Is there a way to avoid getting stabbed when changing strings...

Rocker · December 2016

Today, I managed to stab myself in the hand twice while changing strings on an electric guitar. The string ends when cut off are the culprits. Can anyone tell me how much 'beyond' the machine head to cut the string so that when fitted it has the correct number of winds on the post. All help appreciated. Thanks.

My eyes are not as good as they used to be either, it is hard to see the little hole in the string post.......

The joys of aging!

Richardj · December 2016

Generally between two and three times the length between posts gives enough winds. Less on the thicker wound than plain strings. Unless of course you tie the strings on.

I personally don't cut the excess off until they are wound on though. Less chance of stabbing yourself, but more chance of poking it in your eye so makes you a bit more careful!

I have locking tuners on all of mine as it is just so much less hassle to change strings. Pull the string through the hole, lock it, put a little tension on the string and cut the string about five to ten mm from the post. Nice.

keithf · December 2016

oven mits

RandallFlagg · December 2016

Are you stringing through hole Gibson type or Fender vintage slotted tuners?

If through hole, I cut the strings after stringing, for Fender vintage where you poke the end of the string down the hole in the tuner post then I cut 2 tuners length beyond the existing post, so cut the string at the D tuner for the low E string.

I aim for 2 full wraps of the post, sometimes more on the higher strings

Voxman · December 2016

Rocker said:

My eyes are not as good as they used to be either, it is hard to see the little hole in the string post.......

The joys of aging!

I'm right with you - If the posts weren't so shiny I'd be OK, but especially under artificial lighting with all the reflections it can be really hard to see the hole! I need new glasses anyway, so hopefully these will help!

Bridgehouse · December 2016

Boxing gloves.

Excellent protection, and I leave them on. To be honest I think they actually improve my ham fisted playing

Sassafras · December 2016

Get the roadie to do it.

I only snip the ends off once I've strung up. Haven't sustained any string related injuries for years.

usedtobe · December 2016

Sassafras said:

Get the roadie to do it.

I only snip the ends off once I've strung up. Haven't sustained any string related injuries for years.

This

axisus · December 2016

Yes, just don't be a muppet

ICBM · December 2016

Don't cut the string before fitting unless it's a Fender-type slotted/centre-hole post.

Pull the string tight from the tailpiece to the machinehead, go 1/4" past and bend the string sharply. Poke the loose end through the hole from the middle of the headstock towards the outside until the bend reaches the post, take the loose end round the top side of the post and pull it up under the main part of the string, then wind on while stretching the string as you go. That should bring it up to pitch and tightly locked within one full turn of the post. Then cut off the loose end as close to the post as you can.

It should look like this when done…

stickyfiddle · December 2016

ICBM said:

Don't cut the string before fitting unless it's a Fender-type slotted/centre-hole post.

Pull the string tight from the tailpiece to the machinehead, go 1/4" past and bend the string sharply. Poke the loose end through the hole from the middle of the headstock towards the outside until the bend reaches the post, take the loose end round the top side of the post and pull it up under the main part of the string, then wind on while stretching the string as you go. That should bring it up to pitch and tightly locked within one full turn of the post. Then cut off the loose end as close to the post as you can.

It should look like this when done…

All of this and nothing else! Best method by far.

joeyowen · December 2016

Move to a nicer neighbourhood?

fretfinder · December 2016

Don't do it it in the vicinity of a woman who has PMT.

richardhomer · December 2016

joeyowen said:

Move to a nicer neighbourhood?

Or stick to changing strings on your own guitar....

thebreeze · December 2016

Set aside the whole afternoon - take the day off - take it real slow. Only drink after the final tuning.

Jack_ · December 2016

You need to put on full hazmat gear every time you change strings.

scrumhalf · December 2016

Surely this is on the list of tasks to be undertaken by one's butler.

skunkwerx · December 2016

After changing strings, I place the old ones into the pockets of those I dislike, coiled up like steely pythons ready to poke their hands on a cold winters day.

thecolourbox · December 2016

I avoid getting stabbed while doing a whole host of activities by not doing them in Hackney or Lozells. Hope that helps

streethawk · December 2016

The wife does all mine. I instruct her from the shed via mobile phone.

'you're doing great....now cut the wire'

Rocker · December 2016

Thanks @ICBM, is there a similar way to string up Fender guitars (with slotted machines)?

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Is there a way to avoid getting stabbed when changing strings...

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