Q: Changing a popped string in a BIG hurry

Dave Horch · Post by **Dave Horch** » 27 Aug 2004 9:15 pm

How do you change strings that pop during a live set? Under pressure?

I’ve heard of one guy that puts the whole band on break (you and I can guess how that goes down with everybody [except him – I guess] involved). I’ve seen two others that can do it before the song ends – and jump right back into the song being played!

In my case, I always make sure my strings are in good shape before every gig, and I so far [uh oh] I’ve been lucky to have never had this experience (on steel – so far – uh oh – just jinxed it!).

Is it like the old joke about “How do you get to ....” – Practice?

So give it up, all you “speed string changers”, are there any tricks, suggestions or insights? (Buddy Griffen?) Best, -Dave

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Mullen D-10 - It's still one smooooth puppy!
<a href=http://www.davidhorch.com/music>Photo page</a>

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 27 Aug 2004 9:46 pm

I just keep a string crank and cutter handy in my seat. I can usually have a string changed by the end of a song. A third will require some tweaking for a song or 2 sometimes. You're pretty lucky not to have one break on you... even new strings, especially #3's, can go POW! on you without warning.

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 28 Aug 2004 3:03 am

same here,it takes me one song to change the string in no hurry and no stress.If the song is playing and it is a 100% E9 and must for a steel I just keep playing without a string if the song is ok for a C6 I just switch to a C6 neck.After the song I ask the band to play a song where steel is not a must and use that time to change my string.

Db

Gary Lee Gimble · Post by **Gary Lee Gimble** » 28 Aug 2004 3:11 am

Dave, snip the ends ahead of time so you a have a desired length that doesn't require a lot of turning and bend the end that goes in the tuning peg hole at a 90 degree angle. A little more than a quarter inch should do it.

George Kimery · Post by **George Kimery** » 28 Aug 2004 3:27 am

If you want to really speed it up, then just have a Turbo Tuner and a rechargeable screwdriver handy. I don't find this necessary. The band is aware of the breaking string issue and are prepared for it. The guitar player will cover me if necessary, and if he doesn't know the turnaround, they will just skip it. Also, the next song will be one that doesn't need the steel. It has happened a few times, but it is not a big deal. During a steel instrumental is the worst scenario, but the audience understands. Also, if it is the 3rd, then instead of using 3 and 5, I will go to 6 and 10. Sounds different, but it is the same notes and pedals. Also, rehearsing an alternate way of playing something without the 3rd, maybe 5 and 6, is a good idea. Fore thought and having an out should help set your mind at ease. I don't worry about something that is out of my control. I am more concerned about screwing up without the help of a broken string.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 28 Aug 2004 3:54 am

I think the trick is to NOT HURRY and DON'T submit to the pressure.

Take a deep breath and relax .

The wrap has top be correct and you should polish or clean the bridge if at all possible or you may repeat the process pretty soon.

I pretty much sit out one tune and that gives enough time to get it done and tune..

Easily accomplished I feel in a few minutes time.

It's not to be compared with a Muzzle loader
situation like in the Civil War..no ones shooting at you..or at least they are not supposed to be...

I change the 3rd string befeore every gig..last week the 5th string broke

t

[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 28 August 2004 at 04:55 AM.][This message was edited by Tony Prior on 28 August 2004 at 04:57 AM.]

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 28 Aug 2004 4:38 am

If the pressure's on, I can change one in about 30 seconds. There's a technique for doing most things efficiently. No 90-degree bends, no wire cutters, just get it on and tuned up, and make it "pretty" at break time.

Our bandleader would sometimes time me when I set up. This became a sort of joke, and everyone got a kick out of seeing me moving at "warp speed". I think my fastest time doing that was about a minute and ten seconds (that's from "walking in the door" to "set up and playing"). Quite a feat when you play a D10!

Ron ! · Post by **Ron !** » 28 Aug 2004 4:56 am

This happened a couple of times to me during a gig.I just finished the whole set and changed it wile the rest of us had a beer or a soda.

Ron

Francis Chamberlain · Post by **Francis Chamberlain** » 28 Aug 2004 5:01 am

What would be wrong with cutting all new strings to the right length and then there would be no measuring and cutting. This sould cut the changing time.

Gary Lee Gimble · Post by **Gary Lee Gimble** » 28 Aug 2004 6:02 am

Donny, what is the disadvantage to having a set of strings precut and angled out to 90 degrees for us folks that can't change a string in about 30 seconds? Will this cause some tonal or playability issues? A few weeks ago my band was sharing the stage with a Nashville headliner and some other local talent at a music fest. Thousands of folks were seated and enjoying the muZac as my fifth string popped. I managed to change the string and have it pretty close in tune before the song was over and had time to tweak my tuning before the next song started. Any reasonable guidance will be graciously accepted, us so-so players need all the help I can get!!!!
The link below is for your viewing pleasure (PICS from that gig are located in the middle) as you prepare your answer. http://jayhenley.com/picz.htm
Gary LeeEeeeee

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 28 Aug 2004 6:34 am

Some day people will wake up and change strings the Zebco way!

but until that day........

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 28 Aug 2004 6:39 am

For what it's worth--I don't like to pre-cut and pre-crimp my strings. For some reason I find it really difficult to work with. My only problem with a quick change is in low light when I once spent the better part of the song trying to thread a 12 into the tuner post hole. Was ready to throw the bar through the window in frustration. Otherwise I can pretty much get changed and up & running within the same song. The old fashioned way, not the Zebco way.

Joe Alterio · Post by **Joe Alterio** » 28 Aug 2004 9:10 am

Jon...that is absolutely hilarious!!!

