String Change with Power?

Jim Saunders · Post by **Jim Saunders** » 2 Feb 2008 7:48 am

I used to dread to change strings, putting it off until I had to. But, on the last two changes I've used my reverseable, cordless drill, with a Dean Markley "Turbotune". I have a D-10. And, what a difference. You can spin off the old strings in a jiffy. Then cut the new string and spin it up to pretune tension in a third of the time. I'm not selling anything here and I may be the last guy on the planet to learn this, but I thought I'd pass it on.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 2 Feb 2008 9:37 am

Me too, Jim - it's a real boon! I, too, hate that task and will do anything to postpone it, but it's certainly not as irksome as it once was now I'm 'electrified'!!!

A word of caution, though; be careful as you get close to pitch - it'd be easy to go 'too far' and snap the string.

I loved their original ad slogan:

"Zero to 440 in six seconds..."

RR

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 2 Feb 2008 10:31 am

Another word of caution---watch your RPM. I use a B&D cordless screw driver with a relatively slow rotation. I can't say for a fact but all my mechanical instincts say that too fast could really heat up the innards of your machine heads and do some harm. Might be that I'm over-cautious but keep it in mind.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 2 Feb 2008 10:48 am

That's what I use, Jon - it does seem a manageable speed.

RR

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 2 Feb 2008 12:06 pm

You guys ever seen one of these?

C. Christofferson · Post by **C. Christofferson** » 2 Feb 2008 12:14 pm

Hey A, should you really be advertising bongs here on the forum ?

Bo Legg · Post by **Bo Legg** » 2 Feb 2008 12:21 pm

Here is the standard Pack-your-Seat string changing kit for Sho-Buds $556

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 2 Feb 2008 12:43 pm

Yes, Andy, and I have a couple, but where's the comparison?

(you have given me a couple of colour ideas, though...

)

RR

Carl Williams · Post by **Carl Williams** » 2 Feb 2008 12:49 pm

I'm with you Jim...the old "work smarter, not harder" thing comes to mind here...Thanks for the post...I need to make sure my Cordless Screwdriver is charged up for by next string change! Carl

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 2 Feb 2008 1:48 pm

Like Andy said, the hand-crank speedwinders work fine once you get the hang of them, and I feel they're almost as fast as a battery operated dingus.

Bryan Daste · Post by **Bryan Daste** » 2 Feb 2008 1:51 pm

Is the Turbo Tune still made? I can't seem to find it on the web.

Carl Williams · Post by **Carl Williams** » 2 Feb 2008 2:27 pm

Jim,
One other thought here...for steelers who do have arthritis, this is a great alternative to the string winder...My Big Tuning wrench has been helping folks with arthritis. I'm sure most of us don't know how painful arthritis can be and I was very happy to hear my wrench helped them. I still use my string or side winder for 1-2 string changes but for complete string changes, the cordless way works very well. Carl

Jim Saunders · Post by **Jim Saunders** » 2 Feb 2008 2:39 pm

Bryan, You can get one from Carter Steel Guitars. Check the assessories section on their site. I just looked and they call it the Turbo Winder. Also check Steel Guitar Nashville. They have one that fits a drill called "Spin Doctor".

The TurboWinder does have a hand crank for those who prefer the manual. I always wondered why Ford invented the electric starter when he had a good hand cranker. Right!

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 2 Feb 2008 3:00 pm

Donny Hinson wrote:Like Andy said, the hand-crank speedwinders work fine once you get the hang of them, and I feel they're almost as fast as a battery operated dingus.

They also come with directions...

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 2 Feb 2008 3:47 pm

The ones that Andy posted are not only cordless, but require no batteries!

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 2 Feb 2008 5:13 pm

With all respect, boys, I don't understand the heavy sarcasm in some of these retorts.

It's quite clear why Jim was recommending the power-tool option, and it's obvious that we're all aware of the existence of the old-fashioned hand-driven tuning wrenches.

Changing twenty strings, especially with one's hand at that angle, can lead to a quite severe cramping after a few dozen turns, and the problem is greater when one has a hint of arthritis or carpel-tunnel syndrome (see that old guy at the left?). The powered screwdriver is a very apt solution.

What do you see as odd about his suggestion?

Bent Romnes · Post by **Bent Romnes** » 2 Feb 2008 6:31 pm

Roger, I think they were all just joking. No sarcasm.
As for me, I go with Andy S. The Sidewinder is the perfect, reasonably priced item for the job. Never leave home without it.
Bent

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 2 Feb 2008 7:50 pm

I asked my friend to hand the cordless screwdriver.......

HE replied "they are all cordless". javascript:emoticon(':lol:')

I loosen the screw in the tuner to reduced friction while unwinding/winding. Then snug it up with a hand screwdriver after tuning.

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 2 Feb 2008 7:50 pm

sorry for the multiple posts.

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 2 Feb 2008 7:52 pm

please excuse the multi posts.

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 2 Feb 2008 7:52 pm

sorry

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 2 Feb 2008 7:53 pm

ditto

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 2 Feb 2008 7:54 pm

C. Christofferson · Post by **C. Christofferson** » 2 Feb 2008 11:48 pm

A pair of safety glasses wouldn't hurt.

The Steel Guitar Forum

String Change with Power?

String Change with Power?

Help for Arthritic Hands

Turbo Tuners

double post duh