Difference between revisions of "String an Acoustic Guitar"
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#*Brass strings have a bright, jangly, and metallic texture. | #*Brass strings have a bright, jangly, and metallic texture. | ||
#*Polymer-coated strings have less sustain and brightness, but are warm sounding and resistant to corrosion. | #*Polymer-coated strings have less sustain and brightness, but are warm sounding and resistant to corrosion. | ||
| − | #*Silk and steel strings are popular among folk guitarist and finger picking players due to their softer touch and delicate tone.<ref>http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/guitar-buying-guides/how-to-choose-the-right-acoustic-guitar-strings</ref> | + | #*Silk and steel strings are popular among folk guitarist and finger picking players due to their softer touch and delicate tone.<ref name="rf1">http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/guitar-buying-guides/how-to-choose-the-right-acoustic-guitar-strings</ref> |
#Position your guitar. Lay your guitar on a flat surface, for example on a table, and put yourself in front of your guitar. You could also lay it across your lap or even hold the neck while the body stands upright on the ground. | #Position your guitar. Lay your guitar on a flat surface, for example on a table, and put yourself in front of your guitar. You could also lay it across your lap or even hold the neck while the body stands upright on the ground. | ||
#Remove the current strings. Begin by removing the deep E or the 6th string which is the thickest string on the guitar. Start unwinding your string by turning the tuning peg to loosen the string. You can figure out which direction to turn the peg by plucking the string and turn it one direction. If it gives off a higher note that means you are tightening the string. | #Remove the current strings. Begin by removing the deep E or the 6th string which is the thickest string on the guitar. Start unwinding your string by turning the tuning peg to loosen the string. You can figure out which direction to turn the peg by plucking the string and turn it one direction. If it gives off a higher note that means you are tightening the string. | ||
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#Remove the strings from the bridge. Now the string should be hanging from the bridge of the guitar. The bridge is underneath the sound hole where the guitar strings are attached. Depending on what type of bridge your guitar has, you may need to remove the bridge pin. If your guitar doesn’t have bride pins, you should be able to wedge the strings out of their socket. | #Remove the strings from the bridge. Now the string should be hanging from the bridge of the guitar. The bridge is underneath the sound hole where the guitar strings are attached. Depending on what type of bridge your guitar has, you may need to remove the bridge pin. If your guitar doesn’t have bride pins, you should be able to wedge the strings out of their socket. | ||
#*Pull the pin to remove it. If you can’t wedge it out, use pliers. Bridge pin pullers are available for about $5.00 and are a nice accessory. | #*Pull the pin to remove it. If you can’t wedge it out, use pliers. Bridge pin pullers are available for about $5.00 and are a nice accessory. | ||
| − | #*Pull the string out of the hole.<ref>http://daddario.com/DADMediaLibrary.Page?ActiveID=3770&MediaId=8389&sid=9d2e2229-07d8-4cd7-a5d4-0a32512108ab</ref> | + | #*Pull the string out of the hole.<ref name="rf2">http://daddario.com/DADMediaLibrary.Page?ActiveID=3770&MediaId=8389&sid=9d2e2229-07d8-4cd7-a5d4-0a32512108ab</ref> |
#Prepare your new strings. Open the package and uncoil the first string (the thinnest high E string). Look for the string labeled 6th string and uncoil it. Each brand of strings use different legends to help users identify which string is which. | #Prepare your new strings. Open the package and uncoil the first string (the thinnest high E string). Look for the string labeled 6th string and uncoil it. Each brand of strings use different legends to help users identify which string is which. | ||
| − | #Begin stringing. Isolate the lightest string from your new pack. Place it through the bridge's hole that is farthest to the right of the guitar. Begin pulling the string with slight pressure. Thread the new string until the end of the string falls into place. Now place it in the groove on the bridge of the guitar.<ref | + | #Begin stringing. Isolate the lightest string from your new pack. Place it through the bridge's hole that is farthest to the right of the guitar. Begin pulling the string with slight pressure. Thread the new string until the end of the string falls into place. Now place it in the groove on the bridge of the guitar.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*If your guitar has bridge pins, you'll need to remove them before inserting the new string. | #*If your guitar has bridge pins, you'll need to remove them before inserting the new string. | ||
