Steel String Guitar Setup
Steel Strings
There are many types of steel strings available. Steel strings come in a variety of gauges, different types of winding and can also be manufactured from different types of metal.
Steel string gauges vary from extra light to heavy. If you are learning on a steel string guitar then a light gauge or an extra light gauge is recommended. Almost all steel string guitars have two unwound strings (strings 1 and 2) and four wound strings (string 3 - 6). The wound strings contain an inner core and an outer core. The main two types of wound strings are roundwound and flatwound. The roundwound strings are the most popular, made up of a round wire coiled around an inner steel core producing a definite coiled string. This type of string gives a strong, rich and loud sound. Flatwound strings use a strip winding to give a smooth feel to the string. This type of string produces a softer more mellow sound and as this type of string is easier on the fingers can be recommended for beginning guitarists. The most common material used for the wound steel strings is Bronze though Nickel, Bronze though Nickel, Brass and even Stainless Steel strings are available.
Once again, a reputable music store will be able to assist with providing you with the correct strings for your steel string guitar.
Fitting Steel Strings
Fixing the string to the bridge: All steel strings have a steel ball tied to the end of the string. The ball is poked into a hole in the bridge and held into place with a bridge pin. The bridge pin has a slot cut into it to accommodate the string. Study the following diagrams.
Tying the string to the tuning key: When fitting a string to the tuning key the string is inserted through the tuning key hole only once.
The string is then neatly coiled 4 - 5 times around the barrel of the tuning key from the top of the barrel neat the hole to the base of the barrel.
It is essential that the strings are wound onto the barrel of the tuning key from the correct side. Turn the tuning key so the string is wound inward towards the center of the head not towards the outside of the head. Study the diagram.
