New String Stretching Protocol

Steve Mueller · From: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

For those of you that change their strings fairly often(say every 1-2 weeks), what is your process for stretching them out quickly so you can play gigs/studio dates the same day without undue stretching during the gig. I got fairly aggressive on my last set of C6th strings and ruined them - they wouldn't stay in tune after I manually stretched the until they stopped detuning. I've previously just done a couple of tugs on the middle of each string and left it at that, the downside being they take a couple of playing hours to properly stretch.
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Larry Allen · From: Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii

What strings do you use? I use D’Addario NYXL Nickel and never have that issue, using the same mid string stretch you do.. Excel guitars. Larry
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Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

I used George L's for years and when I was on the road. Could change them in the morning and ready for a show that night. Tugging (stretching) didn't hurt them.
George L's have been discontinued and I now use SIT. No problem stretching the SITs.

I did have a problem with a different brand, I tried, about 30 years ago that were like "rubber bands" and couldn't even get tuned up. Took them off and put the George L's on and it fell in place.

Ian Rae · From: Redditch, England

My gigs are infrequent so I can take my time changing strings. I just put them on and do my regular practice, and after a few days I sit down and find they haven't gone flat overnight.

I appreciate that this method doesn't work if you have a busy diary.
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John Hyland · From: South Australia

I lift the string in the middle about3/4 inch, re tune . Repeat until it doesn’t go out of tune. Caution with the 11 thou. As an aside make sure the strings on the tuning peg never cross over each other. This will make the settling down take much much longer as the portion of string crossed is restricted by the over portion .

I also believe that the minimum number of turns around the peg should only be about 2 times. Again this means less length of string that needs bedding in and less time to change the string (less winds)

Lee Baucum · From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier

D Schubert · From: Columbia, MO, USA

When I'm winding the new strings on the post, I'm pulling the string upwards in the middle to achieve a tight wrap. And some side-to-side movement as they get close to pitch to be sure everything is seated and centered. Tune approximately to pitch and then lift the string in the center. Tune again and run through all the pedals and levers. May have to repeat once or twice for fine adjustment, and by then strings are pretty stable. (newer GFI, older Sho-Bud)
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Steve Mueller · From: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Thanks everyone for the input. I restrung yesterday afternoon with a new set of strings(Stringjoy). I gave each string a couple of tugs and retuned it to pitch after each. It settled in nicely. After playing for awhile, no noticeable detuning. I just stretched the first set too hard and aggressively trying to get them fully stretched immediately which I don't normally do. I use Stringjoy or NYXL exclusively. Great tone, zero breakage.
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2016 Williams D12 8 x 8, 2015 Williams D12 8 x 8, 2023 Williams S12 4 x 5, Milkman Amps, 1974 Gibson Byrdland

Marty Broussard · From: Broussard, Louisiana, USA

Fwiw,
Based upon some comments I read from Buddy several years ago I decided to stop pulling on the strings to stretch them. He commented that he had concerns that the point where it was pulled might become deformed or cause a void/flat spot.

I’ve used the following method for decades:
Except for the 3rd string, I tune every string a whole tone higher than its final pitch. After tuning them sharp the first time I go over them and keep bringing them back to that sharpened pitch. It usually takes about 3-4 passes and they stabilize. Then I tune them to their final pitch and check the pedals. This can all be done pretty quickly. I even do it if one breaks in a live situation. For the 3rd string I sharpen it a 1/2 tone.

I’m not sure if Buddy’s concern was a lifelong thing, or if it’s plausible, but I’ve gotten accustomed to the method and decided to share it.

Best regards
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Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Marty Broussard · From: Broussard, Louisiana, USA

Jack, now we know the rest of the story…lol
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"Technique is really the elimination of the unnecessary..it is a constant effort to avoid any personal impediment or obstacle to achieve the smooth flow of energy and intent" Yehudi Menuhin

Dennis Detweiler · From: Solon, Iowa, US

Side Note: Does anyone remember "Nashville Straights" strings? They were packaged uncoiled and claimed to be pre-stretched. I bought a set when they came out, but I didn't notice any difference. I don't think they were around long?
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Dale Rottacker · From: Walla Walla Washington, USA

There's only one string I've ever been concerned about as far as stretching and thats the 3rd string... I pump the B pedal, I push it to the fretboard and when I finally tune to pitch I lean WAY back. This may be a hold over from my .011 gauge days on a 77 Pro lll... I was filling in for a friend of mine one night sitting right by a drafty door and popped 5, count em, 5, 3rd strings as fast as I could put them on... good thing the last one didn't pop cause I only had one 3rd string left of my Ernie Ball package.

The rest of the strings I mainly just push to the fretboard... I might add that I'm now using the D'Addario NYXL's and they seem especially resilient and long lasting.
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Marty Broussard · From: Broussard, Louisiana, USA

Dennis, I remember them. They were in cardboard boxes hanging behind the counter at the music store.

Dale, I can relate. One very cold night at an outdoor show around Austin I broke approx 4 of the .011’s in the first 15 minutes. I played the balance of the show without it. Had to adjust my game…lol.
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RETIRED

"Technique is really the elimination of the unnecessary..it is a constant effort to avoid any personal impediment or obstacle to achieve the smooth flow of energy and intent" Yehudi Menuhin

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I think it's more important to "seat" the strings. To do this, press down firmly on the string using your finger or thumb immediately in front of the changer and the nut. This helps the string to conform to the radii of those parts.

Dale Rottacker · From: Walla Walla Washington, USA

Lee Baucum · From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier

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