- Start by loosening all the strings with the tuning pegs using the provided Allen wrench so that they are slack as you restring the guitar.
- Remove the old strings by cutting them a few inches from the bridge.
- Clean the string saddles, and the bridge with rubbing alcohol.
Step 2: Stringing
- Take one of the new strings and thread it through the hole in the tuner key.
- Pull the string towards the bridge winding around the string post one time at the top and then through the nut.
- Now insert the ball end of the string into its respective bridge piece
- Pull the string tight and cut off the excess.
- Repeat this process for all strings.
- After you have strung all of the strings, tune them up to pitch using the tuning pegs.
- To make sure the strings are seated correctly, re-tune them a couple of times.
Step 3: Adjusting Action
- You may need to adjust the string action for the neck to be playable. This is how high the string is above the frets.
- If the action is too low, the strings will buzz against the frets. If it is too high, the strings will feel difficult to press down.
- To adjust action first check if you have a traditional style tremolo or a Floyd Rose style locking tremolo. This can be done by looking at the bridge.
- Adjusting Action on a Traditional Style Trem: First, place a capo on the first-fret of the guitar and then tune all the strings. Then, measure the gap between the string and the 12th fret:
If the gap is more than 1/16 of an inch on high E string and 2/32 of an inch on low E, the action is too high. To adjust, turn the truss-rod clockwise.
If the gap is less than 1/32 of an inch, the action is too low. In this case, turn the truss-rod counter-clockwise.
-Adjusting Action on a Floyd Rose Tremolo: This process can not be done at home and should only be done by a qualified guitar technician.
Step 4 Test for Buzz
- Once the strings are at proper tension, check all strings on all frets to determine if there is any fret that is giving you a metallic buzzing noise when playing.
- If there is a buzzing sound, this indicates the string is too close to that particular fret.
- To raise the action on the one fret that is buzzing, turn the truss-rod clockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time. Retune the string and check the specific string at the fret that is causing the buzzing sound to see if the adjustment has removed the buzzing sound. Repeat the adjustment as necessary until the buzz has stopped.
- Only make small adjustments to the truss rod at a time to avoid damage to the guitar.
Step 5: Intonation
- When all strings are at the proper tension and the there are no buzzing sounds when playing any string on any fret, you can adjust the intonation, which is how in-tune the note sounds as you play higher up the fretboard.
- For a perfect intonation setting, play the harmonic at the 12th fret of each string.
- If the harmonic sounds sharp compared to the fretted note of the same string at the 12th fret, the saddle needs to be moved back away from the nut.
- If the harmonic sounds flat compared to the fretted note, the saddle needs to be moved forward towards the nut.
- Make intonation adjustments with a phillips head screwdriver. Move saddles very small increments until the harmonic sound is in tune with the fretted note at the 12th fret.
Step 6: Lower Guitar
- Lower your guitar. The strings should have been properly stretched as you tuned it up after restringing.
- Give your guitar a thorough wipe down to remove any finger prints, excess oil on hardware or electronics.