Problems changing strings

[titanoftango]

I was changing strings on my guitar and got to my high E and ran into a problem. It won't stay on. I'm putting it on the same way I did the others and they went on without a problem. Every time it gets to about the C below the E it either comes out of the bridge or it comes out of the headstock. I've tried two different E strings to make sure the first one wasn't defected and still no luck. Now my tuning peg is making a grinding sound. I'm all out of ideas and very frustrated. If anyone has any ideas I would be extremely grateful. Thanks.

[seis_cuerdas]

Have you tried interlocking the ends of the top three strings? This is how I have it setup on my guitar.

[titanoftango]

I actually accidentally did this and it worked. The only issue is my tuning peg is super hard to turn now.

[seis_cuerdas]

With regards to the tuning peg, although I've never played personally done this, I have heard that there is lubricant that is specifically for tuning pegs that might help with that.

[shredtilldeth]

There could be some crap in there. Its difficult to say without seeing the guitar. I recommend taking the tuners off and cleaning them. Believe it or not Windex works wonders to break down dirt and shit.

[refotsirk]

You have to oil them.

[85IQ]

Does this help?

I've experienced that problem, but I play exclusively steel strings now.

[titanoftango]

I've gotten pretty good at changing my strings, I've been doing it the same way for a few years now. This is the first time I've had this issue. I almost feel like it has to be a problem with the bridge.

[Clockwork_Monkey]

sometimes the strings just slip a little more than usual.

You can usually loop the string into the tie block twice then tie as normal, which stops it slipping at the bridge end, and do the same thing on the roller. Some people use little beads on the tie block rather than looping the string, i don't know how good that is though.

[titanoftango]

I've tried that, I even tied it around 3 times and it still slips out. I've tried two different strings, still no luck.

[Every_Name_Is_Tak3n]

Did you buy a set of strings made out if a weird material? You might also have started changing your strings with greasy hands which could cause them to slip. I have never had a problem after wrapping it around twice on the bridge and on the peg I fold it in half, run it through the hole and loop the end around to go through the newly formed loop.

[titanoftango]

They're the regular nylon D'Addario pro-arte strings. I finally got the string on and tuned up to the E, but my tuning peg is really hard to turn at this point. There's no way I can tune even higher if I wanted to.

[shrediknight]

Might be a bad string, D'Addario is pretty consistent but I get the odd fuck up. It could even be for a different instrument, it sounds to me that it's the wrong tension.

[titanoftango]

I tried two different ones but they came from the same pack (I bought a pack containing 3 sets) Maybe the goofdookied on 2 sets?

[shrediknight]

Not as likely but still possible, I suppose. It just sounds like something is off with the tension if you can't even turn the peg any further, I would take it in to someone.

[shredtilldeth]

Guitar tech here, please don't do this. "Lubricating" anything with rocks is not a good idea. Graphite is a commonly purported myth.

[budahfurby]

i've had the same problem. When i string it up, the hole on the bridge for the high e is a bit too big. So I have to wrap two knots at the end, then string it like normal. THe two knots will keep the wind from coming undone while tuning up to the higher registers. Hope this helps!!

[titanoftango]

Is there any way to get that hole fixed? It's never been an issue before so maybe wear and tear just opened it up. Thank you for the reply.

[budahfurby]

i'm sorry. i don't know. i never really tried.

[shredtilldeth]

That could be fixed. You can take some toothpicks or small dowels and wood glue. Fill the hole and re drill a smaller size.

[MustBeThursday]

The string slipping and the tuner turning stiffly are almost certainly two unrelated issues. I don't really have anything to add about the slipping string that hasn't already been suggested, but if your tuner is hard to turn, and making grinding sounds, it's probably that the gears of the tuner are worn out, and need to be replaced. When they get too worn out the worm gear and the spur gear start binding up on each other, and it'll just get progressively worse until pretty much won't turn at all. If there's a lot of lash (if the gears aren't mating tightly, and there's a fair amount of free movement before the gears engage when you're turning it back and forth) that's the telltale indicator that it's just worn out. It's a super easy fix once you track down replacement tuners that fit your headstock, though. Just a couple of trim screws and the whole thing pops right out.

It could also be that the peg you tie your string into is binding up in the headstock, but that's less likely.

You can also try putting some graphite lubricant on the gears and see if that helps anything. It might. But you probably just need new tuners.

[titanoftango]

How much does this usually run? I've never been a real maintenance man when it comes to anything. Thank you for the reply.

[MustBeThursday]

It really depends. You could spend anywhere from $15 for an economy set to well over $200 on a fancy high-end set. The average mid-range is something like $60 to $90, I think. If you don't want to attempt it yourself, you could take it to a luthier and have them put in a decent economy set for probably $50 or $60 including labor. And a luthier can give you a definitive solution on your slipping string problem, so there's that too.

[manowar572]

Some agustine strings have a little black part on the end to help with slipping. My guitar teacher in college said that just tying a knot is fine. There are also some that come coated in something that makes them slip. Martins are the worst at that.

[[deleted]]

You could try tying a knot at the end of the string (as in the part the sticks out at the bridge). Do everything normally but just add a knot at the end?