changing strings
When changing strings, is it best one at a time, or all at once? Also do you wind all the excess string up, or just a few turns? I changed one string for my brother, and I didn't get many turns or wraps around the tuner knob thingy and I kinda regret it. Should I wrap as much as I can, or just a few, or does it really matter? Also, the bridge (near or on the tremelo) , they all have a height adjustment w little hex key screws. Are these preset,does everyone have there own setting, does it affect much, or what? someone please shed me some light with this one!!
# 1
Ok, when changing strings, you are never going to want to use the whole length of the string - I doubt if it would even fit on most tuning pegs. YOu want about two or three full winds around a tuning peg, any less and the string might slip, any more and you can get tuning problems, especially on a tremelo equipped guitar, as the winds take slack in odd ways.
The height adjustment saddles are generally set pretty well in the factory, but sometimes they aren't.. The lower the height of the strings, the easier the guitar is to play (unless you play slide). However, if the strings get too low they start to buzz when you play them at certain frets, as the vibrating string touches against the next fret up from the one you are touching. You can play around with the height yourself to see what you like, but record the height that they were originally at. If you want to get the best out of the action (action is what string height is called) of your guitar, send it to a guitar to get it "set up". A set up will normally include action adjustment, truss rod adjustment, intonation, fret clean, and a new set of strings.
The height adjustment saddles are generally set pretty well in the factory, but sometimes they aren't.. The lower the height of the strings, the easier the guitar is to play (unless you play slide). However, if the strings get too low they start to buzz when you play them at certain frets, as the vibrating string touches against the next fret up from the one you are touching. You can play around with the height yourself to see what you like, but record the height that they were originally at. If you want to get the best out of the action (action is what string height is called) of your guitar, send it to a guitar to get it "set up". A set up will normally include action adjustment, truss rod adjustment, intonation, fret clean, and a new set of strings.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year, it's just not that widely reported".
# 2
Just to add.
It's easier to change them one at a time, as this is less likely to alter intonation (Etc)- plus it makes it a lot easier to see what you are doing - try and make sure that the winds go on the post and not back over the string as this can cause nasty problems in tuning and intonation as the string will slip over itself - been there, done than ,ouch!.
Also if you go up a gauge from 9s to 10s, or whatever, you may find the tremelo sits forward further and in this case you will need to put an extra spring on the tremelo block/string claw at the back of the guitar - this'll probably only apply if you change a full set tho.
It's easier to change them one at a time, as this is less likely to alter intonation (Etc)- plus it makes it a lot easier to see what you are doing - try and make sure that the winds go on the post and not back over the string as this can cause nasty problems in tuning and intonation as the string will slip over itself - been there, done than ,ouch!.
Also if you go up a gauge from 9s to 10s, or whatever, you may find the tremelo sits forward further and in this case you will need to put an extra spring on the tremelo block/string claw at the back of the guitar - this'll probably only apply if you change a full set tho.
Accuracy,you say? hmm interesting concept..
# 3
There are certain bridges where the strings actually hold them on, so if you take all the strings off the bridge falls off and you have serious problems finding where to put it back. However, with my guitars I like to take all the strings off at once, so I can clean the fretboard, etc. I agree that it is easier to change them one at a time, but it's probably useful to get comfortable with doing both.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year, it's just not that widely reported".
# 4
just a suggestion on strings.
I found that the best strings (IMHO) are the Elixier form Gore Tex. They are coated with a special poly-web which makes them last longer, sound brighter, sound louder. They do not rust anymore, less fret noise, etc etc etc
they are a bit expensive, but they are worth it, for they last at least twice as long as normal strings.
http://www.elixirstrings.com/
i do not use other strings anymore
-=[Azrael]=-
I found that the best strings (IMHO) are the Elixier form Gore Tex. They are coated with a special poly-web which makes them last longer, sound brighter, sound louder. They do not rust anymore, less fret noise, etc etc etc
they are a bit expensive, but they are worth it, for they last at least twice as long as normal strings.
http://www.elixirstrings.com/
i do not use other strings anymore
-=[Azrael]=-
[FONT=Times New Roman]Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves. What you decide to do every day makes you a good person... or not.[/FONT][br][br]
# 5