Are you stringing your guitar correctly? Many guitarists, even experienced ones, might be surprised to learn they’ve been doing it wrong. Incorrect stringing can lead to significant damage to your guitar, specifically the bridge plate. This crucial piece of wood inside your acoustic guitar is designed to withstand the tension of the strings, preventing them from ripping through the softer top wood. Learning the correct technique is simple, and it’s essential to protect your instrument and maintain its longevity.
The Hidden Damage of Incorrect Stringing: Bridge Plate Wear
The bridge plate, typically made of rosewood or maple, sits directly beneath the bridge inside your guitar. It’s the anchor point for the ball ends of your guitar strings. When strings are improperly installed, the ball ends can grind against the bridge plate, causing wear and tear over time.
One common mistake is using bridge pins to force the ball ends into place and then pulling up on the string to seat them. This action essentially turns the string windings into a saw, carving grooves into the bridge plate every time you change strings. Similarly, if the ball end isn’t seated parallel to the guitar body, it can also dig into the plate.
Over time, this repeated damage can wear down the bridge plate holes to the point where they become elongated or even tear. Visible signs of bridge plate damage include string windings protruding excessively through the bridge towards the saddle. Ignoring this issue can lead to costly and avoidable repairs. However, the good news is that by adopting the correct stringing technique, you can keep your bridge plate in excellent condition for decades.
Step-by-Step Guide to Correct Guitar Stringing
Follow these simple steps to string your guitar correctly and protect your bridge plate:
1. Prepare Your Guitar and Strings:
Before you begin, gather your new strings and any tools you use for string changes, such as a string winder and wire cutters. It’s also helpful to have a small mirror to inspect the bridge plate.
2. Gently Bend the String Ball End:
Image: Bending the ball end of a guitar string slightly to aid in correct insertion into the bridge.
Take the ball end of the string and gently bend it slightly. This slight curve helps to position the ball end correctly against the bridge plate. Avoid kinking the string; a gentle bend is all that’s needed.
3. Insert the Ball End Properly:
Image: Correctly inserting the ball end of a guitar string into the bridge hole, ensuring it curls towards the soundhole and sits against the bridge plate.
Insert the ball end into the bridge hole, ensuring it is oriented so that it will sit parallel to the guitar body. Push the ball end in until it’s fully seated against the bridge plate. You should feel it stop as it hits the plate. When correctly inserted, the ball end will curl towards the soundhole and become less visible. Hold the ball end firmly against the plate while inserting the bridge pin to secure it. Make sure to keep your bridge pins in order if you remove them all at once.
4. Determine the Correct String Length:
Image: Method for measuring the correct length of a guitar string before cutting, using the tuning pegs and frets as guides.
To get the right length for winding around the tuning post, pull the string up to its corresponding tuner. Hold the string at the tuner with your left hand. With your right hand, pinch the string at the 3rd fret and pull it up to the 5th fret, creating slack. Cut the string at the point where your left-hand fingers are holding it at the tuner. This method provides the ideal length for proper winding. Repeat this for each string.
5. Wind the String on the Tuning Post:
Image: Using a string winder to wind a guitar string onto the tuning post, ensuring the string winds neatly under itself.
Insert the end of the string into the hole in the tuning post. Use a string winder to turn the tuning peg, winding the string neatly around the post. Ensure that the string winds downwards, under itself, for a clean and secure wrap.
6. Check the Ball End Seating:
Image: A view of the bridge plate with three guitar strings correctly installed, showing the proper orientation of the ball ends.
Before bringing the string up to full tension, double-check that the ball end is still seated correctly and parallel to the guitar body. Do this for each string as you install them. A small mirror can be helpful to get a clear view inside the soundhole.
The Cost of Neglecting Proper Stringing
Image: Example of a damaged guitar bridge plate from incorrect stringing, showing torn wood grain and worn string holes requiring repair.
Ignoring correct stringing techniques can lead to bridge plate damage that requires professional repair. As seen in the image above, a severely damaged bridge plate, like this one from a 1975 Gibson Hummingbird, shows torn grain and excessively worn string holes. Repairing a damaged bridge plate can cost $100 or more, a completely avoidable expense.
Protect Your Guitar, Enhance Your Sound
Correctly stringing your guitar is a simple yet crucial aspect of guitar maintenance. By following these steps, you’ll protect your bridge plate from unnecessary wear and ensure your guitar remains in top playing condition for years to come. Proper stringing not only prevents damage but also contributes to better tuning stability and overall sound quality. Take the time to string your guitar correctly – your instrument will thank you for it!
