Changing strings is very important, especially when you have to enjoy the best sound quality. However, various methods need some special treatment, such as to change guitar strings without bridge pins. It may not work so well, mainly if you are used to guitars that have bridge pins.
As a guitarist, it is vital to ensure that your guitar always works well. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you have mastered the string-changing process with or without the bridge pins. We have compiled a guide that will help you to make the changes swiftly. Have a look.
Guitars that do not have bridge pins
Most nylon-string guitars do not bridge pins. Some of the steel-string guitars, especially acoustic guitars, do not use bridge pins. You will notice that they have slotted headstocks that allow the strings to be tied along the bridge.
Therefore, since they have no bridge pins, it is easy to change the guitar strings. However, you will need to have a better understanding of their functioning. Such knowledge will help you to achieve a simple replacement process quickly.
Methods of changing strings
Several methods allow you to change the strings of your guitar. However, each way depends on the type of guitar you are using as there is a difference between the various guitars.
Each person has their methods of preference that work with the guitar strings they choose. For example, you can use this method to change acoustic guitar strings if you are a beginner.
The good thing is that the nylon strings have their installation method and the steel ones. You will identify the process that involves each kind of string then begin to enjoy the moments. The process of installation is as follows.
How to change nylon guitar strings without bridge pins
Things you need
- Tuner or pitch
- Wirecutter
- String set
Removing the strings
The first process will involve the removal of the existing strings. You will cut the strings from the soundbox then begin to adjust them. When doing the process, you will have each string on a separate point for simple identification.
The outcome of doing so is that you will have each string getting replaced with the right one. Chances of having some technical failures as a result of the improper installation get limited at this point.
Installing the new strings
Unpacking the strings
The process of installation after the removal of the old strings starts by unpacking the new strings. You will notice that the strings have color codes and different thicknesses to mark up the difference. What you will do is separate each string and place them with the ones.
Installing the strings
The process of string installation is straightforward. There is a procedure that you must always follow.
Turn the tuning key
You will begin by turning the tuning key until it becomes loose, as if you are removing the strings. The next thing you do is to wrap the open end with the protruding part of the string. Pull the end to make the string tighter. Four turns are enough to make the work of tightening more straightforward.
On the other end of the string, put it on the tuning peg, then pull it until it becomes rigid. You will then wrap it five times, observing that you have inserted the right string as the one that you removed from the guitar.
Once you have the strings adequately inserted, you can then choose to tighten clockwise using the tuning key. What the turning key does is help you to adjust the rigidity of the string quickly. It will therefore be ready for use.
You can choose to tune the string individually or do it collectively after installing all the strings. However, basic tuning is necessary at this point, especially in determining the success of the installation. Once the string is rigid, you can then proceed to the following string.
The exact guitar tuning process applies to all the strings starting from the 6th, 1st, 5th, 2nd. 4th and finally 3rd. Immediately you complete fixing the strings, you will do some fine-tuning and then cut off the excess parts of the strings. If you want to make some adjustments, you will use the turn.
Installing steel- strings
Another method that you can use to install the strings is the use of stainless steel strings. The unique feature about these strings is that they are rigid hence slightly challenging to install.
However, the guide is simple and will make everything very effective. Requirements for installation are the strings, the tuner and a cutting tool.
Process
Remove the old strings
The first thing you will do is to remove the old strings. You will begin by loosening the tuning key in an anticlockwise direction to make them loose. After that, you can use pliers to cut the parts towards the ends of the string. Once you have all the strings lose, you will begin to remove them by pulling and placing them at a point you will quickly identify their origin.
Unpack the strings
The next activity you will do is to unpack and prepare the strings. During preparation, you will need to ensure that each string is placed at a point that you will not forget to put it in the proper hole. You can set each string next to the one that you have removed from the guitar.
Install the strings
The real work begins at this point. You will need to install the strings on the hole then tighten it by winding it at least three times. It will be rigid enough to support fixing the string to the bridge. You will also insert the strings on the bridge, observing that you have used the right hole for the correct string. Three or four wounds on the bridge will be adequate to hold the strings firmly.
Tighten the strings
The next thing you will need to do is to tighten the strings. During the installation process, the tuning key got loosened. You will therefore tighten it up so that the strings become strong. The procedure applies to all the strings but with some specific order. You will start by working on the 6thstring, which is E, then allow the order to flow from 6th, 1st, 5th, 2nd, 4th, and finally, you do the 3rd and last string.
After the strings are tight, you can then consider cutting off the excess parts of the strings. You will need a proper cutter that will ensure that there will be no damage.
Tuning the guitar
Once you install all the strings, you will need to do some slight tuning to ensure everything is in place. When tuning, take some caution to ensure that they are all held in place and do not loosen. Make use of a pitch pipe or any device that will make the process of tuning fast and effective.
Tuning confirms that the strings of the guitar have made it ready to use it. The exact order you used for installing the strings is the same order you will use when tuning the guitar.
Tips to an effective installation process
- To effectively tune the strings, you may need to have a proper winder that will make the various adjustments convenient.
- Extra tuning is not a very good thing as it will make the guitar parts break. It will therefore destroy the guitar rather than making it.
- Take caution to ensure that you have put the correct string on the right hole. Missing the wholes will result in having an unbalanced sound production and poor effectiveness of the guitar.
- Choosing the proper installation method also makes it easier to implement the installation process.
Importance of changing the strings
Another thing you need to understand is the reason why you need to change the guitar strings even though you are without bridge pins. Below are a few reasons that will make changing the strings necessary.
- Sound production- When you change the strings, you assure that the kind of sound it will produce will be of excellent quality.
- Ease of playing- you will also find the strings to be quite simple to play. One thing you will be happy about is the fact that when you have new strings, they don’t injure your fingers, making your playing sessions more convenient.
- Proper note achievement- you will also have a chance to play the appropriate notes because, after installation, you tune the guitar for proper note identification. Accurate tuning after putting new strings is essential because it will sustain better, emphasizing the note quality.
- Improved life-changing strings guarantee you an additional service by the guitar. Therefore, you will be pretty sure that the service you will get from the guitar is long-lasting and of the best quality. When changing strings, you also get a chance to maintain the instrument, guaranteeing that it will deliver the most outstanding service.
Routine maintenance and change of strings is an essential thing. When you have mastered the whole process of changing the strings, you will be pretty sure that the kind of service you will enjoy is excellent. Choosing quality strings and the best tools of work will make everything good for you.
Conclusion
Changing guitar strings where there is no bridge is a straightforward task. When you observe the procedure we have highlighted in the article, you will be pretty sure that the quality of service it will produce will be outstanding.
One of the basic things you need to ensure that you change the guitar strings without bridge pins successfully is making sure that you choose the best strings and a sound installation method. Proper tightening is also essential as it will make the sustain better and the sound quality more enhanced.
