Changing strings

[357mag]

Im doing it now. 2 courses on. 2 to go. Ill be back.
Arrrgggg! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[kyblue]

Just did it for myself for the first time this weekend. Had always had someone else do it for me before. That's when I decided some mandos had to go.

Very frustrating experience!!!

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[JEStanek]

I know your pain. It'll be worth it though. New strings are like a fresh cuppa coffe or a nice beer. They hit the spot. 357, I'm sure you'll find the changes easier on the Eastman than on the traditional stamped tail piece, at least I did. It does get easier with practice. Even with arthritic hands.

Jamie

[Coy Wylie]

Be sure to pull up some tension on the strings as you tighten them so there won't be excessive slippage.

It's part of the joy http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[arbarnhart]

Do you own one of those string winder crank dealie bobs? I don't care that much for string changes either, but it only takes about 10 minutes, then another 10 of playing sort of in tune followed by another 2 or 3 minutes of tuning. After that, they stay in tune as well or better than the ones they replaced. And I expect to shorten those times considerably if I ever get good at it.

[EDIT] Just in case it matters (though I doubt my time is all that good), I take off two strings (one after the other; I am not bilaterally ambidexterous), replace them without trimming, then the next pair, etc, and then trim all 8 in one pass, strum them all hard (even though they are way out of tune; just tight) several times and then tune quickly because I know I will have to revisit even if I am careful, then play a few minutes and retune.

[Doug Edwards]

Just curious, how many wraps do you try for. I usually do 3 or 4 and try to get all even. Part of my OCD. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Mando4Life]

Two wraps max...on a good day i can do it all in about 10 mins...no blood...and pretty close to final pitch.

In fact, I'm waiting on some more BD-74s to arrive for the next change.

WBL

[arbarnhart]

Oh, my weak spot. I have had to toss E strings from underwrapping. I rarely go over 2 wraps. If I do the initial bends right (I use alligator pliers), I can get away with less than a full wrap. I had strings on my guitar for years that were all a half wrap or so. The fine trebles on the mando are not quite as cooperative and the A and E seem to need a full wrap.

[357mag]

There. All done. Right Jamie. Its worth it. I think!
Looks like this subject strikes a nerve with just about everybody. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
The E and the A are toughest for me. The wound strings seem easier to handle. Prolly cuz their bigger? Duh!
Its amazing how the almost imperceptable difference in diameter between the J74 and the J62s can make such a difference in playability.

[glauber]

The A is my least favourite string to change. I recently started using the method described here (click) (http://www.glowingtubes.com/p/Acoustic_String_Change.htm), and i think it makes quicker and more reliable changes. It creates a very uniform look, with 3 windings per string, which i like too (geek!). (Skip the part about the bridge pins, skip ahead to where it talks about the tuning posts.)

[VictorLouis]

I hope you don't mind the tag-along question. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Should one try for strictly a coil wrap around the post? On the trebles, I've got half a mind to perform a 'lock' maneuver to ease my frustration. That is, go around the post 360, under the string, and a HOOK. That is, fold-over of the end of the string and crimp it. That way, it's not going to uncoil itself and slip off whilst I'm winding the key the first few turns.

Anyone think that would be harmful on teh string?

[glauber]

Anyone think that would be harmful on teh string?
No, this is a pretty standard (http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Mandolin/MandoString/mandostring3.html) way of doing it (different from what i suggested above). Both methods work.

[VictorLouis]

Hot dog! My next change is going to be SO much easier. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[357mag]

Hehehe! Go get em, Vic. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Doug Edwards]

I hate that lock loop thing, makes it harder than it has to be taking them off. Try changing out one of those A's or E's on stage. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[MandoJon]

I've never used that lock loop and I don't wind the string round the post before putting the end through the hole either (suggested on a website link by somebody). I tried that once and found it VERY frustrating. I just do it the most obvious way and don't have too many problems.

The one thing I do do is, once I have the loop end secure and the free end through the hole in the tuning peg (at which point I put a coulpe of 90 degree bends - no need for pliers either - to stop it slipping back) I hold the string away from the fretboard to keep an even tension on it while I wind (and no, I don't use a winding widget either). I should say that I hold the string up over the fretboard with three fingers and post my forefinger lightly down on the headstock near the tuning peg - that way you get nice even turns always fed from the bottom without any cross-overs. It's easier than it sounds.

That's my only trick and that's all I need. I do that one string at a time to avoid upsetting the bridge (assuming it's in the right place to start with http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif ) and the job's done in a few minutes.

Oh yeah... and the number of wraps? I put no more than two on the fat strings and three or four on the thinest strings depending on how far I held the string above the fretboard.

[Tom C]

I turn post so when string goes thru post, it is headed away from headstock. The I bend the string 90 degress in towards the peghead and start tuning up.

[Martin Jonas]

I find the frets.com (http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Mandolin/MandoString/mandostring3.html) method fast and easy, and because of the lock loop there's no need to have more than one winding on the post (I've done less). Never had any slippage.

Martin

[kyblue]

Never could have done it without those frets.com instructions!!!

Many many thanks for that great resource!!!

