Tech Tips
Winding Guitar Strings
The Basics
Conventional Machine Heads (Tuners)
Strat Style Machines
Locking Machines (Featured on most Coen Guitars)Turn the tuner so the hole in the machines post is facing the nut.
Thread the string through the machines hole (on bass guitars wrap once before threading)
Lock the machine
Tune
Cut off excess
- Remove old string and clean the neck per manufacturer recommendations.
- Always wrap the sting to the inside on 3 machine head per side headstocks and to the bottom on 6 per side headstocks
- The machines will turn counter clockwise to tighten the string and raise the pitch.
- Tuning (always tune up, never down as this takes any slack out of the machine)
- Jam (we recommend tuning before jamming).
Conventional Machine Heads (Tuners)
- There should be 2 to 3 wraps of the sting (3 is ideal) when in tune.
- Be sure to wrap the string from top to bottom
- Tune
- Cut off excess
Strat Style Machines
- Review "basics above.
- With the string through the bridge, pull the string taught to the machine post.
- Add the distance of 3 more machine posts and cut the string.
- Put the string end down in the hole in the center of the machine.
- Bend the string 90 degrees to fit in the slot.
- Tune
Locking Machines (Featured on most Coen Guitars)
Humidity
The optimal humidity for guitars is 45% at 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Incorrect humidity is a leading cause of cracking and playability problems
Too much humidity will cause swelling, leading to:
Incorrect humidity is a leading cause of cracking and playability problems
Too much humidity will cause swelling, leading to:
- Higher action
- Back Bow in the neck
- Possible cracking
- Fret buzz
- Feeling the fret ends
- Possible Cracking
- Use a hydrometer to monitor humidity in your guitar
- Use a humidifier and dehumidifier to control humidity where you store your guitar
- Store you guitar where extremes in heat, humidity or dryness exist
- Rooms with a fireplace
- Your car's trunk
- Direct sunlight