There are two ways that strings get changed on a guitar. Either you do it yourself or have a professional do it. Each method will incur different costs and is a job that will need to be done at some point. But how much does it cost to restring a guitar?
The cost to replace your guitar strings will generally be between 5 and 50 dollars. This depends on who does the work and your choice of strings. You can expect to save money by doing it yourself.
There are many options of strings and service centers that can do the work for you. It comes down to how comfortable you are doing it yourself. In this article, we will explore the costs of restringing a guitar.
How Much Does It Cost to Restring a Guitar?
The cost for a package of regular strings run between $6-30. This is pretty typical and also includes some bundle packs and coated options. If your electric guitar is 7 or 8-string, you can expect to pay between $10-35 as there is more material. This makes them slightly more than a 6-string.
Cost To Change Them Yourself
The cost to do the work yourself is by far the cheapest way to get the job done. Because guitar strings need to be changed quite frequently, it’s best to learn how to do it at some point. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you can do it yourself.
There are some tools needed that will help make the change easier, which should be considered. A good string winder is a must-have and will normally run between $5-25 depending on which one you get.
A good cutter, if not built into a string change tool, will be additional. But any tools you buy are only purchased once and then are yours forever. Then all that you need to consider is the cost of the strings and the time to change them. This can vary depending on how many strings you play, the size, and whether they are coated or not.
But by doing the work yourself, it will only cost you for the strings, and an average price will be 15 dollars. Some acoustic guitar strings will cost you far less.
Check out the right way to cut guitar strings here!
Cost To Have a Professional Do It
If you are a new player, maybe have never done a string change before. Then it makes sense to want someone experienced to perform the work. This also has the benefit of having the guitar inspected for its condition. Especially if you find it hard to play or are having issues with it.
But this all comes with extra fees, as there will be labor charges to perform this work. An experienced guitar tech can change the strings pretty quickly. They will normally charge you $20 for labor alone. This is a pretty average cost, but it’s best to phone around and get the best price.
Some guitars are more complex than others, especially those with a Floyd Rose bridge. These can require more setup time, especially when moving to a different gauge of string. In these cases, it may cost you a bit more to get the work done with the extra steps.
Where Can I Get My Guitar Restrung?
If you don’t want to do the work yourself, there are plenty of service centers that will do it for you. Normally this ranges in price from 10 to $50. But can be more depending on the location, guitar, and type of strings you choose.
Most music shops will perform this service for guitarists, but will charge a different fee to do so. Guitar Center and Sam Ash stores offer this service and should be considered if you have one near you.
Guitar Center
There are many Guitar Center stores across the USA that will do this work for you. Normally they will charge $20 and have a few additional inspection points like:
- Tightening hardware
- Clean and polish the guitar
- Tune the guitar
This does not include the strings, however, which can range between 5 and 25 dollars. And so, all in, you will be looking at 25 to $45 for the complete service at Guitar Center. This can be helpful if you are a beginner and don’t know how to properly inspect your guitar.
Sam Ash
Sam Ash is another music store that can offer this service. They generally have a similar price point, with most services costing between 20 and $50. This does not include strings or parts. If you buy a set of guitars strings for $12, you will be looking at around 32 dollars for a change at Sam Ash.
This service consists of:
- Remove old strings
- Cleaning
- Install new strings
- Tune the guitar
Besides the standard inspections and cleaning, they will also adjust your guitar. For an extra fee. This could be beneficial if your guitar has been playing inconsistently lately. Any of the prices mentioned can change at any time, so it’s best to call your local store and ask what their rates are.
How Long Does it Take To Do Yourself?
The process of restringing a guitar generally takes about 25 to 30 minutes. This can, of course, vary depending on the person doing it and how comfortable they are with the process.
There is a bit of a learning curve at first, but after doing it a few times, it becomes second nature. Just like anything else, practice makes perfect. Some extras need to be factored in, things like:
- Fret Inspection
- Neck Inspection
- Cleaning
- Removing and replacing any covers
- Adjustments
Some of these are not necessary, depending on the guitar and strings. Others should be done with every change. Cleaning and inspections should be done every time you replace strings. If you don’t do this now, consider working it into your process.
Ever wonder how long strings last in their package?
FAQs
Will a music store restring my guitar?
Yes, if you have a few music stores nearby. There is a good chance that they have a professional on-site that can change your strings. Most restring fees are the same depending on what they offer. But if you are just getting started and don’t know how, it’s best to phone around and find a shop that can change them for you.
Is it easy to restring a guitar?
If it’s your first time, then this could be a bit of a challenge for you. First, you need to decide if you should change one string at a time or all of them at once. This will depend on the guitar, but is something that you should know. Some guitar technicians will teach you if it is your first time.
Does Guitar Center restring for free?
No Guitar Center charges for string changes. They do offer a free evaluation to offer a competitive price for any repairs. If you bring down your guitar for an estimate, they may even let you watch them change the strings. This could be a great way to learn how to do it yourself.
