Help a newbie to change strings for the first time

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Jo3x

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Hi,

I just got my new KA-ATP-CTG-CE from Mim a week ago, and Mim also helped to install Worth BT Brown strings. I've been really happy with it.

However, today when I started to tune it (they are out of tune in like less than an hour, I guess that's normal for new strings?), the A string was broken. Then I watched some changing string videos, and I feel that' not that complex. So I'm thinking of changing strings by myself (also I think I need to gain these skills anyway). But I still have some questions:

1) My experiences with uke is just less than one year. I'm still not that confidence that I can do it perfectly. Do you think I'd better reach out to a luthier in person to learn it first?
2) Do I need to change the A string only or it's better to change the four together?
3) Is there any recommendation on stores that sell strings?
4) Any recommendation on tools? Like the "Planet Waves String Winder & Cutter" by Andrew in his video.
5) Any tips for a newbie like me?

Thanks a lot!
 
The video below is the best one I know for changing strings on ukuleles. It's easy to do, just intimidating the first few times. There is no need to pay a luthier or a guitar tech to change strings. It's something you'll regularly do and it's a skill you want to have. It may take you an hour or longer the first time, while repeatedly re-watching the relevant section of the video, but eventually you'll do it in much less time. I'm not a very "handy" person, and I dragged the first string change out far longer than was good (I should have experimented with strings sooner, it might have saved me a couple of instrument purchases! Ukes can sound so different with different strings.) Other than a tuner and scissors, you don't need tools.

I'd change all four strings. This way, they will all be the same age and have the same wear. It is not normal that a string breaks, though. Did you accidentally tune it an octave higher than it should be? That would easily cause the string to snap.

 
Last edited:
Jo3x said:
Hi,

I just got my new KA-ATP-CTG-CE from Mim a week ago, and Mim also helped to install Worth BT Brown strings. I've been really happy with it.

However, today when I started to tune it (they are out of tune in like less than an hour, I guess that's normal for new strings?), the A string was broken. Then I watched some changing string videos, and I feel that' not that complex. So I'm thinking of changing strings by myself (also I think I need to gain these skills anyway). But I still have some questions:

1) My experiences with uke is just less than one year. I'm still not that confidence that I can do it perfectly. Do you think I'd better reach out to a luthier in person to learn it first?
2) Do I need to change the A string only or it's better to change the four together?
3) Is there any recommendation on stores that sell strings?
4) Any recommendation on tools? Like the "Planet Waves String Winder & Cutter" by Andrew in his video.
5) Any tips for a newbie like me?

Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...

1) you should do it yourself
2) that is up to you. I buy my strings in bulk, so if I break one, I replace one. but if they are aged, replace them all, it is fun.
3) they are on amazon.com and a million other online shops. If you have a local spot, check them first.
4) you can get winders and cutters but you don't need them.
5) watch this video https://youtu.be/kyv7uOiXsbM and have fun.
 
Here are my answers:

1) No, I think you'll manage just fine, particularly with the video that Mivo provided.
2) I'd change all 4 for the same reasons as Mivo.
3) I've bought from Uke Republic, Strings by Mail, and Daniel Ho (PHD strings), and all of them have been great.
4) I've used pliers with a wire cutting attachment and even nail clippers to cut strings. You shouldn't need a specialist tool. A string winder is handy because without it you will be winding forever if you have geared tuners. They cost about $2. If you have friction tuners, you won't need it, though. Also, be careful that the winder doesn't scratch your headstock. I accidentally scratched the headstock of my favourite uke because I wasn't careful enough.

I also second what Mivo said about making sure you don't tune an octave high.
 
Mivo said:
The video below is the best one I know for changing strings on ukuleles. It's easy to do, just intimidating the first few times. There is no need to pay a luthier or a guitar tech to change strings. It's something you'll regularly do and it's a skill you want to have. It may take you an hour or longer the first time, while repeatedly re-watching the relevant section of the video, but eventually you'll do it in much less time. I'm not a very "handy" person, and I dragged the first string change out far longer than was good (I should have experimented with strings sooner, it might have saved me a couple of instrument purchases! Ukes can sound so different with different strings.) Other than a tuner and scissors, you don't need tools.

I'd change all four strings. This way, they will all be the same age and have the same usage. It is not normal that a string breaks, though. Did you accidentally tune it an octave higher than it should be? That would easily cause the string to snap.

Click to expand...


Thanks a lot Mivo! Now I've got more confidence encouraged by your words.

Yes, I also suspect it was because I tuned it an octave higher. I start thinking of buying a tuner that shows octave info. The built-in one doesn't have octave info.
 
Mr. Sweetie said:
1) you should do it yourself
2) that is up to you. I buy my strings in bulk, so if I break one, I replace one. but if they are aged, replace them all, it is fun.
3) they are on amazon.com and a million other online shops. If you have a local spot, check them first.
4) you can get winders and cutters but you don't need them.
5) watch this video https://youtu.be/kyv7uOiXsbM and have fun.
Click to expand...

Thank you Mister Sweetie!

I'll do it myself encouraged by you guys.
 
robinboyd said:
Here are my answers:

1) No, I think you'll manage just fine, particularly with the video that Mivo provided.
2) I'd change all 4 for the same reasons as Mivo.
3) I've bought from Uke Republic, Strings by Mail, and Daniel Ho (PHD strings), and all of them have been great.
4) I've used pliers with a wire cutting attachment and even nail clippers to cut strings. You shouldn't need a specialist tool. A string winder is handy because without it you will be winding forever if you have geared tuners. They cost about $2. If you have friction tuners, you won't need it, though. Also, be careful that the winder doesn't scratch your headstock. I accidentally scratched the headstock of my favourite uke because I wasn't careful enough.

