simple tool for changing strings

[Joseph Kincher]

I hit on this a few weeks back when changing all of my strings out. I'm probably not the first to think of it, but I haven't seen it here.

I've read here on the Forum (from Lane and others)about using a piece of foam to stick in the changer end of the guitar to secure the ball ends of strings while winding them, thus alleviating one from putting constant tension on a string to prevent the end of the string from dislodging. I have access to many different types of foam at my job, but this solution, which came out of an immediate necessity, seems the best to me. It is cheap (under $1), simple, available, and efficient. It is now an official part of my gear.




Also great for painting. Highly recommended. Four stars.

[Brint Hannay]

Great idea!

Just to be clear: did you make that, or buy it as is?

[Lane Gray]

Sherwin Williams sells them. About a buck, I think.

[Joseph Kincher]

As Lane said, this is a standard foam paintbrush, available at any Sherwin Williams, Miller Paint, True Value, Home Depot, etc, etc...Literally any paint or hardware store, not to mention any general store with a paint section. They come in a variety of widths, I tihink the one pictured is like 2, 2 1/2" across. These brushes are beveled at the tip, reticulated foam, with a wooden handle. No matter the size, they are almost always under a buck apiece. In my experience, there are 2 types: those with a rubber spatula-like center (my fave), and, more commonly, those w a hard plastic rectangular center attached to the base. Either is fine, as even the hard rectangle type will never come close to touching the changer. The built-in handle has an obvious advantage over a non-handled chunk of foam. And, again, this item is available for super cheap literally everywhere.

[Jack Stoner]

I use a small rubber wedge, also called a piano mute. The one I have I paid $1.00 from a vendor at the ISGC at least 25 years ago. It never wears out.

Fred Justice sells them on his web site.

[Bill Duncan]

The "Blue Ribbon" relieves the tension.

[Tommy Auldridge]

I've always used a small wooden wedge, that is actually for re-installing a new hammer, or ax handle. Tommy......

[Jim Kennedy]

I use a larg chop stick.

[Mike Taylor]

I use an eraser that typically goes on a pencil.. Works great and its nice and small

[Billy McCombs]

A rubber wedge door stop works good.

[Bill Rowlett]

I use a wooden spring clothespin. Works fine, so do Pink Lady erasers. I like the paintbrush too...

Bill

[John DeBoalt]

I use a pencil with a slip on wedge shaped eraser. It works well with the slotted changer on my Carter. If my changer had pins I'd probably need a different arrangement, John

[Larry Moore]

I have used the for many years it is a wooden close pin fits the Emmons & Derby. I have one in each pick pouch.

[Lee Warren]

I use a wooden clothes pin, like Larry, but drilled a hole that sits over the endpin.
That seems to help keep it in place.

I've had it on tour for about 20 years, so far.
The miracle is that I've never lost it in all that time!

[Gene Jones]