How to String a Slot Head Guitar

String a slot head guitar when the current strings will not keep proper tuning. Guitar strings only keep good tone for the first 50 to 60 hours of play. After that, it is often difficult to get the strings in tune. It takes a little coordination to string a slot head musical instrument, but many become proficient before finishing all six strings. A slotted head is typical for a classical guitar, but it's also found on older steel string guitars. There are more acoustic guitar models with slotted heads than electric. An electric guitar with a slot head is often an acoustic/electric type.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wire cutters
• String winder wrench (optional)

1. 
   The "A" string, or second from the top, going through the saddle. The slotted guitar head is toward the left.

   Thread the string through the saddle from the bottom. Pull ball end strings through until the ball stops at the back end of the hole and proceed to Step 4. Follow Steps 2 and 3 for securing a plain end string.

2. 
   The lower portion of this plain end A string is pulled from under the saddle and looped around behind the upper portion sticking out from the top of the saddle.

   Pull a plain end string through the saddle, leaving 3 inches of string sticking out from the bottom. Plain end strings must be tied to the saddle. Loop the bottom part of the string around the part coming out the top of the saddle for the first phase of the knot.

3. 
   This A string is knotted to the saddle and ready to be attached to the tuning post at the head.

   Complete the knot to secure the string to the saddle. Pull the end of the string out from behind the upper portion it's looped behind and pull down over the saddle. Slip the short end under the lower part of the loop that is under the saddle stock. The loose end of the string gets sandwiched between the saddle and knot loop. This forms a knot held by the tension of the string as it gets pulled upward to the tuning post in the head.

4. 
   The A string is threaded through the middle tuning post on the left.

   Pull the string up over the length of the neck to the tuning post in the slot head. Thread the upper end of the string through the hole in its horizontal tuning post. Bring the string through post hole from the bottom to the top.

5. 
   This A string is running through the post and looped under itself.

   Secure the string to the tuning post with a simple tension knot. Lace the string sticking out from the upper side of the post around the string under the post. Pull upward on the end. When the tuning post is tightened, the loose end of the string will be trapped under the long portion of the string being stretched over the front of the guitar.

6. 
   As the tuning post turns, it repeatedly covers the loop with tension bearing string.

   Twist the tuning machine crank to rotate the post upward. Hold tension on the end of the string as the rotation causes the loop to get sandwiched between the post and the string winding over it.

7. 
   The string winder is cupped over the tuning machine for the A string.

   Use a string winder wrench to tighten the string to its proper tuning pitch. Pull the string away from the fretboard to stretch it and tighten it into tune again. Nylon strings may continue to stretch and go flat for several days.

8. 
   This cut is made behind the slot head.

   Clip the end of the string with wire cutters. This will keep loose ends from getting intertwined with other strings as they are being tuned.

Tips & Warnings

• Twist double loops around the knots at the saddle and tuning post when securing the G, B and high E strings in steps 2 and 5. These lower three clear nylon strings without bronze winding need an extra wrap to hold them in place. The single loops shown in those steps will securely hold the three bronze wound top strings, the low E, A and D strings.