*Updated* How to String a Guitar with Vintage Style Tuners

This updated guide will show you the way in which I restring an electric guitar with vintage-style tuners. My original video had many suggestions on alternative methods and I thank all those who commented and offered additional assistance. I've found this new way next to flawless so I hope you're able to find it useful if you're struggling with restringing a guitar with these types of tuners.

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[TheRapand]

Fingers, cases, and especially gig bags are so happy with this kind of tuners – no string ends to stick out and poke holes in everything!

[Vidfavne]

Hello from the future. I've been playing guitar for 35 years, but this is the first time I'm restringing something these type of tuners (a Fender Aerodyne Strat). I was totally lost, confused, frustrated and on the verge on a meltdown until I found this video. Thanks.

[HBSanta]

I bought a Tele with these tuners a month ago and had to finally change the strings today. The comments had me worried but honestly, it was very easy. As long as you do it exactly like the way this video shows, you shouldn't have any problems.

[Okla_Soft]

Damn Shane, I’ve been doing it wrong for the last 6 months, I’d never owned a fender with vintage tuners until last year and I’ve struggled changing the strings until now. Cool to see you had my back with a 7-year-old video!

[odomodometer]

Every time I restring my old Jaguar, I come back to this video for a refresher course.

[Phoenix_cataclysm_in_]

Excellent video. Didn't realise my vintage kluson style tuners had a hole in them to insert strings vertically, this method is ever so simple and elegant. 🎸

[brianlord]

My Squier Strar - Classic Vibes 50s has the same tuners and I've been loathe to change strings again because they're such a ball-ache to change. But this video has massively helped - although the left-handed guitar you use threw me a bit to start with! Thank you. Top man.

[RachelEdgar-jmjd]

Kept popping out for me but I kept the tension with my hand and manually wrapped the string around the tuner for the first cycle then twisted the tuner the rest of the way. My husband was defeated by this for like a week and this video helped me figure it out, thank you!!

[dmytrogarastovych]

Using a capo to keep loose strings more organised helps a lot. I couldn't complete the restringing today until this cool idea came to my mind

[michaelreis]

Yup, I left a comment suggesting exactly that on your prior clip on the subject. Glad you figured it out. I'd like to add that I love the channel and have frequented it for years, thanks for the effort you put in. I'll include below the actual Fender Method and cut lengths for anyone else making sense of this process.. Fyi, I like to fill the spools as it increases the angle over the nut..
Fender Official:
Vintage keys. For these, you'll want to pre-cut the strings to achieve the proper length and desired amount of winds. Pull the sixth string (tautly, remember) to the fourth key and cut it. Pull the fifth string to the third key and cut it. Pull the fourth string between the second and first keys and cut it. Pull the third string nearly to the top of the headcap and cut it. Pull the second string about a 1/2" (13 mm) past the headcap and cut it. Finally, pull the first string 1 1/2" (38 mm) past the top of the headcap and cut it. Insert into the center hole in the tuning key, bend and crimp to a 90-degree angle, and wind neatly in a downward pattern, being careful to prevent overlapping of the strings.

[johnhusson]

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, and a real life saver. I've been stringing my Teles like I would a Gibson and it has been incredibly frustrating I have seen the light. Thanks again!

[tomeisenmenger]

This works fine if the string is hex core. However, if the strings are round core, they can go bad if cut prematurely. Before cutting, crimp the string 90 degrees - the crimp will hold the anchor the wrap to the core - then, cut about 1/4" past the crimp and proceed as shown here.

[goobikworld]

Thanx, thanx, thanx!! The best tutorial about this kind of tuners. The only One brave enough to explain how to manage with thinner strings. Contratulations!

[Fiendocaster]

Just wanted to say thanks! Just bought an AV '64 tele and this is my first time re-stringing with these kind of tuners. Went absolutely perfect. Cheers!

[DwightMS]

When I fit the high E or the B string to a split-shaft tuner, I first make a sharp bend right where it emerges from the top of the post and straight down the outside of the shaft, then wind it around about 1/3 of the post, and hold the string down against the head-stock with my finger right next to the tuner, maintaining tension as I wind. It works most of the time. But because the strings still pop out sometimes, these tuners are a pain in the ass.

[RATTY]

thank you so much, young man, may GOD bless you for many more years!

[stefvuho]

I'll try this method out, been struggling for so many years with my Mexican Strat but love using it. I'm a dab hand at getting guitars I love that are such a pain to get strung. Just really hate D.I.Y, cheers mate. I'll keep you posted if I keep having a hard time.

[MaTtRoSiTy]

Man... thank you. I just got my first Strat and it has these old school style tuners and man was I struggling with this. Pressing down while winding is the trick!

[TheSpineSplitter]

Couple weeks ago I bought a really nice Fender Strat with these type of vintage tuners, screwed up a pack of strings by not measuring, Your video helped a lot.

[stevehogan]

This vid was a world of help for me. The first time I used these original tuners I popped it out about 6 times before I got it. Thanks.