blog.humaneguitarist.org
drawing on straws: making stringing my guitar easier
[Sun, 08 May 2011 16:59:37 +0000]
This is somewhat off-topic, but not really since music's the basis of this blog and stuff, really.
So anyway, I own two fine guitars made by my friend Dr. James Buckland. For the last couple years, I really only use the Panormo inspired one shown below. As you can see it has bridge pins.
[http://blog.humaneguitarist.org/uploads/bridgePins.jpg]IMAGE: [http://blog.humaneguitarist.org/uploads/bridgePins.jpg]
And I hate putting on new strings because I like to tie the string knot after the string is protruding outside of the soundhole so I can then pull the string through before I insert the pins.
But it's a pain - especially with the treble strings (that's gut treble, thank you very much) - because inserting them from the top (through the bridge) rarely results in them easily finding their way out of the soundhole and into my hands. By the way I use Gamut [http://gamutmusic.squarespace.com/strings/] strings and really like them ...
Anyway, I've used a set of tongs before to get them, but I just moved and don't have a set of tongs lying around. Nor do I have any tools to make something more appropriate. But I do have flexible straws ...
So, using two straws I've got a nice little tool that I can insert into the soundhole and that helps me hook the string and pull it through the soundhole so I can then get onto tying the knot and restringing my guitar.
Obviously, I'm so excited about such a dopey little thing I decided to blog about it.
It's a lot safer for the guitar than a set of metal tongs, too. Also, you can't drink smoothies with a set of tongs.
In the days before the Internet, I could have probably made a few bucks a year selling this thing through the Soundboard [http://www.guitarfoundation.org/drupal/soundboard] with a vague description and the phrase "Patent Pending" in the ad. Oh, for the good old days.
And here's what the "Bridge Pin Helper (Patent Pending)" looks like. Order yours today!
:P
IMAGE: [http://blog.humaneguitarist.org/uploads/bridgePinHelper.jpg]
COMMENTS
Hi David, I use gut strings from Gamut Music (http://gamutmusic.squarespace.com/). You should be able to use any strings (Hannabach, D'Addario, etc.) as long as you tie a knot at the end ... I used to use nylon strings on my guitar until I discovered how much better I like gut. If you have a typical scale length guitar the gut strings might break to easily ... also nails will rip them up. Happy playing!
Hi just came across your blog and wanted to ask you where you get your strings for the bridge pegs and how you order them., I'm about to buy a classical guitar made in germany from the 1920's that has bridge pegs, but have no luck in finding strings for it Thanks -
Great idea re: capo. Thanks Mike!
I've always used a capo to clamp down loose strings in the middle of the neck - keep's thing from flapping around. And I always have a capo handy. I dig your blog btw.