#*The best way to remove the pins is by using a bridge pin puller. Lodge the tool into the pin and rock it from side to side until the pin becomes loose. | #*The best way to remove the pins is by using a bridge pin puller. Lodge the tool into the pin and rock it from side to side until the pin becomes loose. | ||
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#Attach the string to the tuning peg. To attach it to the head, begin by lightly pulling the string up the neck. Bring the string an inch above the tuning peg. Wrap the string around the peg twice and insert the string into the hole between the two loops you created. | #Attach the string to the tuning peg. To attach it to the head, begin by lightly pulling the string up the neck. Bring the string an inch above the tuning peg. Wrap the string around the peg twice and insert the string into the hole between the two loops you created. | ||
#*Begin tightening the string, but don’t tighten the string too much. | #*Begin tightening the string, but don’t tighten the string too much. | ||
| − | #*While tightening the string, use your other hand to stretch the loose string so it holds tune quicker.<ref | + | #*While tightening the string, use your other hand to stretch the loose string so it holds tune quicker.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Repeat for the rest of the strings. Take time to do this process to each thicker string. Never fully tighten a string until every string is attached to the guitar. Use a tuner once every string is attached and tune to the following tuning: EADGBE. | #Repeat for the rest of the strings. Take time to do this process to each thicker string. Never fully tighten a string until every string is attached to the guitar. Use a tuner once every string is attached and tune to the following tuning: EADGBE. | ||
#*Wait a few days to cut the excess string. | #*Wait a few days to cut the excess string. | ||
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#*Black nylon strings produce a warm, pure sound with more treble overtones. These are popular with folk guitarist. | #*Black nylon strings produce a warm, pure sound with more treble overtones. These are popular with folk guitarist. | ||
#*Titanium strings are exceptionally brighter than the other strings. | #*Titanium strings are exceptionally brighter than the other strings. | ||
| − | #*Composite strings are bright and have a strong projection.<ref | + | #*Composite strings are bright and have a strong projection.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Remove any strings. Like the steel string guitar, you must remove all the strings to restring your acoustic guitar. If you plan to change one string, don’t worry about changing all the strings. Change all the strings for consistent tone and wear. Unwind the strings until the strings get loose enough to remove from the tuning pegs. | #Remove any strings. Like the steel string guitar, you must remove all the strings to restring your acoustic guitar. If you plan to change one string, don’t worry about changing all the strings. Change all the strings for consistent tone and wear. Unwind the strings until the strings get loose enough to remove from the tuning pegs. | ||
#*Pluck the string and turn the peg in one direction. If the tone becomes higher, turn it the other way to loosen the string. | #*Pluck the string and turn the peg in one direction. If the tone becomes higher, turn it the other way to loosen the string. | ||
#*If the strings are old then consider just cutting them off with a wire cutter. | #*If the strings are old then consider just cutting them off with a wire cutter. | ||
#Prepare your new strings. Open the package and uncoil the first string (the thinnest high E string). Look for the string labeled 6th string and uncoil it. Each brand of string makers use different legends to help users. | #Prepare your new strings. Open the package and uncoil the first string (the thinnest high E string). Look for the string labeled 6th string and uncoil it. Each brand of string makers use different legends to help users. | ||
| − | #Attach the string to the bridge. The proper looping of the strings is the most difficult and unique part of attaching strings to a classical guitar. Insert the string into the hole farthest to the right of the guitar, and leave about three inches of slack. Loop the free end of the string under the string just behind the saddle and pull it down towards the bottom of the bridge. Pass the free end under the loop below the back corner of the bridge creating a second loop.<ref>https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/Nylon_Restring.pdf</ref> | + | #Attach the string to the bridge. The proper looping of the strings is the most difficult and unique part of attaching strings to a classical guitar. Insert the string into the hole farthest to the right of the guitar, and leave about three inches of slack. Loop the free end of the string under the string just behind the saddle and pull it down towards the bottom of the bridge. Pass the free end under the loop below the back corner of the bridge creating a second loop.<ref name="rf3">https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/Nylon_Restring.pdf</ref> |
