Hello All,

Just a few words and a photo for those new to guitars
below is a stringwinder and a electronic tuner, maybe $16 for both.

With the stringwinder you can change strings in short time,
even if you daudle.

The tuner makes playing the instrument, to say the least playable.
there are many models out there many are better but this will do the job.

Thought I'd share this elementary tip as I was suprised lately at
how many players aren't aware of these tools.

Any other suggestions folks, chime in, I need learn too.

Cheers.

Mr. Bill, those are certainly must-have tools. I would really recommend a string winder with a built-in cutter and bridge pin puller, like this one from Planet Waves:



I have one of these, and I find it very useful.

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm.

Neither tool was yet invented when I was a new player.

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You dig?

Hello Russianracehorse, Martin & all,

Sure enough that is a slick winder Russian.
I got mine for 50cents about 35 years ago,
time for an upgrade.

Martin back in the pre tuner days we all had a
tuning fork in our cases. I think it was in th 70's
my mum got me a analog korg tuner. Best present
I ever got.

The very reason I brought all this up is after selling
a guitar a month ago the buyer gave me a call and
asked if I would retune it. Poor devil just didn't know.
I spent about an hour with him, now he can tune up and restring.
A bit strange there he was playing licks he learned off you tube
on an out of tune instrument. Weird.

Cheers

One thing I think is important. Don't skimp on cables. Get some George L's or some good Planet Waves. They last longer and carry the sound much better.

I never use a string winder and as much as I love my electric tuner I hate it. After I bought my first really good tuner it has made me lazy and I rely on it to much. I can remember putting on Paranoid and hitting an open E till I was in tune with it then finish tuning by ear. Dont get me wrong I think an electric tuner is great but I feel it gave me a lazy ear. Come to think of it when I teach my son who is 11 he uses the electric tuner and though I showed him how to tune without one I dont think he ever has. So guys just starting out make sure you switch up so you keep your ears sharp.

Weird, my guitar instructor has that EXACT same tuner....

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"If it's planned, it's boring." - Freddie Mercury

There is nothing worse than hearing an out-of-tune guitar, I agree.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

It took me about 30 years before I used a string winder!

Sure makes string changes easier.

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Guitar Collector Forum | Guitar hand trainer | Play Power Chords
Guitar string FAQ | Compare Guitar Tuners

Hi Mr Bill

The moment you realise your years are passing is when you discover there are electronic tuners and stringwinders in the world; they've been there for ages; and nobody told you... D'oh!

I got my first electronic tuner long after the '70s. (It was the little pipes before then.) In my own experience it's not lazy - in fact, I believe my ear for tuning got much better with its use. Like a spell checker on a computer; having your error pointed out immediately teaches you to improve quickly.

Use those tuners without shame, people.

To add to the useful tools list: howzabout a guitar cleaning cloth? No polish: hot breath and a willing elbow are all you need for the job.

Cheers - C

The first keyboard that I ever bought was only for the purpose of tuning to A-440 hz or "concert A"

I remember that old Casio well. It was even more amazing when I found out that not only could I tune my guitar to it, but the C, F and G chords were easier to play than anything I had ever learned on guitar.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I think I'd replace the string winder with a metronome for a newbie. But definately the electronic tuner.

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2015 Epiphone Casino Goldtop
2011 Taylor 814ce
2009 EC Custom Shop Merc Blue
2008 Schecter ATX
1964 Epi Granada E444T
Fender Super Champ XD

I've always used a string winder, mainly because I like alot of winds on the posts. I always figured the more winds, the better the guitar stays in tune. A couple years ago I bought one of these gadgets, and it saves alot of time and effort.
http://www.spin-doctor.com/

Everyone that doesn't sit and play needs a good strap and straplocks if you move alot. It's always a good idea to keep an extra set of strings around to just in case you break one.

I totally agree. Although the tuner is an amazingly accurate tool, I find myself only looking at the dial - not listening to the tone as well. Actually, I don't think it's possible to do those two things at the same time. That would be true multitasking and anyone who has ever driven behind a driver who is on the phone knows how poorly we do it.

I think it's good aural excercise to tune by ear - even once in a while.

Gridlok