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This may seem trivial, but at least for tuning I have noticed a difference between methods. Rather than the traditional "beginner's" or basic method (stick the string through, wind for 3-60 wraps cut, etc.)

I have always preferred the "self-locking" method, primarily because there is absolutely no chance of strings loosening at the tuning peg as opposed to a method with many wraps. (See video)



After a few years of using this method exclusively, I have received comments from other guitar players saying they have heard mention of a fuller tone with more wraps? I'm wondering if these are baseless conclusions stemmed from rumors, or perhaps reasonable estimations.

That said, I would without question prefer a guitar with slightly thinner tone than one that plays out of tune (using my method is rock solid, even with heavy string-bending blues playing). But I would like to know!! Thanks

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Captainate

I'm not an expert, but I can't imagine there'd be a difference in tone. I think this is snake oil. I've played guitar for 25+ years, and have strung my guitars more ways than you could possibly count in that time. I have yet to hear any difference at all in tone contributable to the way the guitar was strung. Hogwash, IMHO.

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

I had a friend that claimed more wraps= better tone.
I think it's malarky.
Is that the right word?
Maybe hogwash is better.
You got me thinking about how many guitars I've strung up in my life.
Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do put as many wraps as I can for the particular string,
just so it will stay in tune better, and I let the string wind feed down to get as steep a break angle as I can get.

Unless I NEED a steeper break over point on my nut (worn nut, buzz, etc.) I try to keep it down to just a couple of wraps around the posts. Guess it's a holdover from using locking tuners & only about 2/3 of 1 wrap. I always figured the less string looped around & around the post, the less there is to loosen up if I use a wang bar, less to slip & stretch out of tune. 1 loop over the top of the string end, one loop under, to lock it in place, like a clove hitch knot.

But that's me. I've see BB King with so much string on the posts they must have been 2-3 times bigger around than they're supposed to be. Different strokes I guess.

Here is the method I use and will not be changing anytime soon because I have better things to do than futz around and the finished result is very pro..



All this talk of extra wraps, tucking under and what ever else is BS IMO simply because the 'capstan' design of the string post makes it all completely unnecessary. People have been using capstans to lock all manner of stings, ropes and cables onto themselves for a long time before the steel stringed guitar came to be. In fact the method is so secure it can even hold a bloody big ship in place. I guess like so much else we can over think this stuff and that makes us begin to come up with solutions for problems that just don't exist.

Cheers

Kim

Kim, thanks for the speed technique!
I have a friend that ties his strings to the posts,
and then ties a treble clef knot on the low e string,
sticking up above the peghead.
Rediculous?
Yes, imo,
but, it makes him feel good about how he strings up his geetars.
So, all this worry about every little facet of guitar building brings up many questions.
Too much information!
I'm wondering about all those people that soak their bracewood in yak piss.

I have not actually tried that Alan, but I do find if I soak myself in it, just about everything sounds better...for a while at least anyhow, bit ordinary in the morning though.



Cheers

Kim

Please, PLEASE tell me you're being facetious.

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Captainate

Of course I was kidding.
Some folks soak their bracewood in a solution.
It's usually a secret solution.
Stradivarius supposedly did.
My point was, if it makes one feel better about what they do, or make,
go for it!
I don't buy most of the myths though.

This thread has quickly gone down the sewer.

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Captainate

I started using the Taylor method and it works great. the guitar stays in tune just as well as tying
the strings on.

I do as Kirby said above, one wrap above and one below. Best repair guy I know (and possibly best builder as well) showed me that way and I haven't had any issue with it so I kept it. Good tuning posts will hold well with any technique, but bad posts can allow strings to slip. I've seen guys softening the 'locking' edge of the post holes thinking it'll save string breakage when in fact it's just stopping the posts from being able to hold the strings well.

So far as tuning stability goes, minimizing wraps while having enough on there to not slip is the only thing that matters at the post end. Most important is pre-stretching new strings when they first go on; I learned that one from a touring guitar tech and it works like a charm. When the strings go on, yank up on them and let them snap against the fretboard (they'll lower in pitch) then retune. Rinse and repeat until they hold tune after a good stretch.

Guys are always surprised that my guitars are usually in tune even if I haven't played or tuned them in forever. I just took one of my acoustics out of the truck...where it's been in its case for five weeks...and it's still in tune.

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services