Fender Starcaster String Replacement

Written By: Jasper Fleischhauer
  • Comments: 2
Fender Starcaster String Replacement

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

8

Time Required

5 minutes

Introduction

There are many different styles of tuners and bridges, therefore, many different methods of replacing the strings. This Starcaster has a string-through bridge and standard in-line tuners, so the string changing process is fairly simple.

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    • Start by loosening the strings. This is done by turning the tuning knob until the string has lost tension.

    • Repeat this for all six strings on the guitar.

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    • Be mindful of the string ends. They may be sharp and could puncture your skin.

    • It may be necessary to use pliers to remove string ends from the tuning peg.

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    • After removing the strings from the tuning pegs, slide the strings through the bridge and out of the back of the guitar.

    • If the twists in the string ends are in the way, use wire cutters to snip them off. This will allow the heavier strings to pass through the bridge easier.

    When I cut 4-6 winding string, I have experience with the metal piece of the string entering my eyeball.

    It is recommended to wear goggles or cut with eyes closed.

    Takehiro -

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    • Take any one of the new strings and slide it through the appropriate bridge hole.

    • The replacement strings used on this guitar were "Regular Slinky" by Ernie Ball, which is a 10 gauge string set.

    • 6th String: E - 46 Gauge

    • 5th String: A - 36 Gauge

    • 4th String: D - 26 Gauge

    • 3rd String: G - 17 Gauge

    • 2nd String: B - 13 Gauge

    • 1st String: E - 10 Guage

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    • Lay the string parallel to the guitar's neck and directly over the appropriate tuning peg.

    • Measure a "three finger's length" (about 1.5") on the string passed the tuning peg.

    • Make a sharp bend in the string at where you measured 1.5" passed the tuning peg.

    • Turn the tuning peg until the string hole faces perpendicular to the guitar's neck.

    • Feed the bent string into the tuning peg until the bend meets the tuning post.

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    • Make another sharp bend in the string on the outside of the tuning post.

    • Turn the tuning key counter clockwise while applying light pressure to the string on the inside of the post.

    • Wrapping the string around the post will help the string stay in-tune longer.

    • If the wraps of the string around the post start to roll over the top of the post, hold them down while still turning the post.

    • Continue turning the post until at least 2 full wraps of the string have been made around the post.

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    • Snip the excess string off from the post with a wire cutter (leaving at least half an inch of string left).

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    • Continue installing strings using the the same method described in the last few steps.

    • The last four strings (the D, G, B, and E strings), must be guided underneath the two "string trees" in the center of the headstock.

    • String Tree for the D and G strings

    • String Tree for the B and E strings

    • Tune the strings to your desired pitch and your guitar is ready to play!

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Jasper Fleischhauer

Member since: 20/10/14

34499 Reputation

One comment

Good guide very helpful.

Neo kramer -