how many turns when restringing a guitar?

Papa-J · **Joined:** Thu Dec 23, 2010 10:57 pm **Posts:** 169

ok so stupid question but years ago i was told when i first started guitar then when you put new stings on that you should be doing a minimum of two turns around the machine head for proper sustain and staying in tune better and longer. I have never really thought of it much until tonight when my 5 year old son asked "daddy how many turns?" then it hit me my locking machine heads have barley over half a turn and there fine, but yet i still do two and a half turns on every other guitar i own out of habit.

So how many turns?, or does it really even matter.

TimDrakeMusic · **Posted:** Mon Dec 27, 2010 9:52 pm

As a general rule I like to have about 2-3 wraps around the peg with standard tuners. More for the G to increase break angle over the nut.
For vintage style tuners, the guide Nevin posted details the process step by step.
hth

mclmk8d · **Posted:** Mon Dec 27, 2010 9:56 pm

a bunch!

Shredd6 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 27, 2010 11:31 pm

Nevin1985 wrote:

My number 1 has vintage style tuners, and I follow the "measurements" given by Fender and I am quite happy with that.

Quote:

Vintage keys - For these keys you will want to pre-cut the strings to achieve the proper length and the desired amount of winds.

Pull the 6th string to the 4th key and cut it (make sure when you are pulling the strings that you are pulling the string taut).

Pull the 5th string to the 3rd key and cut it.

Pull the 4th string between the 2nd and 1st keys and cut it.

Pull the 3rd string just about to the top of the headcap and cut it.

Pull the 2nd string about a 1/2" (13 mm) past the headcap and cut it.

Finally pull the 1st string 1 1/2" (38 mm) past the top of the headcap and cut it. Insert into the center hole in the tuning key, bend and crimp to a 90° angle, and wind neatly in a downward pattern (carefully as to prevent overlapping of the strings).

This gives around 2 turns for me. Remember, vintage tuners though.

+1
I've been doing this on all of my guitars, and it's worked very well for me so far.

JimDaddyO · **Joined:** Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:34 pm **Posts:** 52

I use 1 turn above the string that comes through the tuner and 2 (min) below. I seen an article on BB King and he wraps the whole length of the string.

Guitarist1983 · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2008 12:07 pm **Posts:** 383

At least 2 wraps for me.

nicholsoni · **Posted:** Tue Dec 28, 2010 5:35 am

I tend to do one one top and one to two below, but I am not very prcise, as long as it looks ok I move on.

cordas · **Joined:** Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:41 am **Posts:** 16

Hi,
as mentioned, a couple should be enough, but for better tuning stability (assuming that's the reason for your question) I found that using some kind of "knot technique" helps.
I use this one, http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/repair/acoustic-guitar/string-changing.php
Cheers,
Cordas

Papa-J · **Joined:** Thu Dec 23, 2010 10:57 pm **Posts:** 169

Actually I have NEVER done any type of knot technique, but i did notice the highway one was strung exactly like you linked when i bought it. I might have to give that a try now

guitslinger · **Posted:** Tue Dec 28, 2010 12:52 pm

I never go more than 2 wraps with any string as the more wraps you have the more likely you are to have tuning problems due to the extra winds stretching.

Kong · **Posted:** Tue Dec 28, 2010 2:47 pm

I got a good tip from our friend, Martian. I make a fist between the string and the fretboard, I get just the right number of wraps that way.

Tochai · **Posted:** Tue Dec 28, 2010 4:33 pm

nicholsoni wrote:

as long as it looks ok I move on.

+1.

rkreisher · **Posted:** Wed Dec 29, 2010 11:46 am

This a general question, but here is my answer.

It depends on what kind of tuners I have on my guitars. For standard tuners I shoot for at least 4 revolutions. On Floyd Rose equipped instruments, I shoot for 3 to 4 revolutions. On vintage tuners (with the slot) 2 to 4 revolutions depending on the string guage. On locking tuners, as little as possible, no more than 1 revalution.

Of course it has to be in tune when done. Play around with it and find your niche when it comes to re-stringing your guitar.

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