| − | #Attach the string to the tuning peg. Loop the free string around the tuning peg twice. Separate the two loops for room to pass the string through the hole. Tighten the string to secure the hold.<ref | + | #Attach the string to the tuning peg. Loop the free string around the tuning peg twice. Separate the two loops for room to pass the string through the hole. Tighten the string to secure the hold.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#Tighten the string. Tune the guitar tighter while stretching out the string with your free hand. Do not tighten the string fully until each string is attached. | #Tighten the string. Tune the guitar tighter while stretching out the string with your free hand. Do not tighten the string fully until each string is attached. | ||
#Repeat this process. String each string in your packet using the same process. Be sure to take time to create a proper and secure loop around the bridge for each string. | #Repeat this process. String each string in your packet using the same process. Be sure to take time to create a proper and secure loop around the bridge for each string. | ||
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=== Caring for Your Guitar Through the Process === | === Caring for Your Guitar Through the Process === | ||
#Clean your guitar. When all the strings have been removed, you should use this opportunity to wipe down your guitar of dust and grime. Use a slightly damp cloth to clean the spots that were inaccessible when the strings were attached. | #Clean your guitar. When all the strings have been removed, you should use this opportunity to wipe down your guitar of dust and grime. Use a slightly damp cloth to clean the spots that were inaccessible when the strings were attached. | ||
| − | #*Some people like to use guitar polish which can be found at many guitar and music shops. This is not a necessary technique and is even criticized for reducing the quality of the finish.<ref>http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/19960-guitar-shop-101-safe-ways-to-clean-your-guitars-finish</ref> | + | #*Some people like to use guitar polish which can be found at many guitar and music shops. This is not a necessary technique and is even criticized for reducing the quality of the finish.<ref name="rf4">http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/19960-guitar-shop-101-safe-ways-to-clean-your-guitars-finish</ref> |
#Check the truss rod. You can examine the state of your truss rod, the metal rod that can be used to adjust the necks action, yourself. Position the guitar so that your eye is in level with the neck of the guitar. If the truss rod is in good condition, the neck should be straight. If there is an area that is sloping in, you either adjust it yourself using an hex key or take it into a repair shop. | #Check the truss rod. You can examine the state of your truss rod, the metal rod that can be used to adjust the necks action, yourself. Position the guitar so that your eye is in level with the neck of the guitar. If the truss rod is in good condition, the neck should be straight. If there is an area that is sloping in, you either adjust it yourself using an hex key or take it into a repair shop. | ||
| − | #*Unless you’ve fixed a truss rod before, you should not try to repair this type of damage yourself.<ref>http://www.guitarworld.com/eds-shed-how-adjust-your-guitars-truss-rod</ref> | + | #*Unless you’ve fixed a truss rod before, you should not try to repair this type of damage yourself.<ref name="rf5">http://www.guitarworld.com/eds-shed-how-adjust-your-guitars-truss-rod</ref> |
#Store your guitar. If you plan to leave your guitar unattended for a long period of time or in travel, you should loosen your strings. Do not store a guitar without strings or else your neck could become warped. Try to store your guitar in a case in the upright position if possible. Store the guitar in a comfortable environment like a closet or in an environment where you could stand to live. | #Store your guitar. If you plan to leave your guitar unattended for a long period of time or in travel, you should loosen your strings. Do not store a guitar without strings or else your neck could become warped. Try to store your guitar in a case in the upright position if possible. Store the guitar in a comfortable environment like a closet or in an environment where you could stand to live. | ||
| − | #*Never store the guitar in a garage or basement that is not heated or controlled by a proper air unit.<ref>http://www.300guitars.com/300s-tips/300-tip-storing-your-guitar/</ref> | + | #*Never store the guitar in a garage or basement that is not heated or controlled by a proper air unit.<ref name="rf6">http://www.300guitars.com/300s-tips/300-tip-storing-your-guitar/</ref> |
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
