• From: BELGIUM
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 3,403

Topic: In addition to how to put a new string on a guitar

I found some interesting info concerning removing strings.
I think that I always make 1 big mistake = REMOVING ALL 6 STRINGS TOGETHER, followed by cleaning very well my guitar.
I read that this "removing all 6 strings is the worst thing you can do. All the strings give a reasonable "power" on the neck and headstock of your guitar, and if you remove them all, there is no more tension on the neck causing problems, because your guitar neck isn't not longer subject of the forces provided by the strings, and this can explain why after you put new strings they can sound bad because the neck position has been influenced. IS THAT CORRECT?

[color=blue]- GITAARDOCPHIL SAIS: TO CONQUER DEAD, YOU HAVE TO DIE[/color]   AND [color=blue] we are born to die[/color]
- MY GUITAR PLAYS EVERY STYLE = BLUES, ROCK, METAL, so I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT.
[color=blue]Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock.[/color]

gitaardocphil's Website

  • From: Western Oregon,US
  • Registered: 2008-07-22
  • Posts: 2,498

Re: In addition to how to put a new string on a guitar

Hi Doc,  I read your earlier post about trouble installing new strings.  You might take a look at the Taylor Guitar website www.taylorguitars.com.  There is a very good tutorial on there which is the way I have been installing strings for years.
I do allow an extra 2-3 cm more string on the three base strings than they do, just because I like the tension a bit lower on the peg when the string is up to pitch.
Take Care

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare
  • From: BELGIUM
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 3,403

Re: In addition to how to put a new string on a guitar

First of all, welcome on this site Doug (I suppose this is your real name?). Thanks for the advise.
I hope you will enjoy CHORDIE.
I believe, having time due to the sequels of a car crash in 2000, started again and against "doctors" advise to work again. Unfortunately I had to stop with my job, because I couldn't follow my rhythm from before my crash. Broken vertebra in my lower back (exploded in 4 pieces) and pushing in and on my spinal chord. It hurts like hell, but I'm still here. So I have a lot of time, I post a lot of topics from real hard topics (TT'S = Think Topics) to serious topics and answers and fun topics. So having all that time, I believe that chordie is at least one of the most complete sites about music, guitars... Most other guitar site I found are FORUMS, but here you have it all = personal approach, you make (cyber) friends and we learn a lot from each other. Glad to have a new "chordian".

[color=blue]- GITAARDOCPHIL SAIS: TO CONQUER DEAD, YOU HAVE TO DIE[/color]   AND [color=blue] we are born to die[/color]
- MY GUITAR PLAYS EVERY STYLE = BLUES, ROCK, METAL, so I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT.
[color=blue]Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock.[/color]

gitaardocphil's Website

  • From: Western Oregon,US
  • Registered: 2008-07-22
  • Posts: 2,498

Re: In addition to how to put a new string on a guitar

Thanks for the kind welcome  Doc... but actually I have been regular as a visitor for over three years now and feel as if I already know many of you regulars rather well. 
But from time to time I think I have a couple of cents to share, so I figured seeing as how I was spending a little time here every day anyway, I might just as well register.
And yes I am using my real name and have identity to prove it if needed, although I am NOT the Doug Smith from Seattle who plays guitar like I wish I could.

On a personal note Doc, I have total sympathy with you and your back problems.  We have a lot in common, if I recall correctly you are 7 or 8 days my elder.
I killed a horse with a Datsun auto in 1990 resulting in a fractured vertebra at T-5, Blew a Disk at L-4-5 four years ago that partially shut off the nerves to my lower body, and in April of this year another auto accident cracked T-3, crushed a disk at C-4 and undid some of the surgeon's good work at L-4.
I am intermittantly parapalegic, and that darn cervical disk shuts off both hands once in awhile.  Through it all we have to TRY and have a good life, and on some days just being able to crack open the case and play a tune that is recognizable is an accomplishment to truely be proud of.  So hang in there, we're pulling for you! Your strength of spirit inspires us.

Take Care;  Doug

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare