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1986 Fender Stratocaster String Replacement

This is our guide for how to replace the...

iFixit Library Fender Stratocaster Easy 15 - 40 minutes Guide 170785

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Guide overview

Before you begin

This is our guide for how to replace the strings on a 1986 Fender Stratocaster. This guitar is Japanese made and vintage, which means that many of the parts on this guitar are different than an American or UK made Fender. Thus, we feel it is important for people to get the correct knowledge on this subject, whether you are a beginner or an expert. In this guide, we use 9-42 gauge "Super Slinky" electric guitar strings. You can use the strings of your choice, making sure the pack contains all 6 strings.

Step 1

Repair step

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Detune the strings completely.
No tension on the strings will ensure there is no "snapping" effect that could harm the user during removal.

Step 2

Repair step

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Remove the strings from the tuners.
This can be done in multiple ways, but the method pictured is to straighten out the string and pull the whole string back through the tuner. Strings can be cut and removed in multiple pieces as well.

Step 3

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Screwdrivers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Insert each of the new strings from the back side of the guitar through the bridge.
The thickest string will go in the hole furthest away from the user, if the guitar is sitting on your lap just like the pictures. From there, the second thickest string will go into the second furthest hole from the user and so on. The hole for the strings are BEHIND the visible holes in the first picture.
This step that may require a Phillips screwdriver if the backplate covering the bridge is on the guitar.

Step 4

Repair step

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Individually pull the strings to the tuners and insert into the correct tuner.
Turn the tuners enough to tighten the strings but DO NOT FULLY TUNE.
Fully tuning the strings too quickly after install can lead to the strings snapping, which can lead to injury.
The thickest string or top string will go into the tuner closest to the neck of the guitar, and the thinnest string or bottom string will go into the furthest tuner, and the second thickest string will go into the second closest tuner and so on.
Make sure each string is slotted into the nut. The "nut" is the white piece at the end of the guitar neck, and it ensures there is zero unintentional vibration in the strings.

Step 5

Repair step

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Cut the excess string from the tuners using wire cutters.

Step 6

Repair step

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SLOWLY start to tune the guitar starting from the thickest string and going to the thinnest string.
Make sure to take your time while tuning. You just went through the effort of replacing your strings, and you don't want them to break!
Standard tuning is Open E, and the notes for each string in order from thickest to thinnest is "E A D G B E." A memory trick for this is "Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie."

Step 7

Repair step

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To prolong the life of your guitar and strings, consider detuning the instrument before extended periods of storage. This will ensure that the strings will not become overly loose, and ensure that the neck of the guitar will stay straight. "Bowing" of the neck is caused by strings being under tension for too long.