One thing to note: don't wind your lower strings while engaged in the nut until the very end! You want that nut the width it is. Don't make it wider by grinding it down with the string.
Would probably lower the string height before ever widening it but good point, ofc a good bone nut should be durable enough to handle a string rubbing against it. But still solid advice
No joke I've always just eye balled my slack on the strings and it does get inconsistent but that first fret tip is so simple I can't believe I never thought about pulling string tight and then pulling each one the same amount to get the same amount of slack. I feel stupid for bot already realizing that on my own 😂
I've been restringing my guitars for 20+ years. This tiny tip is what I've needed all this time... "Pull it tight, bring it back one fret, bend it off." For 20 years, I haven't found a better way to judge the excess string needed for the post winds than to just measure it against my old strings and do my best to compensate for the stretch. This is one of those tips where you think you should feel silly for not thinking of it but you're just so damn happy to have a good solution that any embarrassment is vaporized. Thank you so fucking much.
@@paullowell3342 cool,i’ll try that out then since i actually need to restring 2 of my guitars soon. ive only done it like twice but wasn’t sure if i need to leave more slack depending on which string it is. thanks
"This is one of those tips where you think you should feel silly for not thinking of it but you're just so damn happy to have a good solution that any embarrassment is vaporized." Well Said!
@@paullowell3342That's what Dan Erlwine does, I learned from his books. Probably similar distance. I do one wrap over the string and the rest under. Works great.
He just likes it that way so it makes his job easier/ faster as a guitar tech..I do it that way too but I could have cared less if I'd have been doing it differently than him for the last 23 years. If you find something works for you then that's all that matters
I bought my last guitar from this guy and had him set up two others. Super cool dude and my guitars play so much better now. Shout out to Ben at Big House
strung a few strings in my time, always struggled to get the perfect amount of slack on the string before I start winding it. That trick of pulling it to the first fret is genius.
But if you notice, he didn't begin winding exactly where he bent the string at the fret length, it was just a little extra slack but it shows that he knew exactly where it ought to be cuz it wound down perfectly
Only works on the wound strings. Also, musicians that are picky on the guitars finish would cringe watching him pin that string against the finish, cause as he's winding it the string is like a file on the finish.
I bought a book by a master luthier, and it mentioned that you should restring one string at a time to reduce an extreme variation of tension on the neck and truss rod.
This is not true anymore. Back in the days of single adjustment truss rods and steel rods without adjustments, there was more concern. These days truss rods can adjust both ways. Most manufacturers loosen the strings when they ship their guitars so that the tension doesn't increase the probability of a headstock snap in shipping.
I like restringing mine one at a time so that the tuning settles super fast and none of the bridge components move on me. The strings will still stretch but things are stable enough that you can still play it in the mean time
"Instructions not clear" One string at a time? How does a person string more than one at a time?. Do you mean one string as in, put one on and tune it up, then put on another one??
@@rickwells5624 you don't take them all off and then put them back on, you take one off and replace that one, etc. This way the tension on the neck from all the other strings stays more constant. Instead of cutting them all off and giving your guitar a little whiplash
I do essentially the same thing he's doing, except that I wrap the first loop OVER the string, the rest UNDER. That way the wraps are pinching that first entry point and it's less likely to slip. Been doing this for 45 years.
Makes it easier and quicker for him to do his job as a guitar tech. The “knot thing” actually locks a string in and the string stays in tune better. Personal preference.
It’s not really a knot, it’s more of like a half wind and bend. I prefer it because I find it’s better at tensioning the string and my guitar stay in tune and needs to be tuned less
I do one wrap above then the rest below. Its better way to keep the strings in tune because when you transition to the wraps below it locks it in with mechanical force of the string pressure.
Yes, as a repair tech for 30 years, this is the way. I hate the "luthier knot". It's unnecessary and makes it WAY more work when time to change strings, AND, it's no more secure as far as tuning goes than the "once over, the rest under" method you use here. This is the same method I use and teach my customers to use as well. Quick, easy, and secure.
Well as a pro player and tech I hate people that cut/remove all the strings at once. The drastic reduction of tension and causes neck and intonation issues. Also the overlap (gobson knot ?) works.
As far as proper goes…I always cringe when people cut the strings when they’re at tuning pitch. There’s a tremendous amount of tension on the neck and truss rod, which of course it’s designed to handle, but only gradually as you bring it up to tension while tuning. A sudden release like that can’t be good on the neck, neck joint, or truss rod. Just my 2¢.
I do the pinch method. One over and the rest under. If it’s a 3x3 headstock, for the G string I do the opposite. One under and the rest over, so the wraps wind going up the tuning peg. That’s to prevent the Gibson G string tuning issue. That way it doesn’t have such a steep break angle, and the G will stay in tune.
This is the correct answer. Guitar tech in video is wrong. I did it his way for over 10yrs and then learned the locking wrap (one over, rest under) last year. I used to have to tune up regularly, but now once strings are stretched, they stay locked in place
@@gizmothakat4723 gonna make a point to tighten my tuning game w this tip. I've been a "however it ends up" tuner lol but yes have struggled w tuning issues here and there my Gibson Future w a different style of tuner I can't remember the name of now has also helped, so this should really lock it down. Muchas gracias to both you and OP!
I see all kinds of (sometimes crazy) advise about how to string ... but this is the first time I've seen the exact method I was taught 40 years ago and still use today. Perfect.
Gotta say, I'm not so sure on this one. That "Gibson knot" is also known as a "Luthier's knot". I get that not everyone loves it, but it seems to be very effective at keeping the string locked in place.
@@MrMarvelous75because the knot these guys hate works just as well. I’ve been using it for 30 years without locking tuners and after a decent stretch job on the strings my guitars stay in tune regardless of any playing abuse I put them through. One knot, no wraps, comes off immediately during a restring…I don’t know what these two guys are on about, other than just trying to drum up clicks.
