When stringing an accoustic guitar, how many times should you wind the string around the peg?

Question

I've always thought that winding the string around the peg many times (4-6 depending on the string gauge) was the best way to make sure the guitar stays in tune.

A friend recently told me that you're supposed to wind only twice; once over the hole in the peg and once under.

Which is true?

Answer 1

Argued ad nauseum, like Ford vs. Chevy, there is no right answer.

It also depends on how loose you have the strings before you start cranking.

Neither will make any difference on how long they stay in tune, that's really more an attribute of what weight you use.

I snug them up until I have one inch from string to board at the bottom of the fretboard, then put the fold in the string and start cranking. I don't even count the winds.

What's important is you don't wind them so many times that it uses up the whole peg.

Answer 2

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/strin...

1.5 is the recommended turns by Martin Guitar Company. It was in my original manual with my Martin DC1. I cant find the website supporting it...but if you notice at the one I just gave you, the last picture has it at 1.5 turns.

Answer 3

You want as few winds as you can have, but still not have it slip.  The more winds there are, the more string there is to be stretched and go out of tune.  It really won't make a HUGE difference, but you may notice that if you use fewer winds, you may have to tune slightly less often.  Good question!