ES-111 • How To Change Strings On An Acoustic Guitar

[Indigo]

Lesson Link:  http://justinguitar.com/en/ES-111-HowToChangeStringsOnAnAcousticGuitar.php

Questions...

[Asem]

What about the Taylor restringing method?
should I try it??

[sophiehiker]

From the two sets of Taylor instructions I looked at, Taylor does not wrap the string around the tuning peg like Justin recommends.  Taylor doesn't use the "slack end under once and then over" method. 

You can try it, but I'd be a little worried about the string coming loose at the tuning peg.   

HTH

[mouser9169]

From the two sets of Taylor instructions I looked at, Taylor does not wrap the string around the tuning peg like Justin recommends.  Taylor doesn't use the "slack end under once and then over" method. 

You can try it, but I'd be a little worried about the string coming loose at the tuning peg.   

HTH

Honestly, as long as you've got a few wraps around the peg (more for the thinner strings than the thick ones) and the end bent, the string isn't going to come loose.  I do the over/under thing, but that's as much out of habit working with rope than anything else.

Stretch the bejeesus out of the strings when you put them on (pull to the sides too - not just 'up') and they'll 'settle in' much faster.

[stitch101]

What about the Taylor restringing method?
should I try it??

If your tuning pegs are concave they are self locking and you don't need to do the over under method.
Most are like this


Some are like this which need to be locked or tied. This one has two holes to lock some only have one

[Accidia]

Question.
I started beginner course 10 months ago, about to take the stage 8 soon (hopefully!), and I purchased my guitar (Acoustic) back then. Strings are ok, but as I don't have any idea maybe they aren't....

Do I have to change strings every certain amount of time or do I wait to an string to break?

Thanks!

[FPS]

10 months is quite a long time. It wouldn't be a bad idea to replace them with a new set.

[tobyjenner]

Accidia

Change one string at a time, rather than taking them all off together, as that will help keep some tension on the neck. As its your first go it may take some time, so leaving 5 strings on will keep the neck in position and reduce the loss of intonation.

Toby
 

[flux1968]

I just changed my strings and I understand that they might go out of tune for a short time after tuning them.

I've left my guitar sitting on its stand for a few hours and it still goes out of tune within minutes of me tuning it. Is this normal? Is there something I should look at?

[stitch101]

Did you stretch them in?
If the strings aren't tightly wound around the posts they will slip
also are they seated properly against the bridge plate?


 

[flux1968]

Did you stretch them in?
If the strings aren't tightly wound around the posts they will slip
also are they seated properly against the bridge plate?

Yes and yes.

Is it a good idea to remove the strings and and re-string the guitar with the same strings?

[close2u]

Yes and yes.

Is it a good idea to remove the strings and and re-string the guitar with the same strings?

It depends on how far you pulled them through the first time around and whether the new contact point at the peg will have been structurally compromised by bending and winding around the peg.
Ideally you should use a new set but if needs must and they are fairly new it is worth a try.
Have a spare set already bought in just in case one or more of the strings don't survive.

[stitch101]

If the windings are a little loose they will set themselves if you keep
playing and tuning.
If the strings have come out of the hole in the peg you'll need to restring.
It's a pain but can be done.

I've left my guitar sitting on its stand for a few hours and it still goes out of tune within minutes of me tuning it. Is this normal? Is there something I should look at?

Playing your guitar is the quickest way. Play, tune, stretch,  play repeat.