I also second what Mivo said about making sure you don't tune an octave high.
Click to expand...

Thank you Robin!

I'll change all 4, despite they have an age of like 7 days.
 
Jo3x said:
Yes, I also suspect it was because I tuned it an octave higher. I start thinking of buying a tuner that shows octave info. The built-in one doesn't have octave info.
Click to expand...

I use the "Tunable" app (available for Android and iOS) when re-stringing, just to make sure I'm in the right octave, then switch to the clip-on tuner for the fine-tuning within the octave. After a while, you'll also hear if you are reasonably close to the note.

During my first encounter with friction tuners, I snapped a string because I had been used to geared tuners and I didn't realize that with fiction tuners you don't need to twiddle the knob nearly as much. Unfortunately, the knot of the snapped string also ripped out part of the already worn slotted bridge (it was a used uke) and I had to spring for repairs. It's the kind of thing you do once and then you know better the next time. :)
 
Change one string at a time, bring it up to rough tune, do the next string, bring it up to rough tune, then the next, then the last. then bring them all back into tune again.

You will need to retune for a day or two, then they should have stretched & will start holding their tuning.

No tools needed, just coil the excess string into a small loop & tuck the ends through at the headstock tuners. :)
 
Jo3x said:
Hi,

But I still have some questions:
Click to expand...

As the others have said, changing strings is easy enough, but it is a somewhat finicky job because you're dealing with small things in small spaces. It took me a while to learn the technique of wrapping the string around the tuning post - first over then under. Also, having one set of strings on hand is not enough. If you have to replace broken strings using the only set you have, then you have nothing in reserve. It's like have just one backup of your important computer files.

I think it's funny that they sell winding adapters for an electric drill. I can see a use for that if you're doing this all day long, but not for one set every few months. I wonder how long the tuning gears would hold up while being turned at full speed by an electric drill. Let me put that on my To Do List.

Strings are just about the cheapest item you have to buy for the ukulele. Imagine if you played a cello or a bass.
 
Croaky Keith said:
No tools needed, just coil the excess string into a small loop & tuck the ends through at the headstock tuners. :)
Click to expand...

NO, No, No!!! That's sloppy work...just make sure everything's up to tune and stable and clip the ends with a fingernail clipper...sheeesh :biglaugh:
 
Jerryc41 said:
I think it's funny that they sell winding adapters for an electric drill. I can see a use for that if you're doing this all day long, but not for one set every few months. I wonder how long the tuning gears would hold up while being turned at full speed by an electric drill. Let me put that on my To Do List.
Click to expand...

The handiest string changing tool I have...already had the power screw driver and pliers winder.jpg
 
Ukulele strings are changed so seldom that no string changing tools are needed. A guitar player with steel strings often changed can maybe take some advantage, but uke players stay away.

Strings can get cut if in contact with something sharp, seldom with frets saddle or nut, and get cut.

When changing take the old string out without cutting it and put it in safekeeping as a spare one. This works easy with knot end bridges, but old string can be reused also with a tie bridge saddle when needed. Then put a new string in in place with instructions given in internet, plenty of them. And tune it up. There is not in my opinion possibility of tuning an octave too high. So no need get any tuner showing the octave number.
 
I'd recommend you spend some time trying to understand why it broke. New strings/instruments shouldn't do that. Hopefully it is the octave thing but if it happens again, it will happen again...!
 
UkerDanno said:
NO, No, No!!! That's sloppy work...just make sure everything's up to tune and stable and clip the ends with a fingernail clipper...sheeesh :biglaugh:
Click to expand...

Croaky Keith said:
Ha, ha, if one of my strings breaks at the bridge, I just unravel it a bit & tie a new knot............ :nana::music:
Click to expand...

That comment has nothing to do with string breakage...:confused:

Jarmo_S said:
Ukulele strings are changed so seldom that no string changing tools are needed. A guitar player with steel strings often changed can maybe take some advantage, but uke players stay away.

Strings can get cut if in contact with something sharp, seldom with frets saddle or nut, and get cut.

When changing take the old string out without cutting it and put it in safekeeping as a spare one. This works easy with knot end bridges, but old string can be reused also with a tie bridge saddle when needed. Then put a new string in in place with instructions given in internet, plenty of them. And tune it up. There is not in my opinion possibility of tuning an octave too high. So no need get any tuner showing the octave number.
Click to expand...

Good advice, but I have 8 ukuleles and change strings on all of them at least once a year, also change strings for friends once in a while, the power winder is very handy...at least get one of the $2 ones from your local music store.
 
mmn said:
I'd recommend you spend some time trying to understand why it broke. New strings/instruments shouldn't do that. Hopefully it is the octave thing but if it happens again, it will happen again...!
Click to expand...

Thank you!

Could you also shed some lights on other possibilities? This is a new uke with new strings. I have it just about 7 days. Hopefully, nothing wrong with the uke...
 
Jo3x said:
Thank you!

Could you also shed some lights on other possibilities? This is a new uke with new strings. I have it just about 7 days. Hopefully, nothing wrong with the uke...
Click to expand...

Hard to say not knowing where it broke.

Possible:
String got cut or knicked during stringing or since,
If between nut and saddle, bad string (rare),
If at the nut, nut slot pinching,
If at the saddle, pinching or top of saddle too thin,
If at tuner, metal burr.
 
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