is the ball end of the strings need to be flat facing against the bridge pins.
Clear. Organized. Reasonable. Thanks so much
Certainly some good tips however, I was told by a Luthier not to release the tension on more than 2 strings at a time to change strings in a hurry. Releasing all the tension at once may cause the neck to Knot, was the meaning I took from it, if not the exact word he used. When dressing the fretboard, slowly loosen the strings over time to remove all the strings. It made sense to me whether he was correct or not? Maybe I should watch more videos to determine the general consensus on this practice. He said one should clean and polish the neck 2-3 times a year so maybe he just showed the condensed version? Always willing to integrate new ideas if they concur with industry standards but, willing to devote the added time to my instruments if needed.
i only replace 1 string at a time and never used power tools as i want to slowly release as little tension as possible. 🍻
This is exactly how I restring my guitars, except I don’t cut the string until it has been wound on. I do measure the same amount of slack (one peg space), but then I take the string and loop it over the top of the peg and over the tag end. This creates the “over” wrap so once I start winding the rest all go “under” the tag end. It saves a little winding. Once I have it to pitch I cut all the ends off fairly short. Never had one slip yet.
I thought on older more fragile instruments canning one string at a time keeping neck tension is preferred method.
I go +1 1/2 distance post to post on the treble side. I like a couple more wraps on them.
Seems in the video he's almost going 1 and a quarter. No?
@@Larry_left_a_comment Yep, 1 + the width of the wire cutter for sure!
Best video. How he measures the strings to cut them and talks about the bridge pins, etc. I like the fretboard instruction too.
Great video, and the best sounding Gibson ever.
Absolutely fabulous and enjoyable episode.
Always heard you cut the string past two post. But this makes more sense because I always feel like I have a little too much string to wined
Great, thanks a lot! Regards from Sweden!
Hi, thank you for this informative video! Best I have seen. As a newbie, I have a J200, which I snapped a string of when tuning it. Can I ask why you change all of your strings at once? All of the other videos I have seen state not to change them all at once as it can affect the sound?! Now I am confused, I don’t know whether to follow and do them all at once? I do want to change them all however and give her a freshen up! Thank you
This works awesome. The knot ways which are several....suck. This is so much easier and no issues ever
Yeah man, this helps a ton is you need to change strings quickly
Very good, I have seen a few of these tutorials, this was the best.
I note that when removing the strings you alternated one side to the other. Do you think this is better than removing all strings from one side and then the other? Great video by the way
Some tend to do that (i.e., alternate from side to side. I've also known folk who do not do that. I was a drummer in a regionally successful southern band in the mid to late 60's. The lead guitarist actually changed one string at a time. His reasoning was that the guitar got used to a certain tension and it (in his opinion) stressed the guitar to take all the strings off at once [please know that I have never known anyone else to go to this extreme and I am not at all sure that his "stress theory" would stand up in court - but that's the way he did it] -- and he changed strings every night - sometimes twice a night during a four-hour gig - that would, of course, be with beer bottles flying. Anyway, the bottom line is it depends on who you talk to as to whether they alternate strings or not. I've known techs - some of who do it; others who just get 'em off zip, zip, zip.
AWESOME ...simple method but perfect !!..thank you so much for the great help !!
I changed the strings to a really light string and changed the bridge pins and the nut and saddle to bone. Had to fit the nut and saddle by hand and very gentle sanding using a caliper gage. But the resulting sound after setting it up was a lot better. More sustain and deeper lows. A significant improvement in the sound on a not so expensive guitar. I only wish I could buy a Gibson. Only in my dreams, or a Martin. But I love acoustic guitar and the sound!!!!!
Yamaha makes some great sounding guitars at a third of the price of a Gibson or Martin. Check out their LL6. It is all solid wood great sounding guitar that rivals any Gibson or Martin
Nice video with some tips and methods that I didn't know about.
Excellent video ,very well explained ,I agree the electric winder is way better ,I own one not Hernie Ball but still efective and loved the way you wind your strings,used to do it in a different way ,but my guitar strings are due to a change ,going to give a try to your shown method,thanks
De-stringing one at a time leaving the needed tension on the neck. Removing all only to clean and recondition the neck every once in awhile
What a handy little tool you got there. I had a J45. Nice guitar. Had to pawn it out in Billings Mt.
This is amazing. I’ve never changed my own strings because of being to nervous and the Martin or crimped method looked a bit difficult.
Your way here is the best. Thanks for making this video. I can’t wait to change them again….and again. Lol
Thank You Sir, Very much appreciated and nice explanations along the way/
If you are using round core strings put a right angle bend in the string and chop the excess off beyond the bend.
Last time I restrung my Alvarez 5220ce I got my d up to c# and SURPRISE!
Hapw do you call the guitar neck rest thing where did you buy it Guitar Cemter I want to get one
Just restrung my Takemine electric/acoustic using this method. I won't do anything else in the future!!!
Another good reason for going over and then under the string is to ensure the string is pressing down on the nut so when you tune the guitar it stays tuned.
Thanks for that Fine comment on the Over/ Under method- just a little thing But what a difference it makes
So did you reverse the drill or leave it turning the same direction when you went to the smaller higher strings?
This is an outstanding video. 👍
As with just about anything, there are several ways to accomplish a task. There are, however, certain rules that apply to all. Find what works best for you and go in peace.
I agree that a drill can be tricky if not used correctly. But if you looked carefully, his gear ratio spins very slowly. I don’t have a problem with that. His post winding technique appears to be fine. Fret hydration is dependent on climate, temperature, and amount of usage. Only glaring inconsistency in this tutorial was not having a template on the bridge when oiling it as with the neck template. Otherwise, this is a perfectly good way to re-string your guitar. Now pick up the guitar and play. Cheers!
Thank you! Apparently I have changed my strings incorrectly. And now I know!! How about solid body electric guitars?? Ibanez is mine
Thanks very much! Excellent video.
Thanks a lot 😊very Good Performance
Actually the way I do it is , EandE, AandB, DandG. Keeps the neck un tennsion.
You don't have to worry about tension on the neck - that's a problem for the truss rod to worry about (there's always more tension on the bass side)....though you might break the headstock (if you're stringing up a Gibson - lol)
Nobody explained it the best like you
We do what we can...
Now,.....go and tell your friends how awesome we are
I tried loosening my strings to restring them and 2 have popped 😢 is that normal when restringing?
That was a pleasure to watch. I'm always hugely impressed when someone tunes by ear. I'm hopeless. Out comes my iStroboSoft app...