How to Change a String (with Locking Tuners)

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Revision as of 03:02, 1 October 2018 by Vjmanzo (talk | contribs)


Important: Go slowly with every part of this process in order to minimize the risk of damaging the instruments, cutting yourself, or poking your eye out with an old guitar string. Place the guitar on a flat surface that is covered with a towel or other soft surface.

Supplies Needed

  • guitar or bass with old strings
  • new strings
  • string cutters
  • needle-nose pliers
  • microfiber cloth
  • tuner



Remove the Old Strings



Detune the lowest string with the tuning peg until it drops as low as it can go

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Loosen the locking mechanism on the back of the tuning peg as much as it will loosen

Tighten lock.jpg




Carefully cut the end of the string with string cutters above the hex plate that holds the tuning peg into the headstock

Clip string tuner.jpg




Carefully pull the string out of the hole with needle-nose pliers (Do not use anything sharp!)

String pliers.png




Gently push the string 1 inch through the hole of the bridge

Clip string bridge.jpg




Cut the string above the bridge




Very gently pull the remainder of the string through the bridge




Repeat the process for all other strings




Throw away the old strings including any clippings




Gently wipe down the fretboard and body with a dry microfiber cloth removing any dirt seen; do not use any solvents, oils, or other chemicals on the fretboard and do not scratch the fretboard

Wipe neck.jpg





Put on the New Strings



Wash your hands with soap and water; dry your hands




Take the lowest string out of the new package of strings

String coding.jpg




Insert the new string through the hole of the bridge

Slip new string thru.jpg




Turn the tuning peg so that the hole aligns straight with the angle of the string

Align tuner hole.jpg




Put the string through the tuning peg hole

String new string thru tuner.jpg




While pulling the string lightly, tighten the locking mechanism on the back of the tuning peg

Tighten lock.jpg




Repeat the process for all other strings





Tune the New Strings



At the tuning peg, pull the excess string from the lowest string down to make a crease

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Cut the excess string just above the hex plate that holds the tuning peg into the headstock

Clip excess string.jpg




Tune the string to pitch using a tuner




Repeat the process for all other strings




Tune all string to pitch from lowest to top until all strings are in tune





Clean the microfiber cloth by running it under water for a few minutes