Can you recommend a string winder for a classical guitar?

Question

I've played various acoustic guitars for decades, but always put them on by hand. However, a couple of years ago, I bought a classical guitar I really love. As a result, I change the strings more often, both because I wear out the strings more quickly, and also because I've been experimenting with different
brands and tensions of guitar strings. I'm ready to cut down on the tedium of turning the pegs by hand but have no clue what might be the best winder to try.

I would like some recommendations from other guitarists regarding type and brand of string winder they personally have used and liked (and why).

Thanks!

Answer 1

Even the cheapo ones out of the jar at the music store will do the job. My go-to winder if I don't need a pin puller is an old Herco, though, and I believe it's still made. It has a more substantial handle than the cheapo Dunlops, and the plastic is a bit softer. There's a crosswise slot in the head to accommodate large or small buttons. The large slot measures 28 x 9 mm (not as sloppy a fit as a Dunlop, so you might want to measure your buttons) and the small one fits small vintage steel-string buttons. I find that a good fit on the button makes things easier (and minimizes the chance of hitting the headstock). Mine is rather crudely made but has a nice solid feel.



Planet Waves makes one that incorporates a string clipper, but I haven't tried it.



PS I've been tempted by the one Mikey mentions, it'd make things easier for multiple guitars. You can also buy a winder bit at Stewmac and stick it on a cordless screwdriver.

Answer 2

Again( I do this a lot) I agree totally with jcr.

I think any old string winder would work fine. I use the $2 version from Guitar Center, and they certainly make changing strings easy. I remember when they first started selling those things, What a blessing they were!

Answer 3

Your hands