Restringing - Do # of wraps make a difference

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

There are a variety of ways to string a guitar relative to wraps and techniques used and way more opinions than techniques. :-)
Some folks use the same method they were taught 40 years ago and some have discovered other methods that they now like better.
Some players will use more wraps if they change tunings a lot from one song to another and some folks think that it doesn’t make a difference.
Bottom line is if what you are doing is working for you in terms of tuning stability, no slippage, and no string breakage or earlier than usual string fatigue, you are fine. If it takes you a long time to change strings then just know that faster methods are probably available.
Best,
Jayne

Our friend Jayne knows things. Absolutely solid advice above.

The usual disclaimers apply......IMHO, YMMV etc.

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

Our friend Jayne knows things. Absolutely solid advice above.



The usual disclaimers apply......IMHO, YMMV etc.

Well, JayBee, if I have learned anything from my years of experience with both guitars and this forum, it is that the most appropriate answer to 99% of questions asked here is: “It depends…” LOL!
Best,
Jayne

[Kyle215]

I just measure up to the next post past the one the string goes in (or the top of headstock for D and G), clip it the string there, and however many winds that is seems to be fine. Usually about 2 winds it what it works out to.

[fazool]

there is a science behind proper wraps and it is closely related to mechanical hoist cables and drums

virtually all of tuning instability comes from either stick slip in the slots or string slop on the post.

you want as few wraps as possible which is the whole principle of locking tuners.

more is worse.

and never ever bend or knot or loop the strings

[gmax150]

I've been doing the one over one under method for many years. quick on and easy off.

[rmp]

if it stays on the post doesn't unwind.. you're 100% good.

[NevadaPic]

Originally Posted by phavriluk

I think there's a lot of unproductive hocus-pocus attending string installation.

AI think there's no need for all the measuring and cutting:

(1) leave string winder in the drawer
(2) pin string in the bridge.
(3) Pull snug. wrap twice (or so).
(4) Stick end of string in hole and pull snug.
(5) Tune to pitch.
(6) cut off the end.
(7) next string.

This method is the way to go. Fast and perfect for round core strings.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by johnnyindia

Wondering when restrining your acoustic, do the number of wrap arounds make a difference in tuning stabiity, tone, etc? I just restrung and accidently only have 1 and a half wraps on the wound strings as I cut too short. Not sure if I should redo it with a new set.

On the unwound strings, if the string doesn't stack on the post evenly (a bit of overlap over/under on one of the windings), will that affect tuning stability or anything?

Not sure if these small details make a significant difference.

Hi ji…
For people who are doing different tunings frequently on the same guitar, wrapping the wound strings down the shaft fully prevents breakage almost entirely (when retuning).

I do one wrap over, and the rest under the hole in the shaft…

Can't tell you why, but it works.

This tip comes from David Wilcox - Remarkable alternate tuner and amazing player (I've seen him retune his guitar over a dozen times in one concert).

I used to lose about one 3rd string a month until I began doing this on his advice, and have not broken a string in over 15 years (and I'm still retuning frequently).

It doesn't matter on my American Strat Plus with locking tuners (pull the string through the hole, clamp the string, tune). I tried locking tuners on an acoustic, but the edge of the hole (rolling the string across the edge of the hole) kept cutting strings off in/at the holes.

I see tuning as a relaxing exercise which I sometimes do with my electric screwdriver & a guitar tuning bit, but most of the time with a hand crank string peg winder.

It's fun to watch different people change strings.