Thanks for that!

I struggle when the 3rd string breaks, because I'm always leary that when I get it close to having it up to pitch....BAM...there it goes. I've had THREE break on me in a row and had to sit out two songs.

I've read varying stories....from "tune it up slow and stretch it out with your fingers along the way to getting it to pitch" to "tune it fast....right up to pitch". I'm to nervous to ever do the latter....if enough people come on here and say that it is the better way, then I'd give it a try next time (I'll just wear my safety gear!)

Joe

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 28 Aug 2004 9:12 am

I don't always follow my own advice, but a small flashlight is really handy for finding those holes and pegs, and headphones make tuning up a breeze.

Tim Harr · Post by **Tim Harr** » 28 Aug 2004 10:51 am

Joe A,

I used to live in Fishers, IN too.

In the vicinity of 116th and Allisonville Rd.

Do you know Herb Clarkson? He plays with a good friend of mine named Frank Dean. Frank has a band called "Sindicato".

Also, I used to play down off of Shelby St with I guy named Jerry Rogers...he is a dead ringer vocally for George Jones..

Do you play around town at all?

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Tim Harr - Carter D-10 8p & 9k w/ BL-705s; Webb 6-14E Amplfier

[This message was edited by Tim Harr on 29 August 2004 at 07:29 AM.]

Joe Alterio · Post by **Joe Alterio** » 28 Aug 2004 7:41 pm

Hi Tim....I live about a mile from that intersection...small world!

I may have met Herb at a steel guitar club meeting (if he is a member) and have certainly heard his name, but I cannot say with certainty that I know him. I was unaware that Sindicato had a pedal steel player....don't hear a whole lot about them anymore.

I had been playing with a local yet very popular group called the Drunken Deacons that recently broke up. As poorly as I play (magnified in my mind after my recent trip to Nashville), I now have offers from about five bands to play....I may join up with two and see how it works out. I'm eager to be playing out again! Can only help me get better. I'm nowhere near the level I want to be at.

Funny how good you sound to others when there's only three other active pedal steel players in the 100 mile radius!

Appreciative? You bet I am!!!!!!!

Joe

Ernest Cawby · Post by **Ernest Cawby** » 28 Aug 2004 8:48 pm

I changed to SIT, they don't break. My last two sets were ready to change without without breaking ant at all.

ernie

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 28 Aug 2004 8:51 pm

Why not drop back on the other neck until an appropriate time occurs to finish the task at hand?

Tim Harr · Post by **Tim Harr** » 29 Aug 2004 6:28 am

Joe,

It is a small world. I began playing steel in Indy. I have been playing for about 13 yrs now.

When I last lived there (Fishers) it was 2000. I had lots of work all over town.

Another steel player friend of mine is Michael Clark. He plays Steel (Guitar, Banj@, Dobro, Mandolin) with the BOB and TOM show band..and last I knew all of the shows at Beef and Boards theatre on the North side.

Sindicato is a cool band.. I played for years with Frank Dean.... he actually got me into playing steel. I bought my first steel from Don E. Curtis. I too played and beloged to the Indy Steel Club. Very nice people....They are the best!

Be in touch Joe... Are you going to St Louis next week? I will be there...find me ..and we can chat some more..

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Tim Harr - Carter D-10 8p & 9k w/ BL-705s; Webb 6-14E Amplfier

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » 29 Aug 2004 7:09 am

God is very good to me cause I always seem to break a string right before a comedy routine on the show so while every one else is laughung i'm winding hehehehehehe. when in a "pressure" situation getting back up to speed is my key so I don't crimp or pre cut or anything. I run it through put about four winds ona g# and about three on a B. I don't break strings that often but when I do what's how I get back on the air fast. My kid timed me once and my had it changed and up to pitch in 1 minute 37 seconds.
SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Steelin' away in the ozarks and life,
Scott
www.scottyhenderson.com

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 29 Aug 2004 8:35 am

No Gary, it doesn't affect tone or playability, but I found that cutting the strings and doing the "90-degree" thing before inserting it into the peg actually made it harder for me to restring. The problem was that the bent end often popped out of the tuning key when I started to wind the string up, especially on the fine wires.
I merely relate what I do, and I don't claim mine to be the "best" method. Do whatever you find works best for you.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 29 Aug 2004 9:01 am

I have had super results with Jagwire strings. I very rarely ever break a string.

Bob Wood · Post by **Bob Wood** » 29 Aug 2004 9:18 am

Just last week I was rehearsing with the boys in a low light home studio when I broke a #.011. You all know which one I'm talking about. After breaking three other #.011's, I realized that that I was wrapping the string around itself, so when I started adding tension from the pedals, it would cut itself off at the tuning peg. I finally took out my trusty little flashlight and re-strung a new string on while our bass player manned the flashlight for me.

Bob[This message was edited by Bob Wood on 29 August 2004 at 10:19 AM.]

Henry Nagle · Post by **Henry Nagle** » 29 Aug 2004 9:18 am

I think the most important part of a quick string change is not having to burrow around in a pac-a-seat in the dark trying to find a particular gauge. I try to keep some .011s off to one side and rob complete sets for other gauges.[This message was edited by Henry Nagle on 29 August 2004 at 10:19 AM.]

Steve Spitz · Post by **Steve Spitz** » 29 Aug 2004 11:04 am

I made a side pouch out of a fanny-pack. It flips out of my seat, so I don`t have to stand up, open the seat, look around,etc. It folds back in when I break down the seat.The fake leather matches my seat, I paid .49 cents for it at a thrift store. Works for me.