Recommended Order of String Install on Complete Restringing?

Dennis Hanggi · Post by **Dennis Hanggi** » 20 Jan 2019 10:35 am

Is there a recommended order of installing strings when doing a complete restringing?

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 20 Jan 2019 11:42 am

Working from the outside in -- 1,2,3,4,5, ..... 10,9,8,7,6 -- is easiest, 1 & 10 being the tightest squeeze at the keyhead. Other than that, it makes absolutely no difference.

Kevin Fix · Post by **Kevin Fix** » 20 Jan 2019 3:51 pm

I take them all off and start from the outside with the new strings. I have polished metal necks and it is a good time to take "Mothers Mag Cleaner after them. I shine them up like a mirror.

Dick Wood · Post by **Dick Wood** » 20 Jan 2019 4:46 pm

I do it like Jon does.

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 20 Jan 2019 4:54 pm

And to clarify -- if I'm changing them all, I remove them all, all at once. It absolutely is the right time for some spit and polish. And the concerns of a standard guitar and tensions and neck relief do not exist on a steel.

Dennis Hanggi · Post by **Dennis Hanggi** » 21 Jan 2019 8:29 am

Thanks to all who replied.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 21 Jan 2019 8:39 am

When I change all of them (and not cleaning the guitar), I start by tuning string 9 to B. Then I change string 10 and tune it to the 9th string. Thn I go up from there. Having a tuned string below the one I am changing gives me a reference point to get the string close to where it needs to be, and tune by ear. Only
when I'm done do I bring out my tuner. Been working good for me for decades.

When cleaning my guitar, I still leave the 10th string on for a reference point.