for display only
Big Blue Interactive The Corner Forum  
Back to the Corner

Archived Thread

NFT: BBI Guitarist - First Broken String

rasbutant : 4/23/2014 6:22 pm
Yup, broke my first string ever on my guitar. I've been playing for about 2yrs, total beginner.

So couple questions:
Recommendations on replacement strings
and I assume this is an easy do it yourself project??

Guitar is a Taylor 110

Thanks.
You haven't changed strings in two years??  
vibe4giants : 4/23/2014 6:27 pm : link
If so, you should probably change them all.

There are lots of videos out there. You'll need a couple of tools. You can also go to your nearest guitar store and get them to do it and show you how. Should be around $20.
Definitely a do it yourself job  
Wuphat : 4/23/2014 6:28 pm : link
One of the most basic maintenance jobs for a guitar.

And you really should be changing them more frequently.

strings are  
SBlue46 : 4/23/2014 6:29 pm : link
Personal preference...
If you are playing acoustic
Use fingers...pick will limit
You..why play rythm when you
Can play melody bass and
Rythm at once and wont
Break strings...
yeh  
SBlue46 : 4/23/2014 6:31 pm : link
If you dont change strings
More often they will rust
And ruin frets. .
You don't need any tools to change  
BigBlueBuff : 4/23/2014 6:50 pm : link
a guitar string, this isn't a piano. It's very simple, replace them all but all for help/demonstration with the first one in the so, they'll show you.
interesting. didn't know that.  
rasbutant : 4/23/2014 6:52 pm : link
I bought it used to so who knows how old they are.
"ask for help"  
BigBlueBuff : 4/23/2014 6:52 pm : link
...
...  
Wuphat : 4/23/2014 7:49 pm : link
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xxeRFEP1Y4 - ( New Window )
2 year old strings have no life left.  
x meadowlander : 4/23/2014 8:36 pm : link
Unless you're a big Nick Drake fan, you want to change them relatively often. I usually change my acoustic sets out once every few months. Makes a marked difference in tone.
In terms of tools, I don't know how you'd do it without a wire cutter  
vibe4giants : 4/23/2014 9:08 pm : link
A string winder is nice, too, but optional.
Yeah - at a minimum, you'll cut the excess string...  
x meadowlander : 4/23/2014 9:28 pm : link
...from the tuner.

For my acoustic, I use a kitchen spoon to pry the pegs out.

It's a simple process, very satisfying and somewhat meditative.

Make SURE you pick up all the strings! Nothing worse than getting stabbed by a .13 gauge end hidden in a rug!

For brands and types - I always liked nickel phosphorus... never loyal to a particular brand, I like mediums cause they project more - heavier strings always play worse and sound better. You have to find what you like best through trial and error.

Lastly - don't buy Elixir's. 30 years of playing, only brand I've ever had break while playing. 2 times.
Wire cutter!  
BigBlueBuff : 4/24/2014 12:05 am : link
True, but I guess I just always cut them with my linesmen pliers and never actually really thought about it being a special tool. When I was teaching it and playing more I just pried out the pegs with a hard pick, but maybe my guitar was easier.

By the way, you replace all six at once, but don't take them all off at once. It's not good for the neck to release all of the tension.
Meh  
Johnny5 : 4/24/2014 10:20 am : link
I change my strings when they break. If you use NAPTHA it keeps the strings in good shape. And I play and gig a LOT.

I like the Elixir Phosphor Bronze. Pretty good sounding and last a while. After the coating wears off, use NAPTHA to keep them lively.

Oh and I do a LOT of flat picking. I don't find it limiting at all. It's a different style. There's lots of things I can do with a flat-pick stylistically that I couldn't do with just fingers.

As far as changing them, simple. There are 80 billion youtube videos that you can watch that will give you decent info.
google  
dorgan : 4/24/2014 10:27 am : link
frets.com

It's a great resource for all maintenance issues regarding acoustics.

I change strings every two weeks unless I'm using Elixirs at the time.
All non-coated strings start to lose their "chime" after a couple of weeks or so.
If you haven't changed strings in 2 years, you'll hear a remarkable difference in your guitar after you change them.
You've forgotten how good it can sound, but after changing them, it will be noticeable.
.  
Sneakers O'toole : 4/24/2014 10:31 am : link
.
Link - ( New Window )
Elixir Phosphor Bronze  
NNJ Tom : 4/24/2014 10:31 am : link
I second these. They are more expensive but last longer and sound brighter.
You will also hear just as many people tell you don't worry  
vibe4giants : 4/24/2014 12:05 pm : link
about cutting the strings all at once as you will telling you it will cause a problem. Cutting them all at once I only notice that I need to tune more at first. Perhaps it depends on the guitar.
Back to the Corner