Paula

[BlueMountain]

The frets.com instructions are excellent. If you were to go to a website dealing with knots, you'll see that what you want is a simple HITCH. http://www.realknots.com/knots/hitches.htm The reason simply bending the string as on the frets.com instructions works so well is that the string under tension crosses over the string that isn't under tension and keeps it from slipping. Sticking the string through the eye on the tuner helps a lot as there is a right angle, but in that case it helps to have several loops, in case it slips a little. Having the string under tension cross the other string after it goes through the hole means slipping is impossible. My understanding is that if this is done right, a little retuning is necessary, as the loop at the tailpiece sometimes doesn't tighten completely, but there shouldn't be much. Maybe Dave Cohen has some wisdom on the extent to which strings actually stretch, but I think not much, so most retuning is due to strings slipping a bit as they tighten up, not to stretching.

Meanwhile, I find that my Planet Waves quick tuner works quite well (and I love the handy string cutter), but it would be much better if it were exactly the right size for mandolin pegs.

[Doug Edwards]

Tom C, I do the opposite. Only I'll wrap the loose end completely around once and hold both the loose end and string together until wrapped around once or twice. Never any problem. It's easier for me to get a grip on the situation.

[JEStanek]

My biggest problem (I use the frets.com method) is whith those dang stamped tailpieces with the loop coming off that hook as I work. If only I had a third hand or a longer tongue! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif The pop-off the tail piece issue is not there with my cast tailpiece.
Jamie

[Tom C]

To keep string in tailpiece hook -after attaching to tailpiece and thru post, I press down on the string by the nut with the index finger of my right hand while lifting the string from the tailpiece with the middle finger. This gives my the slack I need for string to wind.

[Doug Edwards]

Ditto, sometimes I'll also lay my arm on the fretboard after taking up the slack and hold the tension on the string to the tail piece. How many of us can pat our head and rub our stomach at the same time? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Ray(T)]

I've been changing strings on guitar and mandolin for years with no problems so here's a few tips :-

i) Remember the post about whether real mandolin players use a capo? Well get one - hook the string onto the tailpiece pass it through the hole in the tuner and put on the capo about half way up the neck. That solves the problem of the loop end slipping off whilst you worry about the other end.
ii) Forget about locking the string onto the tuner - I've never found this necessary.
iii) Pinch the string at the nut and pull it back down the neck by a couple of frets to give you a measured amount of slack and bend the string by the hole about 90 degrees - the number of frets you pull it to is a matter of experience but aim to get 3 turns round the peg. The unwound strings slip more than the wound but these can take an extra couple of turns.

The main thing is the use of the capo to hold things in place. Happy stringing!

[Jim Yates]

I've been changing strings for about 45 years now and it's never occurred to me to have someone else do it for me and it's never been a big deal. The store I work at doubles the price of the strings if we put them on for you.
If I'm in a hurry (on stage) I wind the string two or three times around the post, then put it into the hole. This makes it so I can have the string replaced and up to tune often before the song is over.
arbarnhart suggested a string winder and I agree. They're a real time saver.

JEStanick likes the Eastman tailpiece. I'm just the opposite. I find it takes me twicw as long to change the Eastman. Maybe when I get used to it. I like everything else about the mando.

One little hint. If you don't have any wire cutters, you can get those pesky string ends our of the way by curling them on a Loonie if you're in Canada or a quarter will work in the States. Just hold the coin and the string between your thumb and forefinger and pull. it curls the wire just like some people do with ribbons on presents. It keeps them out of the way till you find some wire cutters.

[kyblue]

Hey, I never said I PAID anyone to change my strings.

I'm a girl... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[bjc]

I normally set aside a morning to change my strings. And I generally switch strings on a few axes...electric guitars, mandolins, my dobro, OM or Mandola...that for some reason (mixed with some cool jazz playing and diet soda) makes it's less painful.

[badly-bent]

Excellent discussion and thanks to everyone who took the time to post your experience even though you don't personally struggle with this.

I love new strings but I hate changing them. #I have ruined strings before when I either leave too little on the peghead to keep them wound or I don't pay attention and over-tighten them until they pop. #That may be hard to believe that a grown man can have this kind of problem, but it's true.

Your posts inspired me. #I changed the strings last night while I was watching the baseball game. #It takes me MUCH longer than 10 minutes but if I stop dreading it and do it more often, hopefully my speed will improve (of course it hasn't worked for my playing!).

Jason

[John Bertotti]

Funny but I was more worried about changing guitar strings then my mando strings. The frets way is a no brainer. I just use needle nose to take the old ones off. I must say if you haven't yet shoved two inches of string under a finger nail you aint lived. OH THE HORROR! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif


It is Halloween season who knows what could happen with a possessed string!

[glauber]

I love new strings but I hate changing them. I have ruined strings before when I either leave too little on the peghead to keep them wound or I don't pay attention and over-tighten them until they pop. That may be hard to believe that a grown man can have this kind of problem, but it's true.
It happens to me all the time. Usually the problem is i grab the wrong tuner button (they're so #### close together). That's why i don't use a string winder: the string breaks much quicker when you use one of those on the wrong button. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[357mag]

I feel so validated. My self image had improved. Misery loves company. I am not alone! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[jim simpson]

I'm not crazy about changing strings either - one day I'll order one of those James flip-up cover tailpieces. I especially don't like to change a broken one while gigging. I have been fortunate to own 2 mandolins that almost seem interchangable even though I favor one over the other. When a string breaks at a gig, I just swap out with the other and change the string later. It seems like in the past, it would take me forever to change one under pressure.