How to Change Nylon Guitar Strings
Changing nylon guitar strings is a bit more challenging for the beginner than changing steel strings. The lack of secured ends, difficulty in bending nylon string material, and extended stretching time can cause grief and frustration. But with a few tips, restringing classical guitars with nylon strings doesn't have to be a chore. Strings should be removed and replaced one at a time to avoid tension drops on the neck.
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Instructions
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1
Remove the old string by unwinding the tuning key with a peg winder and untying at the bridge.
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2
Insert one end of the new string into the bridge hole, with about 2 inches of slack through the back of the bridge.
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3
Pull the slack end up toward the bridge, loop around the underside of the string, and pull back toward the rear of the bridge.
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4
Loop the slack end around the string 3 or 4 times, working from the top loop to the rear, and pull long end of string to tighten knot, forming an open-ended multiple "figure 8" pattern.
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5
Insert the top end of the string into the machine head (tuner) string hole, leaving about 3 inches of slack string on the neck.
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Loop the end of the string around the tuning post, inserting it into the hole again to form a single loop knot by pulling taut.
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Wind the string using the peg winder until proper pitch is reached, while pulling on the slack to assist with tension.
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8
Snip the excess string with wire cutters.
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9
Stretch the string by pulling with gentle pressure, until it will no longer go out of tune. Nylon strings require more stretching than steel strings, and the guitar may slip out of tune slightly for several days until the strings stabilize.
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Tips & Warnings
There are a number of knot patterns, each favored by individual players, and there is no single correct way to tie knots on classical guitar strings.
Periodic removal of all strings may be done to facilitate guitar and neck cleaning, but the guitar should be restrung immediately after servicing. Restringing may begin with either the low "E" or high "E" string.
