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Topic: Electric String Winder? |
Niels Andrews
From:
Salinas, California, USA
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Posted 13 Jun 2012 9:16 am |
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First time I saw this I thought it was a joke. I can't believe anyone would need a electric tool to change guitar strings. I have used EB crank for years and it is borderline overkill. I must be doing something wrong, but all my guitars with quality tuners stay in tune fine? 
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo. |
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Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
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Posted 13 Jun 2012 9:45 am
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I have used a Black & Decker electric screw driver at times when changing all the strings on my guitar. Saves a lot of time and wear and tear on my arm that has some problems. But mostly I just use a manual winder.
Whether you wind your strings with an electric or manual winder (or just your fingers) has no effect on whether your strings stay in tune.
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting. |
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David Nugent
From:
Gum Spring, Va.
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Posted 13 Jun 2012 10:36 am
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| I own one of these Ernie Ball gizmos and would not be without it, cuts string changing time on a steel guitar in half...(FWIW)..Have read a few negative reviews stating that these will quit working after a short period of use, not so. Due to a minor design flaw, there is excess space in the battery compartment and the batteries rattle around and lose contact with the poles. I placed a small section of cardboard in mine and have had no problem since. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 13 Jun 2012 11:45 am
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Stick 'em up! 
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Niels Andrews
From:
Salinas, California, USA
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Posted 13 Jun 2012 12:42 pm
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Right Erv, the point I was making is you don't need two feet of extra string, a couple of turns and the string won't slip.
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 13 Jun 2012 12:59 pm
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Niels,
I don't have one either but sometimes it would come in handy especially when stringing up something like this:
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Niels Andrews
From:
Salinas, California, USA
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Posted 13 Jun 2012 1:36 pm
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Thanks Erv,
After looking at that thing I will have nightmares.The question is why would one endure such punishment? Music should be pleasurable. 
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo. |
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Lynn Fargo
From:
Fort Edward, NY
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Posted 13 Jun 2012 1:38 pm
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Funny, I just ordered mine about 30 mts ago from my local music store. I'm expecting my Live Steel Strings in the mail any day now, and wasn't looking forward to all that winding with the sidewinder. (Prone to tendonitis.) Hope I fall in love with both my new acquisitions.
_________________
Sho-Bud Pro II Custom, GFI Ultra SD-10, Fender Pro Amp, Fender Mustang II Amp, Morrell 8-string lap, Epiphone 6-string lap, Galveston reso, etc. |
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Lee Baucum
From:
McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier
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Posted 13 Jun 2012 1:57 pm
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| I've got a couple of cordless string winders. |
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David Eastwood
From:
Minnesota, USA
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Posted 13 Jun 2012 2:23 pm
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I've had one of the EB winders for a couple of years now. I find it almost makes string changing a pleasure (I did say 'almost').
I would, however, recommend verifying exactly which way it needs to turn *before* applying it to the tuner  |
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Bill Moran
From:
Virginia, USA
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Posted 15 Jun 2012 10:29 am
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Been using a Black & Decker cordless screwdriver for 25 years. LOL. Just lazy I guess. 
_________________
Bill |
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Lee Baucum
From:
McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier
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Posted 15 Jun 2012 2:31 pm
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Bill - I've got a pretty large collection of cordless screwdrivers hanging on the pegboard out in my garage!  |
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Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
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Posted 15 Jun 2012 3:06 pm
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I use a cordless variable speed screwdriver. It makes a tedious task quicker and easier.
I have the guitar plugged into a tuner, and rapidly tighten'em to within a whole tone of the target note.
Then I slowly advance til I overshoot by a half-tone. Saves on having to manually stretch them.
I can't see the downside of using one. |
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Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 15 Jun 2012 3:52 pm I'm gettin' depressed!
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I just calculated how many strings I have to change and it totals 167 strings. Whew! That's $127.00 worth of 'new strangs' to reinstall.
Do you guys simply cut the strings when you're in the process of removing them or what?
If yes, how do you get the short ends still wrapped around the tuning device off the guitar in the process?
I'm gettin' more depressed the more I ponder the question and await your next responses. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 15 Jun 2012 4:48 pm
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I used to use (til it broke) this cheap chinese cordless screwdriver that had an adjustable clutch. I set it to where it'd start slipping just shy of full tension at pitch.
I still miss that sucker.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Lee Baucum
From:
McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier
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Posted 16 Jun 2012 8:47 am
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| One thing I like about my cordless string-winders and my collection of cordless screwdrivers is the fact that none of them require batteries. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 16 Jun 2012 9:07 am
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I was just listening to Hiram King Williams.
A winder is what the light shines bright from.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Henry Matthews
From:
Texarkana, Ark USA
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Posted 16 Jun 2012 8:59 pm
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All my string winders are cordless, never seen one with a cord.
_________________
Henry Matthews
D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes. |
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Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
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Posted 16 Jun 2012 9:27 pm Re: I'm gettin' depressed!
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| Ray Montee wrote: |
......
Do you guys simply cut the strings when you're in the process of removing them or what?
If yes, how do you get the short ends still wrapped around the tuning device off the guitar in the process?
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Ray, I put a cloth over the strings and cut'em in the middle (the cloth protects my hand, and stops the ball end remnants from flying off). Then I collect the changer end portions and toss them.
After that, I grab the key head string end with my left hand and unwind it off the key using a cordless driver in my right. De-stringing a D-10 takes about 5 minutes.
To restring, I measure and cut the string about two tuning posts longer than needed. After poking the string through the tuner. I bend it at a right angle, give the key a couple of turns (to lock it) and then hook the ball end on the changer. Maintaining string tension, I reach over and tighten the key-head til it's a half tone over open pitch. The most important thing is to make sure the ball end is snug up against the changer pin, so it doesn't get sheared off. |
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Ken Metcalf
From:
San Antonio Texas USA
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Posted 18 Jun 2012 5:33 am
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I use a cordless screw gun and have thought of getting a fancier one, its nice.
I put a couple extra wraps on my 3rd string.
_________________
MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes |
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David Nugent
From:
Gum Spring, Va.
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Posted 18 Jun 2012 6:57 am
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| I use the exact method as Tony (two posts past the intended tuning key) to pre-cut my plain strings, but it should be noted that on the wound strings, as the gauge size increases it will be necessary to decrease the string length so that there is sufficient space to wind the string on the post. |
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Sonny Jenkins
From:
Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx
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Posted 18 Jun 2012 11:18 am
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| ,,,,jeeeezzz,,,and I've heard guys criticize keyless guitars because you have to have an allen wrench to change strings,,,,,hello-o-o-o |
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