The “correct” way is the way the owner prefers it. Stringing guitars or coiling cables or wiring pedals. I refrain from judging someone on these choices. It’s not worth it. Each to their own.
yeah somewhere back when i first started learning, someone told me i had to do that wrap around before i start the wind - would always fuck up my wind, so one day i just stopped doing it. turns out not doing the wrap around is the better move
Same it works wonders for tuning stability used to just full send all under until I got tired of it constantly slipping outta tune ever since I started doing one over rest under never had an issue with it just slipping outta tune between play sessions sure needs some adjustments now and then but it's a hell of a lot more stable than it used to be
I did the Gibson thing one time and I broke the string as I was winding it. Had barely enough string left over to do like one over and one and a half under. I had to do this crazy little knot to get it to stay and it took a long time to get it with the short amount of string I had. I'm gonna try this next time and see if my life is easier
I agree except for the word proper, there are multiple "proper" ways of doing it. He hates the Gibson knot thing, and that's fine and all. But it is the proper way of stringing a guitar just as much as what he showed. So just trying to make everyone think there is only one proper way of doing it is just weird, and shows he has gotten too overly emotional about something this small. The only reason I have a problem is because he showed a "bad" example, but the only problem it actually causes is a second while you are restringing again later, which isn't an actual problem that exists in reality for normal people. If you string a guitar it doesn't matter how annoying it is for someone else to take apart once later. Letting himself say it's wrong to do it that way will actually make him more annoyed by it later, because of thinking "oh I have to untie this gibson knot thing" he thinks "this idiot did it wrong" when nothing is actually done wrong, you just have to do your job a little more.
@@jackman5840 I get you, I guess just because of my profession I would completely agree the Gibson thing is stupid. The amount of Gibson J-45's I get coming in that need a clean up and a restring and they're always factory set. I get so frustrated with it all as I do loads weekly, but otherwise as a consumer, of course it makes little to no difference. If you don't care about it then it's not something that will effect you or your guitar. But again when you restring it, you may notice it's more annoying that it has to be :D
As someone who sells guitars, and works on a LOT of restrings both for stock, and for customers. I can completely agree. Stop sticking your strings through twice and learn how to restring properly and NEATLY hahaha :D Great video
Playing and touring for over 5 decades I can tell you the Gibson knot method works well. While wound strings may not slip on the tuner post the unwound strings will plus it's not uncommon for coated strings to slip. But do what makes you happy. I buy strings by the gross and have numerous guitars and I can quickly go from one to the other with no issues as long as I have a motorized stirring winder and a Peterson Strobe tuner.
Finally someone with sense. All my years on utube your the first to tell it strait. I hate spending time trying to get a string off a post. just make sure your bridge peg is pushed down tight first
I respect his opinion but I am also a professional and have been for 34 years. I have done restrings/setups for students, adults, local pros, recording pros and international acts (big stars) and I have always been commended on my work and the quality of my wraps etc not causing the strings to slip or cause tuning issues. I have always used the Martin lock and that is what I was taught by Martin and it has served me well. We all have ways to do things, just because of someone’s arrogance can cause them to be a bit OCD about something, that doesn’t mean you are doing it wrong. Do what works for you and as long as it doesn’t cause you any issues then it is good. Many many ways to skin a cat…
@@TYLERtheMAGGOT1 lie is a strong word. Holding a metal string against a gloss finish and letting it graze the surface will damage it over a short period of time. This is not a lie or even an opinion. It’s what we call a cause and effect. A truth is another way to describe it.
The guy had great tips and I'm sure is good at his job but I felt this way also Lol. If you would tune something with a gloss headstock like a Gibson it wouldn't take long to put grooves or scratches in the finish.
I've always been a one string/time, not the Gibson.... 2-3 (for high E) at a time... I have been a big Elixir fan for years....11/52 area these days... best (Martin Fan too)..
suppose they did know a proper way to do something. should it then not also be their personal preference? or do you just not believe in the concept of a proper way to do a thing? a way that requires the least effort for the best results?
@@GiltleyRageObviously because he only demonstrated on a thick string, but the point about the knot applies to all strings. Everybody can do what they want on their own guitars but he is actually telling you how to save time if you care to take the advice. It's funny how people love to defend how they over-complicate things.
@@Gregorypeckory I learned about the not quite late when I bought PRS, and saw their YT tutorial for non-locking tuners, before that I've been using the simple method presented here and had always issues with high E and B strings on acoustic. Now I can pick up my acoustic after weeks and it's perfectly in tune. He says he hates not thing, like it's unnecessary, that's why I think the video is simply misleading. Also he showed the not wrong xD
@@GiltleyRage Well, I don't know him well enough to speak to how he tunes the highest strings, but I think you aren't giving it enough windings if your guitars were going out of tune before, you can't necessarily blame the method. In my opinion you don't need the knot but obviously we can all do what we want with our own guitars. Happy playing!
So something that drives me nuts about this, dont hold the string against the headstock and scratch finish over time, hold it bewteen your fingers until it has some tension first and can support itself between the nut and headstock
As a professional touring guitarist who's career depends heavily on playing a guitar that constantly stays in tune I'll keep using the Gibson knot. Every tech I've had in the last 40+ years uses it, in fact a tech is who recommended it to me when i complained of my guitar going out of tune on occasion, and when I used to do it the way he recommends I always had to stop and tune my guitar. Ain't nobody got time for that in the middle of a concert and you'll lose your gig real fast if you're constantly out of tune.
If your guitar wont stay in tune then its a good technique to prevent slip, or if you bend notes a lot. For most people what he shows is more than enough. You could also just unstring it before sending it to the shop to make their life easier
This guitar tech by the way, does know his stuff. I’ve spoke to him before and on this particular subject, he is absolutely correct. I’ve never had any issues at all, and I chk my tuning every day before I practice.
The luthier knot is actually superior on an ELECTRIC that has a 3:3 style headstock where’re the g string goes off at an angle behind the nut. It helps tuning stability a LOT to not have a ton of winds piled up around the tuning peg. That being said, nothing beats locking tuners. Pull it tight, lock the string in place and wind maybe 1 time.
Don't need it, the taper on the tuners force the strings to the middle. This pushes the string in the hole firmly against the top of the hole locking it in place. You don't have to change how you do it but just a tidbit for you.
@@BlakJak I have a decent understanding of the physics at play here and I see your point. It makes sense. I’ve restrung and played hundreds of guitars and about half the time I was using the “all wraps under” method. Albeit rarely, sometimes one of the treble strings would slip. Once I switched to the “pinch” method, I never had a string slip again. I know this was only anecdotal and not an actual experiment, but I can’t help but to think maybe the “pinch” method is better.
@@BlakJak When you have one wrap on top, and at least 2 wraps on the bottom (3-4 for GBE strings), I wonder if the benefit of this pinching-mechanism is greater than anything lost as a result of not wrapping only to the bottom.
