How to String a Guitar -- Elixir® Strings and Taylor Guitars

[markwhitson]

I loved the video. Tried it myself tonight and really screwed up my winds. Where is the tension and how do I guide my strings?

[HardRocker1341]

Would the "pre-cut" method work well on electrics too?

[JiMmYOsBoUrNe]

After seeing some comments saying how elixir strings break within weeks , i thought i might just say something . I've been using my first set of elixirs for 5 months now . I just thought it sounded great . I'm back at this video because I'm about to put on my new set . I'm just an amatuer with a $500 guitar but the last thing i want to do is blame the breaking of strings on the string itself rather than the person who restrung it .

[ananxlxl]

That's awesome. Where can I get that cordless drill attachment?

[sc12100]

I don't have a problem with Taylor Guitars, but Elixirs are garbage strings. They are good to put on a really shitty guitar because it will make that one sound great. It will also make a $2000 + guitar sound the same as that crappy one with the same set of strings. As far as the high E string, breaks within 3 weeks. They sound very chimey and do not let the tone of the guitar express itself.

But thats my opinion and if they work for you, thats what matters.

Im neither right or wrong on this.

[mymartind35]

I like these yahoos that blame the string for breaking.  I haven't broken a guitar string in 5 years. If they would quit beating the crap outta the guitar maybe the strings would last longer than 10 minutes. If you wanna play louder turn up your amp.

[austinfailz]

JESUS CHRIST! STUTTER MORE BRO!

[midiboy]

Great video - I've tried this method on 2 guitars now and it works great - fast and neat.

[sahilcc7]

I did this with my old strings. Took them off, cut appropriate length, put CRC or WD40 on them with a cloth, strung it up according to video and strings now sound very similar to new! They also aren't slippery.

[LukeGaulMusic]

Elixir strings are amazing

[azwan1992]

Very nice and neat. 5/5

[MyMrBlackBerry]

Great video! Thanks!

[chayrolfrypan]

Although I've played guitar for years, I never could do a very good job stringing, so I always had my brothers do it for me. Not anymore! This video finally shows me how to string in a way I can understand. And no more sloppy looking loops at the posts.

[jimiaa]

its easy if you notate the STRINGS MUST BEGIN TO GET WOUND AT THE CUT YOU JUST MADE... DO NOT SLIDE STRING THROUGH. not so obvious to some. great idea though. i dig the vid, but maybe a little more attention to detail in this instance. my kids are using this stuff to learn, but can't understand why they keep popping strings.... I do love the product.... great tone • long life • no joke

[fefobiz]

Elixir Strings is the best.

[jamezroper]

Could i use this way to string my sg and les paul??

Thank you :)

[Josiahjjr]

I have to hold my bridge pins when I'm twisting the machine heads or the pins will pop out. Am I doing anything wrong?

[jamezroper]

this way wont snap the neck will it?? cause on my epiphone sg i snapped the top half of the the neck off and i dono if it was cause of too much tension? even tho i dropped my sg and would just take it off and drop it at gigs

[collinsamps]

Remember it's the Taylor way. Not ALL tuners have string post that are tapered to swedge the string together under tension and hold. For others you'll have to wrap one over and the rest under to allow the string wrap knurls to hold the fed through string end. Also, it's worth mentioning that other guitar bridge pins can be ungrooved and the bridge itself can be slotted for the string ball end to fit in. Again, this is the Taylor way, it doesn't work on ALL guitars.

[eekleefeld]

Hmm, pretty sure the tuning posts on my Voyage-Air acoustic are closer together than this Taylor has it.

Would it be safe for the string to measure out the approximate distance — then tag that spot with a marker, instead of cutting it? That way, I could try putting it into the tuner first, but won't have done anything irreversible if I had too much or too little string distance.

[harvey288]

THANKKKSSSSS! now my guitar doesnt look all scruffy with a whole load of wire hanging out the peg :P

[gzies1]

Wow, I just changed my acoustic strings using this method. It took me less than 10 minutes, using a manual string winder, to throw on a set of Elixir Nanowebs. I've been stringing my guitars for 18 years using the "twist lock method". I am convinced that YOUR method is not only much quicker but better for the strings, since there is no overlapping. The strings wrap nicely and evenly around the post and I haven't had any slippage after 2 hours of playing. Thanks for uploading this!!!

