Guitar strings don’t last forever and replacing them is an essential part of maintaining any guitar. Whether someone’s strings are worn out producing dull sounds or they’ve broken mid-performance knowing the cost of restringing can help players budget for this regular maintenance task.
The cost of restringing a guitar varies depending on several factors including string type material quality and whether it’s done professionally or as a DIY project. While some guitarists prefer to handle the restringing process themselves others opt for professional service at music shops or guitar centers. Understanding these options and their associated costs helps musicians make informed decisions about maintaining their instruments.
How Much Does It Cost To Restring A Guitar
Guitar restringing costs range from $10 to $75 depending on the chosen strings and service method. The total expense includes the price of strings and optional professional labor charges.
Professional Service Fees
Professional guitar restringing services charge between $20 to $40 for labor, plus the cost of strings. Here’s a breakdown of typical professional service costs:
Service Type
Price Range
Basic Restring Only
$20-25
Restring + Setup
$40-60
Premium Service (includes cleaning)
$50-75
Most guitar shops offer tiered service packages that include:
Basic restringing with standard strings
Setup adjustment with string replacement
Deep cleaning with premium strings
Fretboard conditioning
DIY Restringing Expenses
DIY restringing costs focus solely on the string purchase, ranging from $5 to $30 per set. Common string price ranges:
String Type
Price Range
Economy Steel Strings
$5-8
Standard Steel Strings
$10-15
Premium Steel Strings
$15-20
Nylon Classical
$8-25
Electric Guitar Strings
$8-30
String winder ($5-10)
Wire cutters ($8-15)
String cleaner ($5-8)
Cleaning cloth ($3-5)
Guitar String Types and Their Prices
Guitar strings vary in material composition price ranges based on the specific type of guitar. Each string type offers distinct tonal characteristics critical for achieving the desired sound.
Acoustic Guitar Strings
Acoustic guitar strings feature bronze phosphor bronze alloys for bright resonant tones. Entry-level bronze strings cost $5-$10 per set while premium coated phosphor bronze sets range from $15-$30. Popular brands include:
Brand
String Type
Price Range
Martin
80/20 Bronze
$7-$12
D’Addario
Phosphor Bronze
$8-$15
Elixir
Coated Nanoweb
$15-$25
Electric Guitar Strings
Electric guitar strings use nickel-plated steel stainless steel for optimal magnetic pickup response. Basic nickel-wound sets start at $4-$8 while premium cobalt sets cost $15-$25. Common options include:
Brand
String Type
Price Range
Ernie Ball
Regular Slinky
$5-$8
D’Addario
XL Nickel
$6-$10
NYXL
High Carbon Steel
$12-$20
Brand
String Type
Price Range
D’Addario
Pro-Arté
$8-$15
Augustine
Imperial
$12-$20
Savarez
Alliance Carbon
$20-$30
Factors Affecting Restringing Costs
Guitar restringing costs vary based on several key factors that influence both material and service expenses. Each factor contributes to the final price point and service quality.
String Material Quality
The quality of guitar strings directly impacts restringing costs. Entry-level brass or nickel strings cost $5-$10 per set, while premium coated strings range from $15-$30. High-end materials like titanium or gold-plated strings command prices of $25-$40 per set. Premium strings feature enhanced corrosion resistance, longer sustain characteristics, and improved durability compared to basic options.
Labor Charges
Professional labor charges for restringing services follow a tiered pricing structure:
Basic restringing service: $20-$25
Standard setup with restringing: $40-$50
Premium service package: $60-$75 (includes cleaning, intonation adjustment, neck alignment)
Express service fees: Additional $10-$15 for same-day completion
Location and Service Provider
Geographic location and service provider type create distinct price variations:
Provider Type
Urban Areas
Suburban Areas
Rural Areas
Music Stores
$25-$45
$20-$35
$15-$30
Independent Luthiers
$35-$60
$30-$50
$25-$40
Chain Retailers
$20-$35
$15-$30
$10-$25
Specialized boutique shops in major cities charge premium rates of $50-$80 for restringing services, while local music stores in smaller towns maintain competitive rates of $15-$30.
How Often Should You Restring Your Guitar
Regular gigging musicians restring their guitars every 4-6 weeks, while casual players change strings every 3-4 months. The frequency depends on several key factors:
Playing Time
Daily players: Replace strings every 4-6 weeks
Weekly players: Replace strings every 2-3 months
Occasional players: Replace strings every 3-4 months
Rare players: Replace strings every 6 months
Environmental Factors
High humidity (60%+): Replace strings every 6-8 weeks
Coastal areas: Replace strings every 4-6 weeks
Temperature-controlled rooms: Standard replacement schedule applies
Storage in cases: Extends string life by 2-3 weeks
String Material Impact
Coated strings (Elixir, D’Addario XTs): Last 3-4 months longer
Nickel-plated steel: Replace every 2-3 months
Pure nickel strings: Replace every 6-8 weeks
Bronze acoustic strings: Replace every 4-6 weeks
Visible rust or corrosion
Dead spots in string resonance
Discoloration at fret points
Unwinding at bridge or nut
Difficulty maintaining tune
Notable decrease in volume
Playing Frequency
String Life
Recommended Changes
Professional
1 month
12 times per year
Regular
2-3 months
4-6 times per year
Casual
3-4 months
3-4 times per year
Occasional
6 months
2 times per year
Tips to Save Money on Guitar Restringing
Guitarists can reduce restringing costs through strategic approaches to maintenance and purchasing. These money-saving techniques maintain sound quality while maximizing value.
Learning to Restring at Home
DIY restringing eliminates labor costs of $20-$40 per service. A basic string winding tool costs $5-$10 and provides value across multiple string changes. Online tutorials from manufacturers like D’Addario demonstrate proper techniques for:
Removing old strings safely without damaging the bridge
Installing new strings with correct tension
Stretching strings properly to maintain tuning stability
Trimming excess string length accurately
3-pack bundles reduce costs by 15-20% per set
10-pack boxes save 25-30% on premium strings
Multi-brand variety packs provide 10-15% discounts
Online retailers offer bulk discounts during seasonal sales
Quantity
Average Savings
Single Set
$0 (Base price)
3-Pack
15-20%
10-Pack
25-30%
Variety Pack
10-15%
Seasonal Bulk
30-40%
Restringing a guitar is an essential maintenance task that every guitarist needs to consider. Whether choosing professional service or DIY methods the total cost typically ranges from $10 to $75. The investment in quality strings and proper maintenance will ultimately enhance playing experience and protect the instrument’s value.
Musicians can make informed decisions about their restringing needs by considering factors like playing frequency string type and budget constraints. With proper care and strategic purchasing decisions guitarists can maintain their instruments effectively while managing costs. Regular string maintenance remains a crucial aspect of preserving optimal sound quality and playability.
