How Much To Restring A Guitar

How Much Does it Cost to Restring a Guitar? A Comprehensive Guide

So, you're ready to give your guitar a fresh sound and feel with a new set of strings? Knowing the cost beforehand can save you from unpleasant surprises. The price of restringing a guitar can vary greatly depending on several factors. This guide breaks down the costs and helps you understand what influences the final price.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Guitar Restring

Several key factors influence the overall cost of restringing your guitar:

1. The Type of Guitar:

• Acoustic Guitars: Generally cost slightly more than electric guitars to restring due to the higher tension and often more intricate stringing process.
• Electric Guitars: Typically less expensive to restring because of simpler stringing mechanisms.
• Classical Guitars: These often require nylon strings, which can sometimes be more expensive than steel strings used on other guitars. The restringing process itself might also be slightly more complex.

2. The Type of Strings:

• Brand: Popular brands like Ernie Ball, Elixir, D'Addario, and others often command higher prices. Generic or lesser-known brands offer more budget-friendly options.
• Material: Steel strings are common for electric and acoustic guitars, while nylon strings are typical for classical guitars. The material significantly impacts the price. Coated strings, which promise longer life, will generally cost more.
• Gauge (Thickness): Heavier gauge strings usually cost slightly more.

3. Where You Get it Done:

• Professional Guitar Tech/Luthier: This option tends to be the most expensive, but provides the highest quality and expertise. They will also ensure your guitar's setup is properly adjusted after the restringing. Expect to pay more for their experience and skill.
• Guitar Store: Guitar stores will often offer restringing services at a moderate price point. The cost will depend on the store’s policy and the type of strings you choose.
• DIY (Do It Yourself): The most budget-friendly option, but requires some knowledge and skill. This only accounts for the cost of the strings themselves.

Cost Breakdown: A Realistic Estimate

While it’s impossible to give a precise number without knowing all the specifics, here’s a general idea:

• DIY: Expect to pay $10 - $30 for a set of strings.
• Guitar Store: Plan on paying $20 - $50, depending on the strings and the store.
• Professional Guitar Tech/Luthier: This could range from $30 - $75 or more, including the cost of the strings and their expertise.

Tips for Saving Money

• Buy strings in bulk: Purchasing strings in bulk often leads to a lower per-set price.
• Learn to restring your guitar: This is a skill that can save you a substantial amount of money over time. Many online resources offer tutorials.
• Shop around: Compare prices at different guitar stores and online retailers before committing to a purchase.

Conclusion

Restringing your guitar is a necessary part of guitar maintenance. By understanding the factors influencing the cost, you can make informed decisions about where to get your guitar restringed and how much you should expect to pay. Weigh the convenience and expertise of a professional against the cost savings of DIY to determine the best option for your budget and skill level.