[AxXxei]

Can i restring guitar the same way without spinning mashine (with my hands)?

[TiagoMcCready]

@AxXxei yeah man, sure! :)

[gzies1]

@AxXxei Yes you can. I used an inexpensive "manual string winder" and it took me less than 10 minutes to change a whole set of strings.

[killabean]

If you guys want a string winder similar to theirs, check out the Paratuss Penguin. It's really good.

[xDet3rmin4tionx]

I'm totally gob smacked lol, is this seriously the best way to string a guitar? So all of this take one string off at a time stuff, wrapping the string under and over it's self on the post, always cutting after you have strung . . . it's all bullshit is what we are saying lol? I'm not doubting for a second you guys know your stuff . . . well actually maybe I am lol, I guess I'm in disbelief that things I thought I knew are wrong, can you confirm for me so I can restring my guitar tomorrow :)?

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@xDet3rmin4tionx You can string your guitar in a number of different ways; everyone has their own preference and recommendation. This is just Taylor's preferred method, so you can use any method that works for you. (Sorry we missed your restringing date!)

[xDet3rmin4tionx]

@ElixirStringsMedia hehe that's ok :D x. I did it your way anyway lol! It went really well. I worry that one day i'll forget which strings to cut at which posts and be like OH SHIT! when i've cut the string too short lol. Thanks a lot for your reply. Great video. I've just ordered two more packs of Elixir Phosphor Bronze Medium Light strings :). Take care.

[ArianeQube]

@ElixirStringsMedia And if you want to use this technique for an electric guitar, like a Fender Stratocaster, does the same "cut at the next tuner" method work? They are closer than the ones on a Taylor Acoustic.

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@ArianeQube You'll love this -- We have a video for restringing a Strat! YouTube will not allow me to put a URL in here (argh!), but look in our channel for "How to restring your Stratocaster with John Carruthers."

[WTFitsJimmy]

i was doing this method and the low E string broke after 1 wrap. why?????

[Monscent]

Really disappointed with Elixir strings. Bought 2 packs for my acoustic and electric, both had strings snapped within a few weeks. Extra longevity - yeah, not really.

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@Monscent Our customer service team can help you with that. Email elixirstrings at wlgore.com, call 800-367-5533, or Chat Live via FB link on left or via Contact Us page. (Phone and chat 8-5 ET.)

[Ragarms]

I've been changing (and dreading changing) strings for 25 years.

Watched this vid this morning and raced out to get new strings.

Cutting the strings to length is the #1 greatest tip I've ever received for restringing.

Today is the first time in 25 years I've ever changed my strings over perfectly. Every single one of 'em. Brilliant. And I just used a manual string winder.

Magic. Thank you.

[Monscent]

@Ragarms lol, how did cutting the strings make changing strings so much better?

[Ningirsutyr]

@Monscent Because this way you eliminate the annoying part about guessing where and when to cut strings after having started winding them ;)

[Monscent]

@Ningirsutyr wait what? You can just wind them, tune the guitar and then cut the excess string...? Like everyone else does?

[DoubleMannings]

which one does sungha use?

[shimwah]

I had a string winder fabricated by a metal worker and coated it in rubberized paint. This was before they had anything on the market. Always wanted to manufacture them commercially but never had the finance. Ernie ball have one and I guess its just a matter of time before there are many more styles on the market sold as complete units or just the end bit like spin doctor has.

[JosephDiazMusic]

Wow, he makes it look so easy haha. I need to get this quick at it!

[Thunderchuckles]

Why would you use the power tool, unless you were restringing guitars all day?

The string cutting tip is good but i'm not sure if i would be confident to use it the first time i performed a restring.

[Songwriter4God]

@Thunderchuckles Did they say everyone should cut them in advance? No, and what do you think they ARE doing all day? I guess you missed the fact that they're showing you how do it the TAYLOR WAY.

[Thunderchuckles]

@Songwriter4God I have to say you are very defensive? The title is "How to String a Guitar, NOT how we string our guitars. My point was that the average guitar player who stumbled on your 'guide', will only be required to restring their guitar occasionally - thus negating the use of a power tool.

