The cost of restringing a guitar depends on several factors, such as the type of strings and any additional services provided. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $10-$40 for basic restringing. If you need more advanced work done, like replacing or adjusting the nut or bridge, costs could increase up to around $80.
Contents:
Factors That Affect Guitar Restringing Costs
Guitar restringing is an important maintenance task for any musician, but it can be difficult to determine how much this service will cost. It’s essential to consider a few key factors when pricing the job so that you don’t end up overpaying or receiving poor-quality strings.
The type of strings you select is one factor that affects the cost of restringing your guitar. Certain brands tend to last longer and deliver more consistent tones than cheaper alternatives, meaning they come with a higher price tag. If longevity and sound quality are top priorities for you, it may be worth investing in these strings rather than opting for a more budget-friendly option. If your instrument has an unusual tuning or requires specialised string types, these can add further costs on top of the standard restringing fee.
Labour charges also contribute significantly to the overall cost of guitar restringing services – many professionals charge by the hour, so make sure to ask about their rates before booking them in. Some repair shops and musicians might offer discounts or bundle packages if multiple repairs need completing at once, so it pays off to shop around. Some luthiers offer online tutorials or videos that can walk you through the process yourself; however this route only really works if you have experience using tools and know exactly what supplies are needed for specific tasks.
Types of Strings and Their Cost Range
When it comes to the cost of restringing a guitar, the type of strings you choose makes a big difference. There are four main types of guitar strings: acoustic steel string, electric steel string, nylon classical string and fluorocarbon classical string. Each type of strings have a range in price depending on quality and brand.
Acoustic steel strings range from $2-$7 per set while electric steel strings start at around $5 and go up to over $20 for premium brands such as Ernie Ball or D’Addario. As for nylon classical and fluorocarbon classical strings they both range anywhere from $3-$15 depending on what kind you get. Quality is essential when buying guitar strings, however most store-bought brands produce reliable results without breaking your budget.
The cost of restringing your guitar can vary drastically based on which type of strings you choose. Before deciding it’s best to weigh out all the options available so that you can make an educated decision that won’t leave your wallet empty.
Different Types of Guitars and Their Restringing Costs
The types of guitars available on the market today vary greatly in size, shape, and construction material. Each type is designed to produce a different sound and has its own unique restringing cost. Acoustic guitars are generally strung with steel strings which will require more time and effort to install than nylon strings used for classical guitar restrings. The cost of restringing an acoustic guitar may range from $25 – $50 depending on the gauge of strings being used.
Electric guitars are typically much easier to re-string as they use lighter gauged strings due to their amplified sound. Restringing electric guitars can be done at home but if you want the job done professionally then it can cost around $20 -$35 per string change depending on where you go for the service. This price usually includes new tuners, which are necessary when changing the gauge of strings or doing a full set up after installing new pickups or changing action settings on your electric guitar.
Bass guitars also need regular restrings but they are slightly more expensive than standard 6-string electric models due to their heavier gauge low B-strings and special tuning machines required for correct installation of such thick strings onto a bass guitar neck. A professional re-stringing session should cost anywhere between $30 – $60 depending on how many strings need replacing and what kind of tuning machines you choose.
Additional Services that Could Increase the Total Cost
Restringing a guitar is relatively inexpensive, but there are other services that can increase the total cost. For example, depending on the type of strings used, the nut and saddle may need to be adjusted for proper string height and intonation. If the guitar neck has shifted or has an uneven back-bow or forward-bow, it may need to be reset by a professional luthier to ensure optimal playability. New pickups could enhance both sound quality and tone when amplified.
If the fretboard requires cleaning and conditioning, this could add more expense due to the extra labor involved in properly buffing out any excess wax buildup. As such, it’s important to inspect all components of your instrument before taking it in for restringing so that you have a clear idea of any additional work that might need doing at an additional cost.
Average Cost Estimates for Professional Restringing Services
Restringing a guitar is an important task to ensure the instrument’s sound quality and playability. Professional restringing services, however, can be pricey depending on the shop’s labor costs and strings used. But how much does it really cost for a professional service?
On average, most guitar shops charge between $20 and $50 to restring a six-string acoustic or electric guitar with standard tuning. Prices may vary based on string types – some shops may include extra charges if you opt for heavier gauge strings. Restringing 12-string guitars also generally comes at an additional fee. For instance, some places will quote $25 for a 6-string re-string and then add an additional fee of up to $30 more for 12-strings.
If you’re looking to save money in this department, consider doing the work yourself; there are plenty of online tutorials that offer step by step instructions on how to properly restring your own instrument. All you need are basic tools such as wire cutters, bridge pins or machine heads (depending on what type of bridge your guitar has), along with fresh set of strings from your local music store; usually costing around $15-$20. Doing it yourself may require patience and practice but could prove worth it in the end since the total cost can be significantly lower than paying for professional labor costs.
Leave a Reply