Things You'll Need:
- New set of Fender strings
- Wire cutters
- Needle-nose pliers
- Wax
-
Step 1
Obtain Fender brand guitar strings from your nearest music store, either locally or via Internet and mail order resources. This is not an empty endorsement, but a nod to the design of the Stratocaster's tremolo bridge. If your playing style includes heavy tremolo use or whammy bar abuse, consider the Fender Bullet brand.
-
Step 2
Unwind all six tuners to slacken the remaining, rusty and finger-goop covered strings. Remove the rear plastic tremolo access cover, then utilizing wire cutters, snip the old strings above the nut. This provides a kink-free pull for all six strings at once from the rear access. Use a needle-nose pliers to safely remove bent and twisted string pieces from tuning posts.
-
Step 3
Take this opportunity to wipe the fret board, frets, bridge and pickup areas free of dust and grit. Apply wax if handy. Lemon furniture wax is a long time, economic favorite.
-
Step 4
Thread the largest string through the tremolo access hole, then through the tuning machine post hole. Leave enough slack in the string to provide for three to four wraps around the tuning post. Check to ensure a straight-as-an-arrow line from the nut to right hand side of the tuning post.
-
Step 5
Adjust the tuner so the post winds counterclockwise. Trim the excess string wire after a right angle bend is made. This helps prevent the wrapping from separating from the core.
-
Step 6
Repeat this process for the remaining five strings. Note the position of the string "trees" provided for the lower four strings. Ensure placement of the guitar strings in their respective notches to allow proper nut tension for the sake of sustain. Tune to pitch and enjoy the crisp sound.
