Does anyone actually enjoy it?

[JLee]

I have been playing mando for 2.5 years and for the longest time I never knew about the importance of changing strings. That was until a good friend of mine told me how often it should be done and he took the time to show me how to do it. Well the first time I did it on my own I hated it and got so frustrated that I had to finish it the next day! You have no idea what kind of clever ways I have to come up with to get the right tension on the strings as I restring them. I particularly despise those slippery A and E strings!! To top it off, for some reason the back of my right wrist will hurt for days afterwards. I'm assuming that is from the cheap winder I use to wind up the strings. But seriously this last time... it was a week ago and my wrist STILL hurts! At least it doesn't affect my playing but it bothers me when I type or workout or do other things.

I am now able to recognize when my strings are wearing out and I really love how my mando sounds right after I re-string it. And this second time was a bit easier than the last. I'm hoping it only gets easier the more I do it. But seriously, I would rather get a root canal than re-string my mando!! Makes me wish I could just drop it off somewhere and pay someone to do it for me. LOL

So I'm just curious, does anyone actually LIKE to re-string or not mind it so much? Am I the only one who has wrist pain?

[mandroid]

Its like , well sorta, painting your house, after its done its an admirable improvement.
The locking with a pass back under the string is the trick.
and an occasional tetanus booster is a good thing in general...

[Bertram Henze]

It's more like presenting one's girlfriend with new underwear - it's fun all the way.
But seriously - it is a job that takes time and therefore gets better if you learn to enjoy it. If operating the winder hurts, it is probably done too fast, and with too many string windings around the posts. Here is a good description of all the Dos and Don'ts about mandolin restringing.

Bertram

[adgefan]

The first few times I changed the E strings I snapped them all and I have quite a complex about that now. Even though I've mastered the technique I still get terrified on the last few turns of the top strings to bring them up to pitch. Quite an adrenaline rush, actually, as I wonder if I'll still have both my eyeballs left at the end of it all.

[Jerry Byers]

A good string winder is the key to success. After a couple of changes, it will become second nature.

[kww]

I don't see what the fuss is about. When I did it the first time, I was expecting a nightmare. Took 15 minutes and nothing broke. I don't own a string winder, and don't understand why you would use a machine to put three turns of wire around a post.

[DryBones]

yep, I actually enjoy it. kinda like washing the car by hand. giving some personal attention to something you love.

[AlanN]

To each his own, but I never use a string winder. I only put about 1.5 turns on the thing, hardly makes sense.

[Ivan Kelsall]

I agree absolutely with 'adgefan'. Every time i re-string,i cringe while i'm cranking up the E strings. I broke a couple early on through not geting the windings round the binding posts properly aligned & now i'm totally sure they're going to snap every time i change them.
Do i enjoy changing strings ?. NO !!!. It's like Frank Ford says,it's job that need 3 hands - but i like the effect after,
Saska

[Bertram Henze]

There seem to be many people who break their strings when tuning up. This reminds me of the time I played tenor banjo with original tenor tuning CGDA, the A string operating slightly beyond the elastic stress range, thus breaking at approx. every second tune-up. Ok, that lowers the percentage of blood in the adrenaline, but you get used to it or do something about it.

In fact, you don't need to get used to it, because if a string breaks regularly, there is something wrong (indicated by the spot where it breaks), and that can be taken care of, whatever it is.
If there is some sharp edge - smooth it. If the scale length is simply too big for the string - use lighter strings. Search the Cafe for string break threads. The thrill of owning a mandolin is supposed to come from playing, not from scary maintenance.

Bertram

[Jerry Byers]

To each his own, but I never use a string winder. I only put about 1.5 turns on the thing, hardly makes sense.

The string winder is not for the 1.5 turns or 3 turns - it speeds up the process when taking up the slack.

Also, the winder gives me some leverage when trying to turn the small buttons with a high gear ratio.

Using a string winder is a personal preference - there is no need to discount its functionality.

