Stringing Method Tutorial

Last Update: 2/18/01

This stringing method is based on the John Gilbert stringing method found on this web site.

	The first step is to protect the soundboard area behind the bridge tie block. You can use a 3"x 5" index card. Attach it with a strip of masking tape. To reduce the stick of the tape, dab the tape on you clothes a couple times. Tape with too much stick can damage the top of the guitar, so be careful!
	The order that we will attach the strings will be 1st, 2nd, 3rd, then 6th, 5th, and 4th strings.This will give the treble strings time to stretch out as we attach the basses. Also by attaching them in this order we prevent the strings from getting in the way as we attach them to the rollers of the tuning machines. Let's start by forming a ball on the end of the trebles. We do this by sticking the end of the string near, but not in, the flame of a candle or match. The ball should be about 1 1/2 - 2 times the diameter of the string.
	Now take the end of the string without the newly formed ball and run it through the hole in the back of the tie block. The end with the ball should stick out about 2" from the back of the tie block. This is the part of the string that will be tied to the tie block.
	Take the end of the string with ball and bring it up and over the tie block and under the string. I usually go under the strings from the bass side.
	Pull the string towards the back of the tie block.
	Here is where a picture is worth a thousand words! The string is brought around the back edge of the tie block and is looped around and under the the part of the string that first passed over the tie block. The ball end should be sticking up ever so slightly over the top of the tie block. No more then 1/4".(See Photo) This is very important since it is the vertical edge of the tie block and not the horizontal top of the tie block that anchors the strings.Bridge design is critical for proper tying of the strings.
	Here is what your treble strings should look like.
	Here's a side view.
	Now let's see how to tie the treble strings on to the rollers. The first step to attach the strings to the head is to turn the rollers until the holes are all facing up towards you. In this photo the first string has already been attached.
	Now take your treble string, in this case the second string, and slip it through the hole.
	Next pull the string up and around the roller.
	Here is a critical step! We now want to wrap the string under itself. The string needs to be attached so that the loose end faces toward the middle of the head. We do this by wraping it under the string from the outer machine head side of the string and pulling it towards the middle of the head.
	Now wrap the string around itself one more time. You should have a total of two wraps around the string. The loose end shoud face towards the middle of the head. In the photo the loose end is the one to the left of my finger tip.
	Now pull the string tight. Again, make sure the loose end faces the middle of the head. This is very important!
	You can now tune this string up to pitch. It is critical that the string wraps around the roller towards the outside! The loose end, once again, faces toward the middle of the head.
	Here's another view.
	Once the string is tuned up to pitch you can cut off the excess.The excess string end should not be longer then 1/4". Once you have tied all the treble strings and have tuned them up to pitch you can then start to attach the bass strings.
	We're ready to attach the bass strings. Some bass strings have a weak and flimsy end to them. Do Not Use that end for the tie block!!!
	Start with the 6th string. Slide the string through the tie block.
	Bring the string up and over the tie block towards the head. Wrap it under the string and back towards the back edge of the tie block.
	Now thread the end under the string at the end of the tie block as shown in the photo. Pull tight, and cut the string end so that it has about 1/4" of excess.
	Once you have all the strings attached and tuned up they will look like this.
	Here's a view from the front.
	Just like with the treble strings, the bass strings are attached by sliding the string through the roller hole from the top.
	Then the string is pulled up and around the roller.
	The only difference between ataching the bass and the treble strings to the head is that the basses are wrapped only once under the string.
	Now tune the string.
	Cut the excess so that there is no more then 1/4".
	Make sure that the string wraps around the roller towards the machine head NOT towards the middle of the head.
	Here's what it should look like when you are all done.

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