He's doing it the hard way. These young guitar techs crack me up. Pull the string taught next to the post, while keeping it taught, wrap the string around the post a few times then run it through the hole. This way you know you have the proper amount of wraps around the post. No need for a string winder, or a drill.
Do you ever end up with visible slack in a string as it wraps around the tuning post, even after it’s been tuned? I tried your method and had that happen, but maybe I just need to get better at it. Using a drill winder allows me to apply tension to the string as it wraps around the post, removing any slack and preventing future slips.
I've seen so many people say "the correct way". I've been playing guitar since 7th grade (29y/o now) and I've done every type of stringing. Just do what makes you comfortable and happy.
I was a touring and studio guitar tech from 1982 - 2005. This is exactly the way I have restrung every guitar I've ever worked on. Including all of own!
@keithbozeman3340 no, just for a paycheck. Most are completely clueless and don't even try. Bought a nice LTD for 1300, asked if they would throw in a new set of strings. Nope, sorry.
Sometimes the strings keep the bends and kinks in them and it's hard to get them through the bridge, especially for string-through guitars. I usually cut closer to the nut after I take the tension out, but that's just me.
So much for the truss rod. Been playing guitar since 1985 and no one ever cut the strings all at once. Remove and replace one at a time if it's a guitar you really care about.
@@martins1254it's not. It does cause a fast release in tension which could over time weaken the neck and even break or warp it. If it's a guitar you want to make last generations, you want to undo the strings from the outside in starting with both E strings then A&B then D&G. And don't snap the strings, a slow release does less damage over the years, just unwind them. But this only really matters on acoustics over $600 and electrics over $3000. Anything less than that is probably fine and not worth preserving for decades.
Aka the ESP/LTD/TAK way, aka the “right” way. He doesn’t measure it how I would ( I go just past the next post) but 2-3 wraps, no knots, no overlapping .. = tuning stability on non-locking tuners. Locking tuners are similar but very different - no knots or overlapping, pull the string almost tight, give 1 1/2 to 2 finger space vertically between the fretboard & the string at the 12th fret, lock it down, cut at the post & tune.
Yeah he is way too upset about 1 extra motion that makes it a bit more secure and in my opinion easier to wind up. Also I was taught not to push down on the string like that because it basically files the string groove in the nut every time you restring.
What's with all the excess? I've always strung mine taught. As tight as the string will stretch without force. Never once had an issue. That excess, to me, is unnecessary.
I like the knot personally, but it's not necessary, and it's not a big deal either way. If you're already cutting the strings to take them off like he did, then 1) taking the 5 extra seconds to undue the knot a little isn't a big deal, but 2) and more importantly, because the strings are cut, you can pull the strings off the other direction where the knot isn't and it's as if it didn't exist. Come on, use your head a little. It's one thing if you're taking them off without cutting; then you have to undue it. But imagine cutting them, and then still pulling the direction against the knot.....🤯 P.S. it's not a Gibson knot, it's a Luthiers knot, and it's not necessary with steel strings because they have more bite and can be kinked, but it's 100% necessary on more classical string instruments like violins etc. to prevent string slippage. This is an ooooold school Luthier tech.
The way I do it is when I take off all my strings, I deep clean the guitar I’m using. Remove the grime and leftover skin remnants on the fretboard. Then I oil the neck with either Dunlop or music nomad oil. After a thorough oiling and removing of any excess oil I then use music nomad cleaning spray to clean and wipe the glossy finish on my guitar. After that is the strings. When I re-string it’s the relatively the same way he’s doing it but different. I put the string thoughts the machine head and then eyeball how much slack I want with my string. I then lock it with the machine head (locking tuners) then I hold and pull the string, using my picking hand as a bridge of sorts, holding the sting with the back of my fingers and the tip of my thumb, giving constant tension while I wind up the string. You can do the same thing but the left over string that’s dangling around I always leave it on top so the string can wind from bottom to top. Since I eyeball it I usually get two or two and a half windings for the string. After that I then clip the remaining string with some wire cutters. Repeating the process for the other strings as well and then tune up.
"Proper"... ;) Like others, I do a similar to what the video shows, but one over, all the rest under. But still... if the string stays and stays in tune.. PROPER. ;) But that's just me. Cheers!
The one-fret tip just blew my mind a little. I have gotten into the rhythm of using the tuning pegs to estimate, but it’s a little less reliable and you always have to estimate at the high E.
That's the way i taught myself to do it as a kid. It seemed like the easiest logical way to wind a wire like that. I later got talked into luthier knots and they are a pain to set up and a pain to remove for no added benefit.
@@ceelothatmane9421you tried to do it without the knot? I string my guitar the same way he does in the video and it holds tune even when I down tune to C standard, if your guitar is set up properly you don’t need to do any tricks to keep it in tune.
The "Gibson knot thing" actually has a purpose and is used for better tuning stability because you use less wraps. It acts more like locking tuners with the obvious caveat of being more difficult to remove the string. I think it holds more benefits than disadvantages.
Right... except if you have tuning stability problems it's normally the nut not the tuner, if it's beyond the nut then there's a problem with the headstock design or you have really poor quality tuners like 60 quid guitar or worse qaulity, the nut is 99% the problem with tuning stability issues
You should never cut your strings off like that. It releases the tension on the neck and couldn’t cause it damage. You should remove one string at a time straight away. This guy got it wrong
I'm curious. I'm having some tuning issues (and really bad intonation issues on high E and B strings but I think it's because the rust on the strings adds weight therefore changing the intonation) on my PRS SE. After reading about it on the internet I'm pretty sure it's the nut's fault but after seeing so many people in the comments restringing in different ways I'm questioning if how I do it could be wrong. Since you've been a tech for so long I figured I'd ask you. I use the restringing method that PRS recommends in their video. Do you think there's a better restringing method or the problem is just the nut? Thanks
@@ChristianFratto Honestly, as long as you have 2-4 wraps below, the pinch, knot, or simple wrap will work fine. I wouldn’t worry too much about it as long as you have enough wraps and not too many. As for the tuning/intonation issue, make sure your nut slots aren’t pinching the string up then lubricate all friction points. You’ll wanna start with adjusting the truss rod, then set string height, then intonate it in that order.
