Stringing and Tuning problems

i drop tune to C when i play but the neck or action or something on my (now) old guitar got so messed up that it's not even worth repairing. before i get a new one i would like to make sure what i know how to properly care for it since it appears that how i have been instructed has resulted in sad results. some of the biggest problems i have, stem from the basics

---im stringing my guitar. i use heavier gauge strings. how many times would i wind around each knob. also, how taught do i pull the string through the tuning knobs before i begin this winding process?

---when im tuning, after i have re-strung, i can hit the (let's say) G note on the second string but i can also go through the scale again and reach G again on the same string albeit the strings are obviously very tight. which is proper?

this leads to my next question...

---could i have pulverized my action from stringing too tightly. i suspect the neck is bent. i mean this action is bad the higher you go on the fretboard.

im sure this sounds bad, but i really could use the help

thanks

Here is a some string help site:
http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/stringing.htm

Here is another:
http://www.wholenote.com/default.asp?iTarget=http%3A//www.wholenote.com/cgi-bin/page_view.pl%3Fl%3D577

As for # of times the string wraps the peg...2-3 is about right.

As far as different tunings wrecking your neck..I don't know. Most people drop tune so this will decrease the pressure on the neck. For the Allmans Rambling Man you need to tune up I can't remember if its a half or full step but even that the neck should still be fine. I'm assuming you have an electric guitar. Putting heavy gauge steel strings on a classical guitar will kill it.

Just my 2cents...Hope it helps

Some guitars, like cheap ones, cannot handle the tension cause by anything but light gauge strings. Some Ibanez are the same way.

Tuning down won't hurt your guitar neck but excessive heat and humidity will. Don't leave your guitar in a gig bag or case during the summer.

ive been trying to recall some of the rigors i have put this axe through and i may have done 1 or both of the above offenses. thanks for the tips so far as i really appreciate it.

another suggestion on changing strings.

Typically I align the hole in the tuner so its basicall perpendicular the the nut.
Then I put the string thru and pull till no slack, then I put my fingers about 2 1/2" up the string and push it back to the tuner.

Begin to tighten the tuner. For guitars having three tuners on each side, always make sure you tighten so the string comes down in the inside. For six on a side (non reversed headstock) the string should be on the underside of the tuner. For six on a side reverse headstock they should be on top of the tuner.

Now, as you tighten the first wrap of the loose end should go above the string, the remaining wraps (~3) should go below. Many people reverse this but the main thing is to do the first wrap on way and the remaining on the other side. What this does is to pinch the string allowing for more consistant tuning. Hope that helps

Try >this<.