It’s always rewarding to learn a new chord or two with your guitar, but did you already know how to fix a broken guitar string? If you do, are you sure there’s no better, quicker and more efficient way?
In this guide we will teach you not just how to fix guitar strings, but how to do it in the quickest possible time. The tutorials you find online may be long and convoluted, and you want something that’s simplified, made into easy-to-follow steps.
This may probably be the guide you need. Let’s get into it stat!
Contents
Method 1: Snapped String Fix
Step 1: Use The Long Tails
Many of the DIY guitar strings tutorial these days will tell you that those long tails at the end of your guitar are there so that you don’t have to spend a long time replacing a broken string.
To do this part, you must make sure that the guitar string snapped already has tails at the top. If they do, all you need to do is simply pop out the bridge string so you can release the broken string’s loose end.
Just make sure that you don’t accidentally throw away the bridge pin as it’s prone to get misplaced.
Step 2: Unwind the Broken String
This next step requires you to pull the broken string to unwind it before sticking it to the ball end. Just make sure you twist it around the ball end a few times to secure it.
Step 3: Adjust The Tuning Post
Now that the strings are attached to the ball end, you can then loosen the string’s top end so you can have a leeway to play with the string so the broken end can be placed back into the peg hole.
Step 4: Return The Broken End Into The Peg Hole
Next, you have to return the broken end of the string back into the peg hole of the guitar before pulling the string back to the top end. After this, you can then snap the bridge back into its original location.
It’s important that you line the string in a parallel position into the bridge before bringing it back up into the tuning post.
You can now then adjust the tuning back to its correct tension strength. If you have more strings remaining at the guitar’s machine head, simply curl them under it so you can use them later.
Method 2: Replacing The Actual String
Step 1: Remove the Broken String
To do this guitar fix, the first step would simply be to remove the broken string by pulling it out from the bridge pin and the machine head.
To unwind it from the machine head, you just need to unwind the tuning posts to carefully remove that string that needs to be replaced.
Step 2: Replace The Pin
This next step entails taking the ball end of the brand new string and slipping it in the peg hole at around 1 inch in depth. Next, you need to place the bridge back into the hole by pressing it with your thumb until you can feel that it is tightly settled.
Step 3: Pull The String Through Its Tuning Post
You need to uncoil the string, run its complete length towards its slot in the bridge and then through the fret board. Insert the other end through the holes in the tuning post.
Then, you need to bend the string inserted into the tuning post to a 90 degree angle to avoid tangling it up. Afterwards, wind the string around with the tuning post counterclockwise to wring the string tight.
Step 4: Tune The String To Correct Position
This last step requires you to test the string if the tune is right with the help of the tuning post. When it makes a clean, tight sound, then you can now stop winding the tuning post.
If you’re still having trouble following the guide above, supplement it with this video tutorial here. Unfortunately, the video won’t be enough; you still have to read the guide:
FAQs
What’s a standard guitar string repair cost?
If you’re going for the guide we have above, the cost would just be about less than 10 dollars for the strings.
Would it be okay if the guitar string is 90 cm long?
Yes. If it turns out that it’s a bit too long, you can just wind it around at the top end, so you can use them later when your strings break.
What’s a good guitar string repair method?
It depends. You can go for the Snapped String Method if you still have long tails left at the machine head of the guitar.
Otherwise, you may need to replace the whole string with a new one using Method 2.
What are homemade guitar strings?
They’re strings made out of substitutes you can find in your house, which may include nylon or plastic hybrid strings.
Why do guitar strings break?
They break as a result of wear and tear, overuse or strings wound too tightly at the top end of the guitar.
My guitar string broke. Where should I buy new ones?
If you’re near a physical guitar store, buy your new strings there to check them more accurately. Online is better, too, but make sure you read customers’ reviews and verify them if they’re real and not paid.
Conclusion
And there you have it: you now have learned the two popular methods of replacing a guitar string. Wasn’t that easy enough?
To recap: the first step would only be applicable if your guitar’s tuning post has still some remaining tail ends. You can just simply pull the tail in towards the bridge pin if your string is snapped.
The second method requires an actual, brand new replacement, and will only be applicable if your guitar no longer have tail ends.
That said, you now have equipped yourself of the two, easy and quick ways to replace guitar strings without wasting money to hiring the services of a guitar expert. Without a doubt, learning how to fix a broken guitar string does really pay off!