Many problems with tuning instability can be corrected
by adopting some slight changes to your restringing technique.
By following these tips, you can eliminate some of the causes
of tuning instability.
If you are a novice to restringing, we suggest that you do
not remove all of the strings at once, rather replace each
string one at a time to insure no bridge parts become dislodged
in the process.
Begin by determining the type of bridge. Each style of guitar,
be it acoustic or electric has a unique bridge that requires
a slightly different restringing method. To the left are 6
examples of different bridge types. There are other styles
of bridges available, so if yours does not match the following
examples, examine the current setup and the proceed here.
Before you begin replacing the strings, make sure you are
using a set similar to that which is already on the guitar.
Different gauges (thicknesses) may require further adjustments
to perform correctly. In addition, different types of strings
(acoustic steel strings, nylon classical strings, nickel wound
electric strings) may result in less than optimal performance,
or in the worst case, severe damage to the instrument. If
you are unsure of the strings used, check with elRayo Guitarworks
before proceeding.
- Begin by detuning the string, and then slowly removing
the string from the tuning post. Rushing the process could
result in damage to the headstock.
- Carefully remove the strings through the bridge.
- For Fender style bridges, makes sure no remaining
ball ends or string fragments are left in the bridge
string channels. Again, quickly removing the strings
from this end could result in finish damage around
the rear of the guitar
 For
Floyd Rose style bridges, use the included hex wrench
to loosen the string retaining block.
 For
steel string bridges, remove the bridge pins. If the
pin is difficult to remove, carefully push the string
into the hole to remove some of the pressure off of
the bridge pin, or use a the pin removing device found
on the end of many string winders to pull the pin
out. Too much force can result in a broken bridge
pin.
 For
Classical bridges, feed a small amount of the string
back through the bridge to loosen the knot holding
the string in place. Sometimes the slack end of the
string may be held in place by the adjacent knot.
If this is the case, begin with the first string not
bound underneath the neighboring string.
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