How do you change strings?

[CharlieBman]

Couldn't really respond to the poll because I rest my guitars on a padded work table to which I have 360 degree access. So whether the headstock is on the left, right, or directly in front of me depends on which side of the table I'm standing

[Guitars44me]

Originally Posted by CharlieBman

Couldn't really respond to the poll because I rest my guitars on a padded work table to which I have 360 degree access. So whether the headstock is on the left, right, or directly in front of me depends on which side of the table I'm standing

I checked both left and right.

I work on our kitchen counter, and I can stand on either side.

It is worthwhile to change strings while in playing position once in a while, so as to be ready for trouble at a gig!

Leo Kottke can change a string without looking while telling hilarious stories!

Steve Goodman was famous for his string change raps.

I am just happy if I get it done in a reasonable amount of time

Cheers

Paul

[Horsehockey]

I’m a lefty and I clear any scratch potential objects from my barcolounger chair and have at it. Keep all my little tools down by my right hand on the floor.

[TomB'sox]

None of the above.

[rllink]

I place my guitar on a towel laid out on my bar in the basement, with the head to the left and I change strings while standing. I've never questioned the reason until right now. I guess maybe because that's the way it is when I play it. I have to thank internet forums for drawing my attention to things that I have taken for granted my whole guitar playing life, that I could have been pondering and thinking about.

[Chipotle]

Wow, I responded expecting it to be somewhat random, esp. with regard to which way the headstock is pointing. But seems like most do it the same way... which makes sense, because (spoiler) that's the same way most of us hold the guitar.

[westview]

I use a fold out table. So I'm always standing.
Headstock on the left for strings E A D.
Headstock on the right for strings G B E.

String changing while either listening to music or watching a ballgame.

[Rudy4]

How do I change strings?

The most comfortable way possible, usually sitting with the head stock in my lap and the body to my right side.

When tieing nylon strings on the bridge this usually entails shifting the body around a bit, bringing it up in my lap.

Once in a great while I re-string in the shop. That means guitar on the workbench, head stock to the left.

[Wardo]

Sitting on my couch and usually have a can of beer sitting on top of whichever amp is closest to the couch. It’s an effortless, uncomplicated process which takes very little time with a hand winder and is kinda relaxing. Bridge the string then put a 90* bend an inch and a bit past the post, shove the string it at the bend, one wrap over the top then crank the remaining wraps under and cut off the excess after putting enough tension on the string. Tune it up, stretch them a few times and done.

[min7b5]

Guitar on a stand, to my left, pre-cut strings... I only have a slotted headstock guitar so it's easier because of the tuners all facing the same direction...

[tinnitus]

Originally Posted by rllink

I place my guitar on a towel laid out on my bar in the basement, with the head to the left and I change strings while standing. I've never questioned the reason until right now. I guess maybe because that's the way it is when I play it. I have to thank internet forums for drawing my attention to things that I have taken for granted my whole guitar playing life, that I could have been pondering and thinking about.

Also didn't find a choice that fit.

Standing over it, same orientation, guitar lying flat (neck pointing to the left) padded with a towel on the kitchen or dining room table, headstock hanging off the edge. Electric driver. Mere minutes even with some extra steps I take.

[Gryf]

I actually sit on the carpeted floor in my home office and do it there. Headstock to the left-until I turn it to the right....
I've changed strings on the floor like this since I was a kid first learning how to do it. I stood up at my workbench and did it once, but it felt strange.

[jim1960]

I hold my guitar across my lap, remove all the strings, and give it a good wipe with a dry cloth. To restring, I line up the post holes, push the new string through until taut and back it off an inch, bend the ends, then balance the guitar on the insides of my feet while I wind them up. None of the choices in the poll seem to apply to me.

[birdsong]

I’m fully #1. Although I can walk around and access both sides of the headstock - I do not. I simply reach over. I do this work on our kitchen table. I take my time. I wander a bit, talk to the dog, look inside the guitar for fun etc.

But all the “work” takes place on one side.

I have changed strings a couple times seated with the guitar in a standing position. This was many years ago. I remember I rather enjoyed that and now i wonder why I stopped.

As “rllink” pointed out- so many things I never thought about until I began to hang out here.

[Coler]

I have a neck rest made by Dunlop. I use that and a doubled over towel under the body. I do in a table standing and I flip the guitar around to do the other side.

Or I might walk around the other side of the table. If I need the steps.