Poll/Survey: Do you stretch your strings?

Steve Pawlak · From: Arizona, USA

I use a cable stretcher I got in my lineman days

Jordan Beyer · From: Ohio, USA

Can someone explain what streching your strings acually mean? Is it when you over tighten the string and then tune it down where it should be? I'm lost
Jordan

ajm · From: Los Angeles

Sorry if this did not appear as a "Poll" with a tabulation of responses. I guess I need to do a research on how to implement this.

I wanted to get a feel for who/how many stretches and who doesn't. This is something that I've read about, somewhere, in the past year or so.

I had always stretched my strings when changing them, but after reading about it started to wonder if it *really* made sense to do it.

For starters, how do you keep from over stretching a certain area?
Will this affect the tonality/response/overtones?
Will it weaken the string or reduce its life?

The last few times, on my 6 string beasts, I've not stretched them out and just let them settle in by themselves over time. After a short period they seem to stay in tune fairly well. As a bonus, and it may be imaginary on my part, they seem to maybe last a little longer as well.

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

Sounds like a good argument for not stretching.

Rich Upright · From: Florida, USA

I just change 'em a couple days before a gig so they stretch on their own for those couple days. I NEVER break a string, even a G#. NEVER!
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Tony Glassman · From: The Great Northwest

I stretch the crap out of new strings after I tune them a half step beyond the desired pitch (except the 3rd string). Then I retune them once they stabilize. My impression is that the strings will hold pitch sooner.

I can't believe "stretching" has any bad effect on them, as repeated string stretching is what pedal steel is all about.

Larry Hobson · From: Valley Grande (Selma) Al USA

Splitting hairs ?

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

Yes, I stretch my strings, either on guitar or steel. I think nothing of changing strings right before I play, and expect them to be stable right away.

I think one needs to exert some reasonable judgment about how hard to stretch them - especially an .011 or .0115 3rd string G# on pedal steel. If you stretch too hard, they will flat-out break, and pretty easily at that. I stretch from near the middle of the string, and a few moderate stretches is usually enough to settle them in. Sometimes, especially on the 3rd, I push down lightly instead of pulling up. Heavy wound strings usually require more coercion.

On guitar, I change tunings quite a bit for slide. If I change a string's pitch and expect things to stay in tune, there's really no choice but to stretch.

I have never noticed any adverse effect on string longevity from moderate stretching. Yes, if you yank 'em real hard, it can be an issue. But as noted earlier - pedal steel raises stretch the string every time. I don't think a few moderate stretches, as needed, makes much, if any, difference.

Bill L. Wilson · From: Oklahoma, USA

Tune'em Up and Play'em. Tune'em Up and Play'em. About the third time, I just Play'em.

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

YES I stretch them by giving them a gentle pull. This is supposed to secure the bend at the tuner. Which I think it does.

I probably tune and pull 3 or 4 times before it's pretty darn secure .
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Kevin Mincke · From: Farmington, MN (Twin Cities-South Metro) USA

I usually change strings a couple days before a known gig and I typically tune them sharp and let them settle in, then retune. On occasion when I haven't had the time & changed them at the last minute before a show, I will stretch them out a 1 1/2" or so a few times each and they seem to stay in tune well.

ajm · From: Los Angeles

I see now how to set up a "poll" (I think).
The next time, I'll make a new mistake. ;>))

The results are kind of difficult to tabulate just by reading the posts.
Some don't stretch them.
Some do.
Some only stretch certain strings and not others.
Some stretch them depending upon whether or not they're at a gig.
All that said.........

To date, as best as I can tabulate, it's even.
Stretch: 14
Don't stretch: 14

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