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How to change strings on a Fender-type (6-in-line) guitar
We often receive inquiries about Fender Stratocasters and Fender Telecasters, among others.RecruitIt is being doneHow to change strings on a 6-in-line tuning peg systemis.
The structure itself is simple, but we often receive inquiries such as "I'm not sure if I've wound the strings correctly" or "The tuning is unstable."
So this time, we'll be looking at the most common Fender-type guitars.How to change strings on a 6-in-line tuning peg systemWe will explain this from the basics.
In this example, we are using a Stratocaster-type guitar, but the basic procedure is the same for any guitar with a similar 6-in-line tuning peg setup.
Things to prepare
- New strings
- Nippers
- Hex wrenches (2.5mm, 3mm)
- Phillips screwdriver (for adjusting the spring)
- Two cloths
- Tuner (for tuning)
"6-spoke pegs" means,This type has six tuning pegs lined up in a straight line on one side of the headstock.This refers to...
Mainly with guitars such as Stratocaster and TelecasterRecruitThe design is such that the strings run almost in a straight line from the nut to the tuning pegs. Therefore, the structure itself is simple, but the way the strings are wound and the amount of winding can make a difference.Tuning stability changesSometimes that happens.
Furthermore, there are mainly two types of structures for 6-in-line tuning pegs.
① Type where the string is inserted from the top of the shaft
② Type where the string is passed through the side hole of the peg post.
① Type where the string is inserted from the top of the shaft
1. Remove the old strings.
First, loosen the string tension by turning the tuning pegs, and then remove the old strings.
2. Cleaning
With the strings removed, it's the perfect time to clean the fretboard, frets, body, and bridge area. Use a cloth to remove dust and dirt.TCGAKKIWe recommend using Advance Guitars' dedicated cleaning cloth. We actually use it ourselves, so you can use it with confidence.
Click here for the crossover video.
Click here for the polishing video.
If the fretboard is made of rosewood, moisturize it appropriately with a special oil.
Here is the link to the oil.
3. Thread the new string through the bridge.
Many Fender-type guitars have a design where the strings are threaded through the back of the body. The strings are passed through holes in the back of the body and pulled out towards the bridge.
*Some models have a design where the strings are threaded directly through the bridge plate.
① How to string a guitar with a shaft-top insertion type string
Before you begin, align the grooves on the peg posts to match the orientation shown in the image.
1. Determine the length of the strings.
To string a new string, pull the string down to the tuning peg and determine the approximate length to wind it around.The length of wound strings and plain strings is determined differently.Therefore, caution is advised.
Firstwound stringLet me explain. Starting from the position where the string is pulled all the way to the tuning peg,About two peg lengths aheadLeave some slack when determining the length. This amount of slack ensures that the correct number of turns will occur when winding the string around the tuning peg.
About two peg lengths aheadinUse pliers to bend the string at approximately a 90-degree angle.
Cut, leaving a portion equal to the depth of the hole.
This bend marks the starting point for winding the string.
By folding it beforehand, the starting position for winding becomes more stable, making it easier to wind the appropriate amount.
Cut off any excess string. Holding it as shown in the picture will prevent the cut ends from flying away.
2. Insert the string from above the peg post.
The tip of the stringInsert it into the hole at the top of the peg post.
Next, guide the string along the groove in the post.
NG (The string is too long to insert into the tuning peg post)
OK (The length of the string inserted into the peg post is just right)
3. Turn the peg to wind it up.
Gently pull the string while turning the tuning peg to wind it up.
Here are some key points to remember when wrapping:
- It spirals downwards.
- Make sure the rolls don't overlap.
- Position it so that it is pulled straight towards the nut.
You can wind the string correctly by holding it with the right amount of pressure, as shown in the picture.
The number of turns is just right.
Few turns
Many turns
Now, let's explain how to determine the length of the plain strings.
First, pull the string,Hold the string at the position where you plan to place the peg.
Slide the string as is,Move the position you are holding to the position of the 6th string tuning peg.
In that state,Cut the strings using the position of the pegs you plan to use as a guide.I will.
After cutting the strings,Insert the end of the string into the hole in the tuning peg shaft.
after that,Bend the string at a 90-degree angle towards the tip of the head and wrap it around the shaft.
*This length is justguidelineis.
The appropriate amount of winding may vary slightly depending on the type of strings and tuning pegs used.
*Some pegsShort shaft typeSome types may not be able to be wound in large quantities.
In that case, it's okay if the number of turns is reduced.
② How to string a guitar with side holes
Before you begin, align the holes in the peg posts so that they are in a straight line towards the tip of the headstock, as shown in the image.
1. Determine the length of the strings.
Similarly, pull the string all the way to the tuning peg and determine the length based on the following guidelines.
The basic guidelines are as follows:
6th string and 5th string (equivalent to 1.5 tuning pegs)
After threading the string through the hole next to the tuning peg, pull the string towards the tip of the headstock.
Then, the tuning peg position for the 6th string → 5th string.
The length of the string after returning it from the 5th string to the 4th string tuning peg position will be approximately the length of one tuning peg remaining.
4 strings (2 tuning pegs)
After threading the string through the hole next to the tuning peg, pull the string towards the tip of the headstock.
Then, the 4th string → 2nd string tuning peg position
Strings 3, 2, and 1 (3 tuning pegs)
Since the plain strings are wound a little more times, you'll leave enough extra to wrap around about three tuning pegs.
3rd string
Thread the string through the hole next to the 3rd string tuning peg and pull the string towards the tip of the headstock.
Return the tuning peg to the position of the 6th string.
This method allows you to secure a length equivalent to approximately three pegs.
2 strings
Thread the string through the side hole of the 2nd string tuning peg and pull the string towards the tip of the headstock.
Return the tuning peg to the position of the 5th string.
This method allows you to secure a length equivalent to approximately three pegs.
1st string
Thread the string through the side hole of the 1st string tuning peg and pull the string towards the tip of the headstock.
Return the tuning peg to the position of the 4th string.
This method allows you to secure a length equivalent to approximately three pegs.
*This length is just an estimate.
The appropriate amount of winding may vary slightly depending on the type of strings and tuning pegs used.
*Some pegs have short shafts, which may prevent them from being used for winding many wires.
In that case, it's okay if the number of turns is reduced.
2. Turn the peg to wind it up.
Gently pull the string while turning the tuning peg to wind it up.
After rotating it about 90 degrees, bend the string straight up.
When winding, wind the material downwards, making sure that the windings do not overlap.
Once you've finished winding, cut off any excess string.
The ends of the strings can easily become sharp, so please be careful not to injure yourself.
completion
The job is complete when all the strings are tuned stably and the strings are wound correctly.
Points to note
Over-winding the strings can lead to tuning instability.
• The ends of the strings are sharp, so please be careful not to injure yourself.
- After changing strings, tuning a few times will help stabilize the tuning.
completion
Thank you for your hard work.
Points to note
Over-winding the strings can lead to tuning instability.
• The ends of the strings are sharp, so please be careful not to injure yourself.
- After changing strings, tuning a few times will help stabilize the tuning.
Author of this article:Mogi (Advance Guitars staff | Currently: TC-TUNE staff)
Unable to contain my interest and love for musical instruments, I jumped into the musical instrument industry, which was also something I had always admired.TCGAKKIA promising new employee who joined the company.
In his private life, he plays electric guitar. He studied acoustic guitar at Advance Guitars and is currently training in guitar repair at TC-TUNE, their repair department.
Qualifications and experience: Two years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser.
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