Be careful when you change strings!

[buddiesorg]

Originally Posted by Blackville

This is the main reason I dislike Martin's string packaging.

For a newbie, keeping the strings straight is hard enough to begin with.

Why make it harder with complicated, nonsequential string packaging?

At first I thought Martin's packaging was a pain, but since I do like their product I learned to deal with it. It's not nonsequential if you have a system. I take the #1 string out (and yes, it's possible to take just one string out and leave the other ... takes a bit of practice and patience at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's quick and easy) and then put the envelope on the bottom of the pile. Do the same with #2 and #3. The envelopes with #4, 5, and 6 are in order.

BTW, I always restring in this order so that I have an old string to tune from, rather than a new one that's still stretching.

[71jasper]

As long as I don't poke myself in the eye with a string end, I consider it a success

[philo426]

Back in the day Martin used to individually package each string in its own paper sleeve.I guess that method got too expensive.

[madhat]

Originally Posted by philo426

I don't know about weight,but the difference in diameter is readily apparent to the naked eye...

yep


madhat

[cedarkoa599]

Originally Posted by philo426

Back in the day Martin used to individually package each string in its own paper sleeve.I guess that method got too expensive.

Oh they don't do that anymore?
I will have to take a look at my strings........
YUP, Elixir still puts each string in it's own paper sleeve : )

[brianmay]

I used to think that sharps and flats were musical . . . then I discovered string-changing.

Go for the trebles, bleed first, then the rest is easy.

[jersey]

I've done that

[Roselynne]

Originally Posted by jseth

Oh, I forgot to mention another gaffe of mine... getting confused as to which way the tuning machines wound the strings, and putting the G B and E strings wound backwards!!! I actually played it that way for a while, then got brave enough to take 'em off and put 'em back on the correct way... something about turning the guitar around while changing the strings, having the treble bout facing me, that got me mixed up!

Again, this was 4 decades ago or so... but I still remember to pay attention when I'm winding/unwinding my strings, everytime!

My own favorite gaffe, right here.

[Bluepoet]

Originally Posted by jseth

Oh, I forgot to mention another gaffe of mine... getting confused as to which way the tuning machines wound the strings, and putting the G B and E strings wound backwards!!! I actually played it that way for a while, then got brave enough to take 'em off and put 'em back on the correct way... something about turning the guitar around while changing the strings, having the treble bout facing me, that got me mixed up!

Again, this was 4 decades ago or so... but I still remember to pay attention when I'm winding/unwinding my strings, everytime!

I've thought this must be a left-handed thing...anyway, I have a sheet of paper that has an arrow showing the direction of tightening the strings, on each side of the headstock. I change strings one at a time, always...but keep this paper out, while I'm doing it, just so I don't string it backwards...and I still have to check each old string, several times, when I start a new one next to it...

I hate changing strings, but I love the result...

[71jasper]

Where do you get strings for a left handed guitar? I mean the ball would have to be on the other end, right?

[Bluepoet]

Originally Posted by 71jasper

Where do you get strings for a left handed guitar? I mean the ball would have to be on the other end, right?

Hah! You'd have to be in your right mind, to get that!

[Judson]

I get what you're saying, but why would anyone want to go through all that? Especially an intimidated newbie who's nervous and insecure enough already.

Originally Posted by buddiesorg

At first I thought Martin's packaging was a pain, but since I do like their product I learned to deal with it. It's not nonsequential if you have a system. I take the #1 string out (and yes, it's possible to take just one string out and leave the other ... takes a bit of practice and patience at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's quick and easy) and then put the envelope on the bottom of the pile. Do the same with #2 and #3. The envelopes with #4, 5, and 6 are in order.

BTW, I always restring in this order so that I have an old string to tune from, rather than a new one that's still stretching.

[leftybanjo]

Try changing a 12string and be a Lefty also. Yes the ball ends are reversed for Lefties

[hello people]

Anyone ever lost an eyeball when changing strings?

Been some close shaves for me over the years I'll tell ya.

[guitararmy]

I remember leaning over the headstock of a guitar while changing strings and having the end of the string hit the lens of my glasses....