Fender Starcaster String Replacement

Start by loosening the strings. This is done by turning the tuning knob until the string has lost tension.

Repeat this for all six strings on the guitar.

It may be necessary to use pliers to remove string ends from the tuning peg.

After removing the strings from the tuning pegs, slide the strings through the bridge and out of the back of the guitar.

If the twists in the string ends are in the way, use wire cutters to snip them off. This will allow the heavier strings to pass through the bridge easier.

Take any one of the new strings and slide it through the appropriate bridge hole.

6th String: E - 46 Gauge

5th String: A - 36 Gauge

4th String: D - 26 Gauge

3rd String: G - 17 Gauge

2nd String: B - 13 Gauge

1st String: E - 10 Guage

Lay the string parallel to the guitar's neck and directly over the appropriate tuning peg.

Measure a "three finger's length" (about 1.5") on the string passed the tuning peg.

Make a sharp bend in the string at where you measured 1.5" passed the tuning peg.

Turn the tuning peg until the string hole faces perpendicular to the guitar's neck.

Feed the bent string into the tuning peg until the bend meets the tuning post.

Make another sharp bend in the string on the outside of the tuning post.

Turn the tuning key counter clockwise while applying light pressure to the string on the inside of the post.

Wrapping the string around the post will help the string stay in-tune longer.

If the wraps of the string around the post start to roll over the top of the post, hold them down while still turning the post.

Continue turning the post until at least 2 full wraps of the string have been made around the post.

Snip the excess string off from the post with a wire cutter (leaving at least half an inch of string left).

Continue installing strings using the the same method described in the last few steps.

The last four strings (the D, G, B, and E strings), must be guided underneath the two "string trees" in the center of the headstock.

String Tree for the D and G strings

String Tree for the B and E strings

Tune the strings to your desired pitch and your guitar is ready to play!