[Songwriter4God]

@Thunderchuckles It wasn't meant to be taken harshly, there's no tones on the internet. True, most people won't need it, unless you have several guitars or want to change strings really quick.

[Turbo9987]

thanks for this! I never knew about that rule of thumb about where to cut your strings!

[Sungodv]

That Taylor tech should TAKE OFF his ring.

Sheesh.

[MrJwcool]

wow,genius !!

[Sungodv]

Does Taylor use Nano or Polyweb?

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@Sungodv Taylor uses Elixir® strings with NANOWEB® Coating.

[benger88]

Tried using this method today. Wow, a lot faster compared to the way I normally change strings. Thanks!

[needsy7777]

Where can i get that exact black and decker string winder?

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@needsy7777 Taylor customized that Black and Decker dremel in their shop, so you can't buy that exact tool.  However, there are similar attachments for an electric screwdriver -- one is called called the Spin Doctor String Winder. Best of luck!

[Sungodv]

@ElixirStringsMedia Don't forget the Dunlop Turbotune (what I use).

[Sungodv]

@needsy7777 It's a modified (for higher RPM's) B&D cordless SCREWDRIVER. They don't make that model anymore, but there is a new successor 3.6V model. It turns at 180 RPM which isn't too bad.

Ernie Ball makes an all in one as well as the Paratuss Penguin.

[GrizzLBD]

@needsy7777 You may want to get an electric screwdriver that has interchangeable bits. A Dean Markley TurboTune socket is removable and fits into the Milwaukee tool I use at work. They go a little slower than a dremel and this is a lot better if you're just getting the hang of it so you don't snap your string trying to get it tightened up. Just some tips from my workshop.

[xDet3rmin4tionx]

@needsy7777 lol

[Songwriter4God]

You sound like Billy Mays, "It's just that easy!" Lol. Elixir's rule, I got some because Paul Baloche uses them, so I figured I'd try, I got phosphor with nanoweb coating and they've been on there a half a year or more and still sound brand new! And I also got the 80/20 brass three set with nanoweb, so I'm gonna be using them a while! Thanks for making the best strings on the market!

[turboturtle01]

that was great...very helpful...thanks!

[Quakelord1991]

So there's no need for going up and down the string when you're winding it? Just do the same as the luthier was doing in this video?

[Tsunami300]

that was perfect, thanks so much

[Testes1717]

this is by far the best way to do it....why does taylor perfect everything

[grahammoorhead]

Hey! Amazing video! Quick and to the point, A question though, just curious as this topic seems to be widely debated. How often should I change my strings? Wait till they discolour? Wait till they snap? Or just change them every month? [I play around 30mins everyday.]

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@grahammoorhead It's different for each player, which is why it's debated so much. Lots of things contribute to your string sounding dead, but ultimately it is your own ear that sets the criteria for how much tone loss is too much. We can't put a URL here, but visit our website and when you see John Paul Jones on the home page, click on the Learn More button to the right. Then look at Extend Tone Life on the right for some info. With experience your ear will become the most reliable indicator!

[Songwriter4God]

@grahammoorhead I just decide to change mine when the tone deadens. I've had my Elixir's on my acoustic for a about a half a year and they still sound new, so if you use Elixir's with coatings not much! But I think it's just when they start t sound bad.

[thejakeyboi]

The winding tip makes such a difference to the sound of my guitar! Thank you very much!

[BLUEWIZARD40]

So Elixir strings are the strings that sound best on a Taylor ?

[mikey3335]

i got the ernie ball speed tool..and it helps soooooooooooo much..and it does work fasttt

[azfryguy]

dear Elixir I had a bass for 3 years and It came with a pair of elixers on it I always wash my hands before I play I kid you not those same strings lasted 3 years the only reason I had to throw them away is cause my bass truss rod was broken

THE STRINGS OUTLASTED THE BASS!!!!!!

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@azfryguy Hmmm... not so good for sales! ; ) Glad they hung in there with you; sorry about the broken bass though.

[azfryguy]

@ElixirStringsMedia yeah your guys strings and customer service top notch!