[tree]

It is a relatively easy and fun woodworking project to make your own string winder (much more fun that actually changing strings). #It is a rare string change if I DON'T poke a hole in one of my fingers getting the old strings off. #I approach string changes by doing one side at a time, and take advantage of the opportunity to wipe down the mando really well. #The best part is when I'm done, and manage not to break a new E string, and have all the strings stretched out and holding their pitch really well. #Then I really enjoy playing a clean mando and hearing the ring of new strings.

[AlanN]

Do I even respond....hmmm....yes.

You account for its functionality, I do not. If you don't care to hear others' opinions on the thing, why did YOU mention it?

[Bertram Henze]

The string winder is not for the 1.5 turns or 3 turns - it speeds up the process when taking up the slack.

I suspect this boils down to how much slack does one use - the 1.5 or 3 turns are for those who hardly allow any slack in the first place.

I used to allow plenty of slack and wind it all up with a winder, but I slowly decrease my slack now with every restringing, using the kinda-knot technique shown here.

This seems reasonable to me, since what holds the string is not windings-around-peg metal-on-metal friction anyway, so more windings hardly add any force. Instead, the hole in the peg holds the string by it's bent edges.

Some day I'll probably get rid of my winder altogether.

Bertram

[JEStanek]

I also use only the 1.5 turns around the post (frets.com style) for the G and D courses. The A and E get some more. It is an anxious time but I like having the time to clean the mando up and enjoy the new strings alot when the settle down.

Jamie

[John Flynn]

Well, I guess I am a real shlub, because I not only use a string winder, I use a string winder on an electric screwdriver! Why? Because when it comes to mindless drudge tasks, I let technology do it. It's the same reason I send emails instead of snail mail and I use a calculator when I could work it out with a pencil.

[fiddler]

Changing strings is great fun. Sometimes I do it even when the old set is still OK. After I get a new set on I'll sometimes take it off and put it back on again, just for the heck of it. It's really one of my favorite things, along with installing operating systems, going to the dentist and paying taxes.

[Jerry Byers]

Do I even respond....hmmm....yes.

You account for its functionality, I do not. If you don't care to hear others' opinions on the thing, why did YOU mention it?

Hey Alan...I wasn't intending to slight you. I simply was stating that some of us do use a string winder - even if there are only 1-3 wraps of string. With my tuners, I have to turn the button many, many times just to get one wrap - the winder makes it an easy job. Sorry to offend.

[Jerry Byers]

The string winder is not for the 1.5 turns or 3 turns - it speeds up the process when taking up the slack.

I suspect this boils down to how much slack does one use - the 1.5 or 3 turns are for those who hardly allow any slack in the first place.

I used to allow plenty of slack and wind it all up with a winder, but I slowly decrease my slack now with every restringing, using the kinda-knot technique shown here.

This seems reasonable to me, since what holds the string is not windings-around-peg metal-on-metal friction anyway, so more windings hardly add any force. Instead, the hole in the peg holds the string by it's bent edges.

Some day I'll probably get rid of my winder altogether.

Bertram

I use the same technique that you quoted. The slack that I was referring to is what is shown at that link. I tend to hold up the string about 1-2 inches just below the nut - this gives me about 2 wraps.

[AlanN]

Of course, Jerry. I even have a *very good* one that a friend made for me. It is perfect, right down to not-too-deep/not-too-wide button 'bucket', which is made from hard rubber...no scratchee...

You say To-may-toe', I say 'To-mah-toe'...let's call the whole thing off.

[El Greco]

For those who snap strings and get "pinched" by strings: I think it's better not to be caffeinated while changing strings.:p

I used to drink coffee while changing my bouzouki (the Greek version)strings...well, it took me a while to find out why I couldn't put the strings through the binding post holes.

[Gerry Tenney]

If I were a rich man....biddy biddy biddy biddy biddy bum, I'd hire a personal string changer.

[andy bole]

A string winder on an electric screwdriver is the thing to use, we have the joyfull experience of restringing about 20 instruments a day including mnado's, guitars, banjo's etc and without the screwdriver thing it would take too long, we have it down to a fine art now - mandolins take us about 5 minutes.

[Eric F.]

The frets.com technique made a huge difference for me. I find changing strings pretty painless these days. The Bill James tailpiece makes a big difference, too - no need for a third hand.

[mandopete]

I enjoy it just like a trip to the dentist!