My first build: left-handed JM-1L

[Simon Barden]

The string post relies on its curved shape to allow the string tension to push the string upwards so that the end through the hole is pressed against the top of the hole by the string wraps beneath it. Too few turns, and the string just wraps around the middle of the post without the extra grip of the string being pushed against the top of the hole.

The downside of needing several turns is that when you use there trem, the string tension is reduced significantly and the wound strings especially can move a bit relative to one another, resulting in a slightly different string tension when the trem is released, and so the string goes out of tune until any slack in the windings is taken up again whilst playing. A smooth, well-cut nut will minimise this as the string will slide easily through the nut slot without any tendency to snag. But if you do use the trem a lot and find problems, then swapping to locking tuners can help, as you shouldn't ever have a full turn of string around the post before it's in tune, so there's no string against string interaction/friction.

If you don't have a trem or don't really use it, then they just make string changing quicker.

[jarro_2783]

That all makes sense. I think with the acoustic because the strings are thicker there is a lot more slack since they come higher out of the bridge, so I've never really thought about it when I just pull it loosely through the hole, and by the time it is wound tight there are already a couple of turns around the post.

With this one I guess I just pulled it through too much. I suppose this is also what the floyd rose is for, because it all gets locked in and can't go anywhere. I wouldn't mind building the SV-1L at some point, but I think the next one I can justify is a bass, because at least then I have one of each type of instrument.

[jarro_2783]

Well I kind of like the look of this one https://www.pitbullguitars.com/shop/...e-left-handed/
not sure how hard it will be to find a nut for that, and I can't tell what it comes with, just that it is black. At least the one in the picture looks like it is the right way around.

I will definitely be emailing to check if the nut is correct next time

[McCreed]

Well I kind of like the look of this one https://www.pitbullguitars.com/shop/...e-left-handed/...

That looks pretty cool, but what are the extra two strings for????

[Simon Barden]

This is my very standard way of winding the string on (I obviously couldn't find my small cutters the day I restrung it as I'd normally trim the string end far closer to the post).



I've tried the 'Crimson Guitars' way of doing the same sort of wind but starting by winding the string around the post twice, and then putting the string end through the hole. No idea how they managed it as for me it only works on the thin strings. Once you get to a wound string, it's almost impossible to pull the string through without leaving a big loop sticking out, and that doesn't get flattened when you wind up to pitch. The only good point is that you know exactly how many winds you've got round the post. But you can't get a good kink in the string both sides of the post hole, which is where a lot of the grip comes from.

[McCreed]

This is my very standard way of winding the string on (I obviously couldn't find my small cutters the day I restrung it as I'd normally trim the string end far closer to the post).

That is different to my method... well, not mine, but the method the method I was taught a very long time ago.
I'm not familiar with the Crimson way. I'll have to check out YT just for comparison.

There is a technique I've seen that involves bending a little "hook" into the string or something that's supposed to lock the string into place, but I can never remember it so I stick to what I know and what works for me .