Restringing--Reducing the Risk of Imminent Explosions!
I restrung my Gibson last night and went through my usual angst: when cranking up the E and A string I'm just sure the whole thing is going to explode with all that tension. I usually do it holding it at arm's length, head turned away, just sure a string is going to pop and take an eye out.
OK, I'm overreacting.
But are you better off bringing the tension up somewhat gradually? And should you worry about trying to equalize the tension over the length of the string--the string has to bind a little over the nut and over the bridge.
I usually change strings half at a time--E and A first, then D and G. That way the neck is always under some tension, and the bridge stays in the right place.
Am I being overly risk averse, or appropriately cautious, or do I just need to make sure and take my medicine every day so I won't worry about stuff like this...
Phil Vinyard
Gibson Jam Master F Standard #12 May 13, 2009
Gibson Model A #67336 ca. 1921
Harwood Bowlback ca. 1900
Trinity College TM-325 Octave Mandolin
Freshwater Mandocello
Krutz 200 Upright Bass
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