@@CaptainWrinkleBrain I think I have 1-2 wraps around the goal post. Should I leave more slack to add one? And yes, I hear a pinching sound almost every time I pull out/put in a string. Are the saddles a friction point? If yes, I should note that I have eaten through the bridge with my sweat. The left side is all green and the right side is a little ruined too. I don't know if it has something to do with the intonation or the tuning instability. Anyway thanks a lot for the tips man!
I was shown to do the first wine over the top and then the rest underneath of the tag end of the string. It pulls off just as easily but I like the way it looks
I’m sure the "Gibson knot" is the Martin way of doing it, not Gibson? Martin has a drawing on their string packets even, I believe. Gibson demonstrates to just put the string through, and then wrap one on top and the rest underneath the string that came through the tuner. I’m quite sure🤷🏻♂️
I think this is how Taylor recommends restringing in their user manuals. That is where I really learned proper restringing technique. Simple, easy, gets the job done without overcomplicating it. I think the only difference is that Taylor uses the distance between the other tuning pegs to determine the proper amount of slack to use to ensure a proper wind.
it’s crazy that i was first taught how to restring from a youtubers paid guitar course, but he pretty much did the gibson knot. but when i worked at a pawn shop one of the guys who didn’t even play guitar taught me this way. got my strat strung up perfect.
SAME! Never understood why people think this keeps you more in tune when it’s actually adding tension causing your string to not move through the nut as fluidly.
My teacher back in the 80's taught the knot, he said less windings, less string to stretch or slip. I used to re-string before going on stage, no problems.
I've had the Gibson knot thing on my guitar for 10 years and still doesn't need to be tuned more than any proper way . This is all Hocus pocus guitar snob stuff... From people trying to sell expensive guitars. By the way, the tone of the guitar does not matter what it says on the headstock. Most people don't magically hear little nuances and tone. The cost comes from who makes it. sometimes a squier sounds better than a fender.
I solder mine
Brilliant.
😂
Based
AWESOME!
Arch enemy right there
One thing to note: don't wind your lower strings while engaged in the nut until the very end! You want that nut the width it is. Don't make it wider by grinding it down with the string.
Would probably lower the string height before ever widening it but good point, ofc a good bone nut should be durable enough to handle a string rubbing against it. But still solid advice
@@avi4767
especially with sharkskin strings..
I'm pretty sure I have a low A slot because of this
@@avi4767 I've never thought of this, but it makes sense 👍🏻
Thanks!
I usually put one finger underneath the string, so it doesn't touch the nut. No motorized tools involved lol
The one fret tip is amazing!!! That one piece of info is well worth the 6 hours I spent on TH-cam today
No joke I've always just eye balled my slack on the strings and it does get inconsistent but that first fret tip is so simple I can't believe I never thought about pulling string tight and then pulling each one the same amount to get the same amount of slack. I feel stupid for bot already realizing that on my own 😂
Ha! Wish I got that kind of return!
I do two fingers. Works as well
This tip is embarrassingly simple yet it’s been 26 years of playing… never knew it
I do 1 1/2 tuner length.
I've been restringing my guitars for 20+ years. This tiny tip is what I've needed all this time...
"Pull it tight, bring it back one fret, bend it off."
For 20 years, I haven't found a better way to judge the excess string needed for the post winds than to just measure it against my old strings and do my best to compensate for the stretch.
This is one of those tips where you think you should feel silly for not thinking of it but you're just so damn happy to have a good solution that any embarrassment is vaporized.
Thank you so fucking much.
do you do it 1 fret for each string or do you need to adjust as you get to the thinner strings? trying to get more consistent with it haha!
I’ve always used the next tuner up as the distance with good results
@@paullowell3342 cool,i’ll try that out then since i actually need to restring 2 of my guitars soon. ive only done it like twice but wasn’t sure if i need to leave more slack depending on which string it is. thanks
"This is one of those tips where you think you should feel silly for not thinking of it but you're just so damn happy to have a good solution that any embarrassment is vaporized." Well Said!
@@paullowell3342That's what Dan Erlwine does, I learned from his books. Probably similar distance. I do one wrap over the string and the rest under. Works great.
I was worried he was going to criticize how I restring, but thankfully he recommends exactly what I do. 😂😂
Haha exactement que je pensais aussi 😅😅🎉💐👍✅
Thought the same thing!!😂 Thank god I was taught right
He just likes it that way so it makes his job easier/ faster as a guitar tech..I do it that way too but I could have cared less if I'd have been doing it differently than him for the last 23 years. If you find something works for you then that's all that matters
Same
It seems to be easier to do when there's no cats around
I bought my last guitar from this guy and had him set up two others. Super cool dude and my guitars play so much better now. Shout out to Ben at Big House
Where is he located
@@youngmike8645Atlanta
@@youngmike8645 Atlanta
@@youngmike8645Hotlanta
strung a few strings in my time, always struggled to get the perfect amount of slack on the string before I start winding it. That trick of pulling it to the first fret is genius.
But if you notice, he didn't begin winding exactly where he bent the string at the fret length, it was just a little extra slack but it shows that he knew exactly where it ought to be cuz it wound down perfectly
Only works on the wound strings. Also, musicians that are picky on the guitars finish would cringe watching him pin that string against the finish, cause as he's winding it the string is like a file on the finish.
@Ottonic6 funny, I do my unwound strings the same way and it works just fine
Just a few lol wave all probably bought a house in strings alone lol
I bought a book by a master luthier, and it mentioned that you should restring one string at a time to reduce an extreme variation of tension on the neck and truss rod.
This is not true anymore. Back in the days of single adjustment truss rods and steel rods without adjustments, there was more concern. These days truss rods can adjust both ways. Most manufacturers loosen the strings when they ship their guitars so that the tension doesn't increase the probability of a headstock snap in shipping.
I like restringing mine one at a time so that the tuning settles super fast and none of the bridge components move on me. The strings will still stretch but things are stable enough that you can still play it in the mean time
Best we can do is chop all the strings off real quick😂
"Instructions not clear"
One string at a time?
How does a person string more than one at a time?.
Do you mean one string as in, put one on and tune it up, then put on another one??
@@rickwells5624 you don't take them all off and then put them back on, you take one off and replace that one, etc. This way the tension on the neck from all the other strings stays more constant. Instead of cutting them all off and giving your guitar a little whiplash
Right on! I've been putting on my strings like that for about 60 years now, and I think it's the best way! Good on you!
This guy absolutely right. I agree with him 100%
I do essentially the same thing he's doing, except that I wrap the first loop OVER the string, the rest UNDER. That way the wraps are pinching that first entry point and it's less likely to slip. Been doing this for 45 years.
