Well been playing basically on the same strings since I started over 6 months ago so figured time for a string chance. First time changing strings and it was ugly but I got it done. Lol. The new strings are D’Addario ‘s XT 80/20 bronze 12/53.
To my novice ears the strings sound great and my only problem I have is that when I’m trying to do disciplined strum training the strings sound so good that I wind up going hog ass wild and let the great sounds derail my structured practice. Actually all in all not a bad thing. My regards to everyone on the forum.
6 Likes
Patrick, I keep putting off making my first (doing it myself) string change. Would you be willing to share how long it took you? I’m thinking of budgeting two hours to be more than safe (using any leftover time to play of course!). I’m only half kidding when I ask: will that be enough? 
You’ll be fine! I watched Justin’s string change video prior to/during my first string change (lots of pausing, some rewinding as I went), but it’s really not as hard as you’d think!
1 Like
Keep putting the string on and the more you do it the better you will get. If I practice lessons everyday I change every 8 weeks or so so I got pretty good at setting up my guitar.
2 Likes
Hi Judi,
That sounds about right for the first time. You will want to do a good cleaning of the fretboard, and if it is the kind to be oiled, then do that but sparingly, it doesn’t need saturation. I have electrics, and two of those need need polishing too. I usually want to wipe them down to remove finger oils and make them look pretty no matter what.
Tighten to tune slowly and rotate thru the strings. Your ear may not be accustomed to the pitch from each and you don’t want to break a new string from over-tightening. The neck will also flex a tiny bit, so going for tight right away won’t stay at that pitch once you tighten other strings. I prefer to keep the load on the neck even but I do not know if it is necessary.
2 Likes
Hello Judi, I restringed my acoustic guitar on Sunday for the first time (after postponing it like forever!) it took about 1 hour and it wasn’t difficult as I feared. Watch Justin’s tutorial and keep it at hand to rewatch in which directions the thickest and thinner strings need to be winded. He does very precise movements to change the strings and mine were quite clumsy but…hey ho he’s been doing that all his life! Let us know how it goes 
1 Like
Thanks, everyone, for your encouragement. Strings will be changed this weekend!
@Nightwatchman Patrick, apologies for hijacking your post. 
1 Like
No problem Judi. My post really didn’t have a question for people to answer. Give yourself an hour,a nice flat surface and some light with Justin’s video close by. Justin makes it look like cake but for me anyway a bit of patients came in handy. The results are worth it especially if you’re treating your guitar to some nice new strings. Maybe my imagination but my wrestling with the F chord got a bit easier after the change. Strings felt a little more pliant.
1 Like
Put in a forum search for ‘strings’. You’ll get more info than you’ll ever want. 
1 Like
Hey Judi, I’ve restrung two guitars now and I used Justin’s video. If you go on u-tube and search for Justin guitar acoustic guitar string change, it’s all there. Worked really well for me. I don’t think it will take you two hours, but I wouldn’t rush it. Good luck
1 Like