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@azfryguy Thanks for saying so; I'll make sure the whole team sees your comment!

[turpentine85]

where can i buy one of those tools.

[AbovePerfect]

That speedtool is epic.

[laudypapa1]

when you cut the D and G strings, could those be cut at the end of the headstock?

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@laudypapa1 Quick answer: it depends on your headstock. With the guitar in the video, you really need to extend the G and D beyond the headstock to get enough length. However, with the Baby Taylor sitting on my desk the headstock actually ends at a point where the next imaginary set of pegs would be. So... on the Baby I could use the end of the headstock as a cutting point and it would give me enough length to make 3 full turns on the peg.

[laudypapa1]

I have a guitar from a company called Laguna and the headstock is similar to the one in the video. also is that drill-like string winder commercially available?

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@laudypapa1 Sounds likes you'll need to cut your strings beyond the headstock then. Regarding that cool tool, Taylor customized it for themselves in the shopl, but there is a similar attachment for an electric screwdriver: It's called called the Spin Doctor String Winder.

[keverinkarama]

Just to clarify- so did he just simply put the string through the tuning post and start winding? Won't the strings slip out when you do that?

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@keverinkarama Yep, that's what he did, but watch it again and see how he holds his finger against the tuning post briefly to keep it from slipping? This sometimes puts a little bend in the string and helps to lock it in place there.

[keverinkarama]

@ElixirStringsMedia I see. So is this, in your opinion, the best method of wrapping strings around the tuning post? Is it better than the twist lock method at keeping in tune?

[ElixirStringsMedia]

@keverinkarama If we polled the players in our office, we'd get more than one "best" method, so we can't recommend one over another. Taylor recommends this one, but if your guitar is from a different luthier you may want to ask for their recommendation and do your own trial. Over time you will develop the technique that works best for you. Good luck, and let us all know what you decide!

[ilyazvyagin]

Does this video go the same for electric guitar (Gibson Les Pauls)?

[ElixirStringsMedia]

There are differences for electric guitar and, while we don't have a video of that one, we do have photos and step-by-step instructions on our website.

[ilyazvyagin]

Like,I know electric guitars don't have the balls at the bridge,like you just slide the strings through,what are other differences?

[ttflover44]

Wow! For a first timer, this was extremely easy to do! You guys explained well. Awesome Video!!

[trollarama]

Nice ... fast ... BUT IS THE GUITAR IN TUNE??? LOL

[MultiParasite]

@trollarama

Well..tune it, jesus man...

[trollarama]

@MultiParasite

Try lightening up, boy.

[kjypeace]

I have read that you should not cut a wound string unless you place a bend in it between the cut and remaining string. Have you found any issues with string life, intonation or reliability wit the technique demoed in this video?

[ElixirStringsMedia]

Thanks for the feedback. We haven't found any issues with intonation or reliability.

[wee0424]

wow..very fast

[Demoras]

Nice video :)

I noticed that you guys don't make a string lock by pulling the string back and pulling it over itself. I've always used this technique, because I was told it will stay in tune better.

What's your opinion about that? :)

[ElixirStringsMedia]

The twist lock method of wrapping strings around a tuner is very effective at keeping strings from slipping with minimal number of wraps however, it also creates a very high stress point where the string is bent over itself. This will lead to more frequent string breaks. Taylor switched from this technique years ago for that reason.

3-4 wraps of the wound strings and 4 wraps of the plain steels using the method shown in the video should lock the strings to the tuner enough to stay in tune.

[Demoras]

Great response :) Thank you.

[ElixirStringsMedia]

Nate, come visit us at Facebook/ElixirStrings; we've posted the answer to your question there. (Can't put a link into a YouTube comment, sorry!)

[ElixirStringsMedia]

Thanks for the interest. This is a custom tool, but there is a similar attachment for an electric screwdriver. It's called called the Spin Doctor String Winder.

[NateDavenport]

that tool looks custom, but is there anywhere that sells them?

[AngelsRevolver]

earnie ball make them cheap order them of their website

[NateDavenport]

just checked it out, looks awesome. have you used it? wondering if the torque would pop strings or damage my instrument.