Yeah thats how i was taught too
Yep, been stringing it that way for 30 years. 1 over, 2 under. Never slips and always stays in tune
@@U2WB
Ditto
That’s kind of how surgical knots are tied…
That's what I do on my electrics. Once stretched, nothing goes out of tune.
Makes it easier and quicker for him to do his job as a guitar tech. The “knot thing” actually locks a string in and the string stays in tune better. Personal preference.
I do mine exactly the same! Cleanes up super nice after cutting the ends end too.
Been just doing a simple bend on the string for decades and it works fine. I would never bother with a complicated “knot”.
Whatever works for you but it’s really not complicated. One loop then crank away until tuned.
It’s not really a knot, it’s more of like a half wind and bend. I prefer it because I find it’s better at tensioning the string and my guitar stay in tune and needs to be tuned less
I do one wrap above then the rest below. Its better way to keep the strings in tune because when you transition to the wraps below it locks it in with mechanical force of the string pressure.
That’s exactly how I do it. Keeps nice tension and stays in tune much better
That's redundant and unnecessary. But ok
Just wrong. If a string was “locked in place” it would never vibrate. The knot thing is absolute bullshit.
Same here… hundreds of string ups later it’s never let me down.
Yes, as a repair tech for 30 years, this is the way. I hate the "luthier knot". It's unnecessary and makes it WAY more work when time to change strings, AND, it's no more secure as far as tuning goes than the "once over, the rest under" method you use here. This is the same method I use and teach my customers to use as well. Quick, easy, and secure.
Well as a pro player and tech I hate people that cut/remove all the strings at once. The drastic reduction of tension and causes neck and intonation issues. Also the overlap (gobson knot ?) works.
As far as proper goes…I always cringe when people cut the strings when they’re at tuning pitch. There’s a tremendous amount of tension on the neck and truss rod, which of course it’s designed to handle, but only gradually as you bring it up to tension while tuning. A sudden release like that can’t be good on the neck, neck joint, or truss rod.
Just my 2¢.
He may have loosened them first, hard to tell
The "Gibson" knot thing is how Taylor did it for many years. I've used it for 30 years and never had an issue. It works perfectly and NEVER slips.
I do the pinch method. One over and the rest under. If it’s a 3x3 headstock, for the G string I do the opposite. One under and the rest over, so the wraps wind going up the tuning peg. That’s to prevent the Gibson G string tuning issue. That way it doesn’t have such a steep break angle, and the G will stay in tune.
Doesn't seem like there is enough room on the G shaft to go up. I will try to remember to try that next time. Thanks for the tip!
😎👍
This is the correct answer. Guitar tech in video is wrong. I did it his way for over 10yrs and then learned the locking wrap (one over, rest under) last year. I used to have to tune up regularly, but now once strings are stretched, they stay locked in place
@@RJD0314 Penty of room. Has worked for years
@@gizmothakat4723 Thank you.
@@gizmothakat4723 gonna make a point to tighten my tuning game w this tip.
I've been a "however it ends up" tuner lol but yes have struggled w tuning issues here and there
my Gibson Future w a different style of tuner I can't remember the name of now has also helped, so this should really lock it down.
Muchas gracias to both you and OP!
I see all kinds of (sometimes crazy) advise about how to string ... but this is the first time I've seen the exact method I was taught 40 years ago and still use today. Perfect.
I restring my guitars myself, so he’ll never have to worry about facing my knots!
😂
Darn it I learned it from my guitar teacher who did blues 😂
Same
Same. Who takes their guitars to be re-stringed? Pff.
@@MiklosKov some people are just not mechanically inclined
If the Gibson Knot Thing is good enough for Joe Walsh and his guitar tech then I will stick with that. Gives your string more tuning stability.
Gotta say, I'm not so sure on this one. That "Gibson knot" is also known as a "Luthier's knot". I get that not everyone loves it, but it seems to be very effective at keeping the string locked in place.
Woah! I like the one fret back part! My new way! Thanks!
And this is why I like locking tuners. Just yank, tighten, turn, and you’re done.
I do that without locking tuners on my Bullet Squier Strat and it works. My guitar rarely goes out of tune.
Second that. Why aren't they all locking tuners at this point?
@@MrMarvelous75because the knot these guys hate works just as well. I’ve been using it for 30 years without locking tuners and after a decent stretch job on the strings my guitars stay in tune regardless of any playing abuse I put them through. One knot, no wraps, comes off immediately during a restring…I don’t know what these two guys are on about, other than just trying to drum up clicks.
you can do this with any tuner, even non locking.
@@turunturunnever heard of locking tuners. In a perfect world where everything is free, would you put locking tuners on your guitars?
The “correct” way is the way the owner prefers it. Stringing guitars or coiling cables or wiring pedals. I refrain from judging someone on these choices. It’s not worth it. Each to their own.
Says the boy using a power tool..
The Gibson knot is used to keep it from being able to slip ..
it's an old Roadie trick
I always go over and then under. Make it more secure!
yeah somewhere back when i first started learning, someone told me i had to do that wrap around before i start the wind - would always fuck up my wind, so one day i just stopped doing it. turns out not doing the wrap around is the better move
That is a personal preference to this guitar technician… not the right versus wrong way of doing things
I do one over and the rest under. No knot.
The pinch keeps it from slipping.
Same it works wonders for tuning stability used to just full send all under until I got tired of it constantly slipping outta tune ever since I started doing one over rest under never had an issue with it just slipping outta tune between play sessions sure needs some adjustments now and then but it's a hell of a lot more stable than it used to be
Same
I did the Gibson thing one time and I broke the string as I was winding it. Had barely enough string left over to do like one over and one and a half under. I had to do this crazy little knot to get it to stay and it took a long time to get it with the short amount of string I had. I'm gonna try this next time and see if my life is easier
First one over and I try to have about 2-3 under. Then I give each one a good yank and retighten and it stays in tune fantastically
Same here. I’ve tried every restringing technique but this is the one I only use for the past 10 years. Never fails
Ben Calhoun is one of the best living guitarists of this age. We are all blessed to be sharing the same timeline as his wisdom and talent
As someone who sells guitars, and restrings/fixes them from time to time. I can say 100% that I absolutely agree with everything this man said.
