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Post by K Tresp on Dec 7, 2013 0:47:00 GMT
Does anyone genuinely enjoy changing strings and messing about with maintenance?
I might be a bit jaded after spending the last while doing a long overdue string change on the harp guitar but I really dont enjoy that side of guitar ownership.
Of course the end result great when the strings are on and guitar sounds so much better but the process of changing the strings etc isn't, for me at least, enjoyable. Guitar tech you could really trust to come in and do all that in the background would be perfect.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Dec 7, 2013 0:59:01 GMT
Provided that I'm not having to rush, I actually do enjoy changing strings on my 6 string guitars - I find it a pleasantly contemplative task. I'll enjoy giving the guitar a bit of a once over, measure the relief, action etc, though they hardly ever need fettling. Lots of hurr and a soft cloth on the body to give it a bit of a clean too sometimes.
If I'm in a hurry then it's just a case of getting it done asap, and I don't usually bother changing the plain steel strings unless I didn't do so at the last string change.
I don't enjoy changing the strings on my 12er, (far too many to do) or on mandolin family instruments (slightly too many to do, and such silly little cramped buttons). With these instruments I tend to only change the plain strings every two or three changes of wound ones.
I've only ever changed the strings on my solid electric bass once, and I've had it from new in 1981.
Keith
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Post by K Tresp on Dec 7, 2013 1:05:02 GMT
You are so right Keith. I have an electric epiphone bass with the same strings on it since about 2001. Never think to change them (or play it that much) Guess they have at least another 20 years in them by your experience.
Don't mind the 6 strings. Struggled with the harp a bit tonight as there is a lot going on there. Never really enjoy doing the 12 strings but great when they are done.
Greg
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007
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Post by 007 on Dec 7, 2013 6:55:43 GMT
Keith is right its a contemplative task apart from the 12ers I always have this panic moment at the end of a change that I have tightened them the wrong way Perhaps we should employ an Acoustic Soundboard roadie to go round all the members and sort out their instruments I fancy a blonde or a redhead myself
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Dec 7, 2013 9:02:37 GMT
I am eternally grateful to Akquarius that this is something he positively relishes and so he gave Naomi a proper spruce up at HB4
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brianr2
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Post by brianr2 on Dec 7, 2013 11:02:22 GMT
I am with Keith on this - given a bit of peace, I quite enjoy changing strings and giving the guitar a quick spruce up. I find it an absorbing and satisfying task and enjoy the surpise of re-tuning and the difference made by fresh metal.
That said, once I have done six strings I have had enough. I don't think I could cope with a harp or 12er, and the frustrating fiddle of a little mandolin would soon see it flying out the window.
Brian
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Post by earwighoney on Dec 7, 2013 11:24:00 GMT
I don't mind changing the strings on my 6 string acoustic, my flamenco guitar isn't much fun to change but the 12 string is a right royal pain.
I've owned several guitars of each (ie 4 electrics) and not liking changing strings is one of the reasons I now try to keep and play one of each (for now anyway).
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davewhite
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Post by davewhite on Dec 7, 2013 11:28:52 GMT
You guys have obviously never had to change a set of lute strings
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Dec 7, 2013 11:36:27 GMT
Nope. Hate it. It's awkward, expensive and I always panic over whether there's enough windings at the post and invariably there's either too little or a mountain of metal. And it hurts, cos the cut ends always stab my fingers
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Post by earwighoney on Dec 7, 2013 11:47:43 GMT
You guys have obviously never had to change a set of lute strings They have friction pegs right? I've been in tears trying to tune guitars with friction pegs, I can't imagine how to tune an instrument with 15 friction pegs.
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davewhite
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Post by davewhite on Dec 7, 2013 12:17:11 GMT
You guys have obviously never had to change a set of lute strings They have friction pegs right? I've been in tears trying to tune guitars with friction pegs, I can't imagine how to tune an instrument with 15 friction pegs. Yup . . . be afraid, be very afraid
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Dec 7, 2013 12:25:38 GMT
Friction pegs? .... I sold my autoharp a long time ago, never having changed the, by then, very rusty strings! Keith
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Dec 7, 2013 12:38:54 GMT
My Mercier banjo has friction violin pegs AND nylgut strings, making tying them off, tuning and stretching them out so much good fun that I will never change them.
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Post by Adrian on Dec 7, 2013 14:46:37 GMT
I'm one those that actually enjoy carrying out 'maintenance work' on my guitar.
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Post by jugbandman on Dec 7, 2013 15:05:12 GMT
I don't mind. Change the strings, give it a clean-up, no hurry, something to do whilst listening to a CD.
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