First time changing strings on guitar

[OneOfTheseDays]

Well the strings on my guitar were definitely wearing out and sounding dull so I decided to change them. I wanted to have a richer and deeper tone so I bought some Elixir Medium strings.

My problem is that the strings seem to be incredibly tight after only 1-1.5 turns around the tuning peg. I've noticed that the old strings had at least 3 complete turns around the peg. I actually broke the high E string by winding it too tight. I managed to finally change all teh strings but the tone doesn't sound quite right to my ears, even after extensive tuning.

Are these strings just too heavy for my guitar (cheapo Yamaha FD-01) or am I just doing this all wrong. The first thing I do is insert the ball end into the hole, then push the bridge pin back in. Then I run the string up the guitar body about 2 inches past the tuning peg and cut the string there. Then I make a 90 degree bend in the wire, insert it into the tuning peg and start winding the string. Any pointers guys?

 

[DaShen]

not very hard to do. loosen the string cute them.pull out the pins on the bottom. take the large low E strign and string it up to where it is semi tight but don't tune it till aftr all string are on the guitar.

 

[GeneValgene]

don't cut the string so early....leave it at the full length, wind it, then cut...

when you cut the string after it's 2 inches past the peg, that's why you have so little room to rotate

 

[pontifex]

allow more slack in the neck area so when you wind the string it wraps around more times before it gets tight?

 

[Heisenberg]

Eh, it shouldn't be that difficult. I don't usually cut off the excess string until after I've wound it around the peg a few times, to make sure it's long enough.

 

[GeneValgene]

btw, those are very nice strings, and they should work just fine on yoru guitar

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Ah thanks guys, seems like I shouldn't cut the strings until after they are wound. Thanks a lot.

 

[Rudee]

I remember the first time I attempted to change strings on my Floyd Rose Ibanez. What a pain that was. Got it down to an art now.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Loosen and swap out one string at a time to prevent neck issues. It may take more time this way but it will also save a need for getting the guitar readjusted.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet
Loosen and swap out one string at a time to prevent neck issues. It may take more time this way but it will also save a need for getting the guitar readjusted.

QFT

And also never bend or crimp the string period. And wrap the string around the post 2-3 times before putting the end through the hole in the post.

New strings will stretch for the first hour or two and not sound right and will not stay in tune. String it, tune it, bang on it(play it hard), retune, bang on it, retune, and repeat until it stays in tune.

The Elixers are coated strings(makes them last longer), which will never sound as bright as a new set of uncoated strings. Uncoated strings like "Martin Marquise" sound absolutely brilliant when you first put them on, but they fade fast and will go dead rather quickly (1 month or so). With Elixar's you give up that super bright new string tone, but they last much much longer, like 6mos or more

 

[BlueFlamme]

Bob Westbrook's Handy Diagram for Stringing a Guitar.

 

[Schfifty Five]

Originally posted by: Sudheer Anne
Ah thanks guys, seems like I shouldn't cut the strings until after they are wound. Thanks a lot.

When you run the new string from the bridge to the tuning peg, is it tight already? It should be very loose so that you can turn the tuning peg 2-3 full rotations before it starts to get tight/straight along the neck.

 

[Fritzo]

As a rule of thumb I give the strings about 3" of slack. I also pull on the string (hard) while winding it so it it doesn't slip while playing.

Finally, do one string at a time or you may warp your neck.

 

[mrrman]

Originally posted by: BlueFlamme
Bob Westbrook's Handy Diagram for Stringing a Guitar.

Bookmarked.....and thanks

 

[silverpig]

Learn how to lock the string too.

 

[Jittos]

Also it's good to change a string at a time. ie, don't take all 6 out at once. Do it one at a time. This helps keep the shape of of the guitar's neck.