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Post subject: Help!! String stuck in block!
Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 10:34 pm
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Changing strings and my D'Addario 4th string is stuck! Any suggestions on getting it out appreciated. Nothing like this has ever happened to me!

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Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 10:52 pm
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I usually use the end of the low E string to poke it out, if I already changed that one. There's another post somewhere on here where people said what they do for that, but I don't remember any examples.


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Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 12:08 am
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JasonSD wrote:
I usually use the end of the low E string to poke it out, if I already changed that one. There's another post somewhere on here where people said what they do for that, but I don't remember any examples.


Good idea! I Googled it after posting here. Ended up using a small Allen wrench to poke it through. It was stuck for a good 10 min. or so. Freaked me out! I've changed the strings maybe 5 or 6 times on my new Strat and this has never happened. Yikes! Low E string is a good idea cause that's the one I change first. Thanks.

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Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 4:54 am
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I've had this problem a lot with D'Addario strings and my Strat. I found that a simple hook tool from Sears works great to reach into the block cavity to dislodge the string end. These tools usually come as part of a set:

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_ ... yword=pick

The pick with the slight curve fits nicely into the cavity. There's a basic version of these tools that are much cheaper.

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Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 6:16 am
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Any string can do this in a Strat not just D'Addario's. I wouldn't use an awl. You run the risk of making burrs in the string hole causing all kinds of string breakage problems. Just use the method JasonSD described. I've been doing it that way for decades with no damage.


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Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 6:45 am
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Hello Gldfshkpr,

Fender bullets & superbullets do not
have this problem FWIW.

Also if you have a complete drill bit set
you can open it up a few thousandths.

Cheers.


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Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:56 am
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Thanks for the suggestions. Does the Callaham block have this annoyance? If not, that's one more reason to upgrade the block. Either that or start using Bullets.

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Post subject: stuck string
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:44 am
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My book on the strat says that even bullets will sometimes stick. It's a common enough problem that guitar tool kits often include a tool called a trem poker to get the string end out. You can do the same thing with something called a "cake tester" that you can buy cheaply at kitchen supply stores. It's just a long steel rod with a ring on one end to hold on to. I've used the heavy paper clips that I straightened out, too.

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Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:13 am
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63supro wrote:
Any string can do this in a Strat not just D'Addario's. I wouldn't use an awl. You run the risk of making burrs in the string hole causing all kinds of string breakage problems. Just use the method JasonSD described. I've been doing it that way for decades with no damage.


+1

Works everytime!

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Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:33 am
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gldfshkpr wrote:
Thanks for the suggestions. Does the Callaham block have this annoyance? If not, that's one more reason to upgrade the block. Either that or start using Bullets.


I have a Callaham block and it will not accept bullets well. The receiving hole is too shallow and the bullets stick out of the block.

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Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:09 am
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soggycrow wrote:
I have a Callaham block and it will not accept bullets well. The receiving hole is too shallow and the bullets stick out of the block.


Good to know, thanks! Thanks to the other suggestions as well. On a related note, is it just me or does everybody find it easier to take off the back plate when changing strings? The holes don't line up with the slots well enough. I have my bridge flush with the guitar body.

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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 12:41 pm
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Hello Gldfshkpr,

Yep thake the back plate off,
stick it in you case with the screws,
and Fagetaboutit. :wink:

Cheers.


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Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:13 pm
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I stopped using Bullets because they occasionaly got stuck.

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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:15 pm
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I never found it to be that big a deal. I have a couple of non Fender guitars that do it on occasion too.


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 8:19 pm
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Have you tried to use a large paperclip? Unbend it to the first bend, stick it in from the bridge side of the guitar and tap on the end of the string a few times. It should dislodge. I have even used a wire clothes hanger to dislodge them before. BTW this is why I use Orginal Bullets in my Strats, I have had very little issues with strings getting stuck.

RK


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