I agree except for the word proper, there are multiple "proper" ways of doing it. He hates the Gibson knot thing, and that's fine and all. But it is the proper way of stringing a guitar just as much as what he showed. So just trying to make everyone think there is only one proper way of doing it is just weird, and shows he has gotten too overly emotional about something this small. The only reason I have a problem is because he showed a "bad" example, but the only problem it actually causes is a second while you are restringing again later, which isn't an actual problem that exists in reality for normal people. If you string a guitar it doesn't matter how annoying it is for someone else to take apart once later. Letting himself say it's wrong to do it that way will actually make him more annoyed by it later, because of thinking "oh I have to untie this gibson knot thing" he thinks "this idiot did it wrong" when nothing is actually done wrong, you just have to do your job a little more.
@@jackman5840 I get you, I guess just because of my profession I would completely agree the Gibson thing is stupid. The amount of Gibson J-45's I get coming in that need a clean up and a restring and they're always factory set. I get so frustrated with it all as I do loads weekly, but otherwise as a consumer, of course it makes little to no difference. If you don't care about it then it's not something that will effect you or your guitar. But again when you restring it, you may notice it's more annoying that it has to be :D
As someone who sells guitars, and works on a LOT of restrings both for stock, and for customers. I can completely agree. Stop sticking your strings through twice and learn how to restring properly and NEATLY hahaha :D Great video
Nobody is suggesting you stick the strings thru twice, are they?
Playing and touring for over 5 decades I can tell you the Gibson knot method works well. While wound strings may not slip on the tuner post the unwound strings will plus it's not uncommon for coated strings to slip. But do what makes you happy. I buy strings by the gross and have numerous guitars and I can quickly go from one to the other with no issues as long as I have a motorized stirring winder and a Peterson Strobe tuner.
Finally someone with sense. All my years on utube your the first to tell it strait. I hate spending time trying to get a string off a post. just make sure your bridge peg is pushed down tight first
“Move one fret…” that one sentence changed my life. I’ll finally be able to change strings again without pulling my hair out.
I respect his opinion but I am also a professional and have been for 34 years. I have done restrings/setups for students, adults, local pros, recording pros and international acts (big stars) and I have always been commended on my work and the quality of my wraps etc not causing the strings to slip or cause tuning issues. I have always used the Martin lock and that is what I was taught by Martin and it has served me well.
We all have ways to do things, just because of someone’s arrogance can cause them to be a bit OCD about something, that doesn’t mean you are doing it wrong.
Do what works for you and as long as it doesn’t cause you any issues then it is good.
Many many ways to skin a cat…
Do not push the string down against the head of the guitar while winding unless you do not mind friction damage from the string on the head.
Yup you will scrape the finish
You won't get friction damage. That's a lie
@@TYLERtheMAGGOT1 lie is a strong word. Holding a metal string against a gloss finish and letting it graze the surface will damage it over a short period of time. This is not a lie or even an opinion. It’s what we call a cause and effect. A truth is another way to describe it.
The guy had great tips and I'm sure is good at his job but I felt this way also Lol. If you would tune something with a gloss headstock like a Gibson it wouldn't take long to put grooves or scratches in the finish.
The Gibson knot thing is the best way to restring a guitar if you want it to stay in tune ...... period.
Whether this guy says so or not.😊
The guitar tuner drill bit is rad 😂
I've always been a one string/time, not the Gibson.... 2-3 (for high E) at a time... I have been a big Elixir fan for years....11/52 area these days... best (Martin Fan too)..
anyone who says their personal preference is the "proper way" is someone not to listen to.
suppose they did know a proper way to do something. should it then not also be their personal preference? or do you just not believe in the concept of a proper way to do a thing? a way that requires the least effort for the best results?
And a thousand other guitar folk would disagree that your way is correct every time for every acoustic guitar.
What he says not to do was actually in the Martin manual when I got my Custom Shop.
Well he knows what best, because he’s a Professional and Rhett’s buddy! 😂
It's also being recommended by PRS. What he's doing will work well for thicker strings only.
@@GiltleyRageObviously because he only demonstrated on a thick string, but the point about the knot applies to all strings. Everybody can do what they want on their own guitars but he is actually telling you how to save time if you care to take the advice. It's funny how people love to defend how they over-complicate things.
@@Gregorypeckory I learned about the not quite late when I bought PRS, and saw their YT tutorial for non-locking tuners, before that I've been using the simple method presented here and had always issues with high E and B strings on acoustic. Now I can pick up my acoustic after weeks and it's perfectly in tune. He says he hates not thing, like it's unnecessary, that's why I think the video is simply misleading. Also he showed the not wrong xD
@@GiltleyRage Well, I don't know him well enough to speak to how he tunes the highest strings, but I think you aren't giving it enough windings if your guitars were going out of tune before, you can't necessarily blame the method. In my opinion you don't need the knot but obviously we can all do what we want with our own guitars. Happy playing!
So something that drives me nuts about this, dont hold the string against the headstock and scratch finish over time, hold it bewteen your fingers until it has some tension first and can support itself between the nut and headstock
This was the exact channel from where I learnt the knot thing and now this is the exact channel that is making me unlearn it. 💀💀
It’s just click bait
As a professional touring guitarist who's career depends heavily on playing a guitar that constantly stays in tune I'll keep using the Gibson knot. Every tech I've had in the last 40+ years uses it, in fact a tech is who recommended it to me when i complained of my guitar going out of tune on occasion, and when I used to do it the way he recommends I always had to stop and tune my guitar. Ain't nobody got time for that in the middle of a concert and you'll lose your gig real fast if you're constantly out of tune.
If your guitar wont stay in tune then its a good technique to prevent slip, or if you bend notes a lot. For most people what he shows is more than enough. You could also just unstring it before sending it to the shop to make their life easier
This guitar tech by the way, does know his stuff. I’ve spoke to him before and on this particular subject, he is absolutely correct. I’ve never had any issues at all, and I chk my tuning every day before I practice.
I work at a guitar shop and I use the gknot
The luthier knot is actually superior on an ELECTRIC that has a 3:3 style headstock where’re the g string goes off at an angle behind the nut. It helps tuning stability a LOT to not have a ton of winds piled up around the tuning peg.
That being said, nothing beats locking tuners. Pull it tight, lock the string in place and wind maybe 1 time.
I always do one wrap on top and the rest on bottom. It creates a little clamp for the tail.
