Restringing an electric guitar is more variable than acoustic because of the different bridge designs. Here's how to handle the three most common configurations.
What You'll Need
- PGL Performance Series 10-46 Nickel Plated Electric Strings - String winder - Wire cutters - Electronic tuner
Stratocaster (Tremolo/Synchronized Tremolo)
1. Loosen and remove old strings 2. The ball end feeds through the back of the guitar (tremolo block holes) and up through the bridge saddle holes from below 3. Thread through the tuning post, leave 2" slack, wind downward 4. The spring block on the back will need checking if the bridge tilts significantly with new gauge strings
Les Paul (Tune-O-Matic with Stop Bar Tailpiece)
1. Loop the ball end around the stop bar tailpiece (ball end goes around the tailpiece from the front) 2. Thread the string over the saddle 3. Thread through the tuning post and wind 4. Wind direction: Away from center of headstock for all tuners
PRS and Fixed Bridge Guitars
Most fixed bridges feed the string through the back of the guitar similar to a Strat. Ball end through the back, over the saddle, up to the tuner.
Stretching and Tuning
New electric strings slip out of tune fast for the first hour. Pull each string gently away from the neck, retune, repeat 4-5 times per string. This shortens the break-in period dramatically.
String Trees
On Strats, string trees on the headstock hold the high strings at the correct break angle over the nut. Make sure strings sit properly in the tree grooves after installation.
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