How to Change the Strings on your Banjo
An important step in learning to play the Banjo is learning how to change strings. It can be very daunting for beginners because there are a lot of things you can do wrong. Here is a guide to teach you how to do it.
Before changing strings, you need to get everything set up.
What do you need?
There are a few accessories that are useful when changing strings. We use the OSWC-3H Ortega Winder and Cutter, it's a useful tool for turning the tuning pegs quickly and comfortably. It also allows you to cut the strings at the end. If you don't have one, you will have to tighten and loosen the strings by hand.
We recommend the OIWM Instrument Work Mat as a protective under the instrument.
You will need a suitable place to change your strings. Ideally a dining table where you have enough space. Lay the instrument on the Mat and place the piece of paper at the end of the bridge for the duration of the change.
Where to begin
Now we begin the actual process of changing the strings. We recommend changing the strings one at a time, so as not to put too much pressure on the bridge, which could move if you remove too many strings.
Removing the treble strings
Use the string winder to lower the pitch of the first E-string and remove all the tension from the string
Cut the string and remove it from the headstock and the bridge.
Installing the strings
Open the tailpiece and remove the first E-string from the hook
Remove the hook of the old string and install the new in the same way.
Hock the string ins and make sure that it down't slip out of the tailpiece.
At the headstock
Keep the tension high as the tailpiece hook may come loose.
isnter the string into the hole.
Now wrap it back around itself to the other side and bend it at a sharp angle.
Now tune the string to pitch
The fifth string
Inser the string insto the tuning peg. Make sure to guide through the little bridge an the neck.
Wrap it around and tuck it under itself to hold it in place. Now tune the string to pitch.
The only thing left to do is to cut off the excess strings at the headstock and bridge to make your guitar look nice and neat again.
Some people burn the end to make a little nob that stops the string from coming loose.