Don't need it, the taper on the tuners force the strings to the middle. This pushes the string in the hole firmly against the top of the hole locking it in place. You don't have to change how you do it but just a tidbit for you.
@@BlakJak I have a decent understanding of the physics at play here and I see your point. It makes sense. I’ve restrung and played hundreds of guitars and about half the time I was using the “all wraps under” method. Albeit rarely, sometimes one of the treble strings would slip. Once I switched to the “pinch” method, I never had a string slip again. I know this was only anecdotal and not an actual experiment, but I can’t help but to think maybe the “pinch” method is better.
@@BlakJak When you have one wrap on top, and at least 2 wraps on the bottom (3-4 for GBE strings), I wonder if the benefit of this pinching-mechanism is greater than anything lost as a result of not wrapping only to the bottom.
go over then under!! only 1 wrap needed on the peg and just as solid
This is for both the wound, AND the unwound strings? Thanks for your tip btw.... I think most people agree with what you said.
My mentor taught me to do "the Gibson knot thing" 50 years ago! It's served me well❤
Don't ever do it that way ever again lol
I use it 🤷🏼♂️
Lol me too!
It's a detriment if anything, it offers no benefit at all. I'm also a tech of well over a decade. Don't waste your time my man!
Same here. And the booklet that came with my Martin guitar also said to do that knot.
I’ve just tried this method and it worked perfectly first time! Thank you!! 😃
The “proper” way really just means the easiest way for him to fix it 😂
Exactly
basic physics to wind underneath, less stress on the key.
He's doing it the hard way. These young guitar techs crack me up. Pull the string taught next to the post, while keeping it taught, wrap the string around the post a few times then run it through the hole. This way you know you have the proper amount of wraps around the post. No need for a string winder, or a drill.
This ^
Do you ever end up with visible slack in a string as it wraps around the tuning post, even after it’s been tuned? I tried your method and had that happen, but maybe I just need to get better at it. Using a drill winder allows me to apply tension to the string as it wraps around the post, removing any slack and preventing future slips.
The Gibson knot is actually called the Luthiers knot and is how I was taught by my Mentor I have always done it that way..and always will.
I usually just go out and get a brand new guitar every time an old one needs new strings
I do the same with socks! I just buy a new bag of socks every couple of weeks, no washing required!!
Oh, Custom Shop?
Aye, strings are too expensive..
Exactly as I do mine and I’ve been doing it since before he was born 🤔😮🏴🇬🇧🙏♥️
That’s how I’ve strung guitars for the last 50 years.
Ditto
I've seen so many people say "the correct way". I've been playing guitar since 7th grade (29y/o now) and I've done every type of stringing. Just do what makes you comfortable and happy.
I'm sure car mechanics hate dirty cars.. but it is part of the job. I don't hate a Luthier's knot, they work fine and are nothing to cry about.
I was a touring and studio guitar tech from 1982 - 2005. This is exactly the way I have restrung every guitar I've ever worked on. Including all of own!
Never trust a guitar center employee.
Agreed! Not all, but most are just there for a job.
@keithbozeman3340 no, just for a paycheck. Most are completely clueless and don't even try. Bought a nice LTD for 1300, asked if they would throw in a new set of strings. Nope, sorry.
it's a corporate dump. Never trust anyone who shops there. 👀
You’ll miss it when you can’t put your hands on a guitar until it’s shipped to you.
@@u563rick6 they don't stock most any of what I am looking for
One fret measurement! Been playing nearly 40 years and just discovered that lol
🙏
What drives me nuts is when someone cuts the strings in the middle. WHY ?
So that they come off quickly. He's a pro tech, not a pro musician. Don't reuse them, please..
Sometimes the strings keep the bends and kinks in them and it's hard to get them through the bridge, especially for string-through guitars. I usually cut closer to the nut after I take the tension out, but that's just me.
So much for the truss rod. Been playing guitar since 1985 and no one ever cut the strings all at once. Remove and replace one at a time if it's a guitar you really care about.
@@car073 bs, thats an old myth.
@@martins1254it's not. It does cause a fast release in tension which could over time weaken the neck and even break or warp it.
If it's a guitar you want to make last generations, you want to undo the strings from the outside in starting with both E strings then A&B then D&G.
And don't snap the strings, a slow release does less damage over the years, just unwind them.
But this only really matters on acoustics over $600 and electrics over $3000. Anything less than that is probably fine and not worth preserving for decades.
Aka the ESP/LTD/TAK way, aka the “right” way. He doesn’t measure it how I would ( I go just past the next post) but 2-3 wraps, no knots, no overlapping .. = tuning stability on non-locking tuners.
Locking tuners are similar but very different - no knots or overlapping, pull the string almost tight, give 1 1/2 to 2 finger space vertically between the fretboard & the string at the 12th fret, lock it down, cut at the post & tune.
I’m going to start using the knot in honor of this guy.
😂
Yeah he is way too upset about 1 extra motion that makes it a bit more secure and in my opinion easier to wind up.
Also I was taught not to push down on the string like that because it basically files the string groove in the nut every time you restring.
What's with all the excess? I've always strung mine taught. As tight as the string will stretch without force. Never once had an issue. That excess, to me, is unnecessary.
I like the knot personally, but it's not necessary, and it's not a big deal either way. If you're already cutting the strings to take them off like he did, then 1) taking the 5 extra seconds to undue the knot a little isn't a big deal, but 2) and more importantly, because the strings are cut, you can pull the strings off the other direction where the knot isn't and it's as if it didn't exist. Come on, use your head a little. It's one thing if you're taking them off without cutting; then you have to undue it. But imagine cutting them, and then still pulling the direction against the knot.....🤯
P.S. it's not a Gibson knot, it's a Luthiers knot, and it's not necessary with steel strings because they have more bite and can be kinked, but it's 100% necessary on more classical string instruments like violins etc. to prevent string slippage. This is an ooooold school Luthier tech.
The way I do it is when I take off all my strings, I deep clean the guitar I’m using. Remove the grime and leftover skin remnants on the fretboard. Then I oil the neck with either Dunlop or music nomad oil. After a thorough oiling and removing of any excess oil I then use music nomad cleaning spray to clean and wipe the glossy finish on my guitar. After that is the strings. When I re-string it’s the relatively the same way he’s doing it but different. I put the string thoughts the machine head and then eyeball how much slack I want with my string. I then lock it with the machine head (locking tuners) then I hold and pull the string, using my picking hand as a bridge of sorts, holding the sting with the back of my fingers and the tip of my thumb, giving constant tension while I wind up the string. You can do the same thing but the left over string that’s dangling around I always leave it on top so the string can wind from bottom to top. Since I eyeball it I usually get two or two and a half windings for the string. After that I then clip the remaining string with some wire cutters. Repeating the process for the other strings as well and then tune up.
"Proper"... ;) Like others, I do a similar to what the video shows, but one over, all the rest under. But still... if the string stays and stays in tune.. PROPER. ;) But that's just me. Cheers!
The one-fret tip just blew my mind a little. I have gotten into the rhythm of using the tuning pegs to estimate, but it’s a little less reliable and you always have to estimate at the high E.
This is just the guitar version of people shouting at you for using the wrong fork at a restaurant.
That's the way i taught myself to do it as a kid. It seemed like the easiest logical way to wind a wire like that. I later got talked into luthier knots and they are a pain to set up and a pain to remove for no added benefit.
This is how you string guitars when you have 700 guitars to string.
This comment right here
…and you’ll end up with 700 guitars that are properly strung.
@@clicheguevara5282yet my PRS never goes out of tune with the knot… I’d say you’re wrong
@@ceelothatmane9421you tried to do it without the knot?
I string my guitar the same way he does in the video and it holds tune even when I down tune to C standard, if your guitar is set up properly you don’t need to do any tricks to keep it in tune.
@@Chicksquid I guess Gibson sells all their guitars with bad setups then bc I’ve never played one that can stay in tune.
This is how I do it. Perfect distance measuring two heads up. It gives you a solid 3 wraps on the low E
The "Gibson knot thing" actually has a purpose and is used for better tuning stability because you use less wraps. It acts more like locking tuners with the obvious caveat of being more difficult to remove the string. I think it holds more benefits than disadvantages.
Right... except if you have tuning stability problems it's normally the nut not the tuner, if it's beyond the nut then there's a problem with the headstock design or you have really poor quality tuners like 60 quid guitar or worse qaulity, the nut is 99% the problem with tuning stability issues
I know professional guitar techs that swear by the Gibson knot thing so take that for what it’s worth.
You should never cut your strings off like that. It releases the tension on the neck and couldn’t cause it damage. You should remove one string at a time straight away. This guy got it wrong
You would be unwise to cut at tension, but taking all the strings off at once is fine once they are slack.
Put one wrap above and the second wrap below and it locks it in. Been a guitar tech for 35 years and it's never failed me.
I'm curious. I'm having some tuning issues (and really bad intonation issues on high E and B strings but I think it's because the rust on the strings adds weight therefore changing the intonation) on my PRS SE. After reading about it on the internet I'm pretty sure it's the nut's fault but after seeing so many people in the comments restringing in different ways I'm questioning if how I do it could be wrong. Since you've been a tech for so long I figured I'd ask you. I use the restringing method that PRS recommends in their video. Do you think there's a better restringing method or the problem is just the nut? Thanks
@@ChristianFratto Honestly, as long as you have 2-4 wraps below, the pinch, knot, or simple wrap will work fine. I wouldn’t worry too much about it as long as you have enough wraps and not too many. As for the tuning/intonation issue, make sure your nut slots aren’t pinching the string up then lubricate all friction points. You’ll wanna start with adjusting the truss rod, then set string height, then intonate it in that order.
@@CaptainWrinkleBrain I think I have 1-2 wraps around the goal post. Should I leave more slack to add one? And yes, I hear a pinching sound almost every time I pull out/put in a string. Are the saddles a friction point? If yes, I should note that I have eaten through the bridge with my sweat. The left side is all green and the right side is a little ruined too. I don't know if it has something to do with the intonation or the tuning instability. Anyway thanks a lot for the tips man!
I love my locking tuners it makes everything so fast. The closer you can get to a quarter turn the better. Simple as that.
The “Gibson Knot Thing” takes a fraction of a second more to take off a string - but sometimes the right way to do something takes longer 🤷🏽♂️
The one fret thing is a good tip, I pull it up one tuner width but that's the same thing, this man knows his stuff
I was shown to do the first wine over the top and then the rest underneath of the tag end of the string. It pulls off just as easily but I like the way it looks
oh thank goodness!....been using selotape and blu tack for the last 30 years.
i have locking tuners, love em
Love that sudden and complete tension loss on the neck.Awesome for my intonation it is.
I’m sure the "Gibson knot" is the Martin way of doing it, not Gibson? Martin has a drawing on their string packets even, I believe. Gibson demonstrates to just put the string through, and then wrap one on top and the rest underneath the string that came through the tuner. I’m quite sure🤷🏻♂️
I think this is how Taylor recommends restringing in their user manuals. That is where I really learned proper restringing technique. Simple, easy, gets the job done without overcomplicating it. I think the only difference is that Taylor uses the distance between the other tuning pegs to determine the proper amount of slack to use to ensure a proper wind.
Logical. I didn't think this was a problem. Only thing I do differently is replace them e, d, b, a, g, E, which I learnt from my floating bridge.
definitely the best way to do it, looks neat and easier to remove as well when restringing
Thank you sir I hope more ppl watch this
it’s crazy that i was first taught how to restring from a youtubers paid guitar course, but he pretty much did the gibson knot. but when i worked at a pawn shop one of the guys who didn’t even play guitar taught me this way. got my strat strung up perfect.
SAME! Never understood why people think this keeps you more in tune when it’s actually adding tension causing your string to not move through the nut as fluidly.
agree! I tried the gibson knot thing this weekend restringing 3 of my guitars.... and will never do again
I just tune my guitar once and then superglue the tuning peg things…so it never goes out of tune again. The toenation is perfect!
My teacher back in the 80's taught the knot, he said less windings, less string to stretch or slip. I used to re-string before going on stage, no problems.
20years later.....thank you professional guitar tech
Just learned about one fret away. I’ve always gave a little slack, and would end up how it looks at the end, but now it makes more sense haha
im gonna do whatever i feel like, i choose the decisions in my life that make me happy
I've had the Gibson knot thing on my guitar for 10 years and still doesn't need to be tuned more than any proper way . This is all Hocus pocus guitar snob stuff... From people trying to sell expensive guitars.
By the way, the tone of the guitar does not matter what it says on the headstock. Most people don't magically hear little nuances and tone. The cost comes from who makes it. sometimes a squier sounds better than a fender.