If you’ve ever wondered how much to get a guitar restrung, you’re not alone. I get this question all the time from new players, from students, and even from friends who’ve played guitar for years but never learned what restringing actually costs.

Today, I’ll walk you through everything — the real prices, what affects them, how shops calculate labor, how to save money, when DIY makes sense, and how to avoid being overcharged. I’ll even share a couple of personal restringing stories, including one embarrassing moment when I paid way too much because I simply didn’t know better.

By the end, you’ll understand restringing costs in a way that is clear, simple, and smart — but still grounded in real expertise.

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Why Restringing Matters More Than Most Beginners Think

As someone who has played for years and worked with many guitar students, I can confidently say this:

➡️ Old strings can make even a great guitar sound cheap.

When strings age, they lose:

• Brightness
• Tuning stability
• Sustain
• Feel

They also rust faster than many new players expect — especially in humid climates.

Personal Story #1 – The “Dead Guitar” Moment

Years ago, one of my students came to a lesson convinced her guitar was broken. The tone was flat and dull, and chords sounded lifeless. But when I asked, “When was the last time you changed the strings?” she looked at me and said:

“I didn’t know I was supposed to.”

We restrung the guitar right there during her lesson. The look on her face when she strummed fresh strings? Pure shock.

She said, “It sounds like a new guitar.”

And it did.

Credit: www.reddit.com

How Much to Get Guitar Restrung (Full Cost Breakdown)

Most players pay $20–$60 depending on:

• Guitar type
• String brand
• Labor time
• Location
• Skill of the technician

Below is a detailed breakdown with a clear table for easy reference.

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Restringing Cost Table (By Guitar Type)

Guitar Type	String Cost Range	Shop Labor Cost Range
Acoustic Guitar	$10 – $20	$20 – $40
Electric Guitar	$12 – $25	$25 – $50
Bass Guitar	$20 – $40	$30 – $60
Classical Guitar	$8 – $15	$15 – $35
12-String Acoustic	$12 – $35	$35 – $75

Credit: murphysguitars.com

➡️ Average Total Cost:
$20–$60 for most people
$40–$100+ for bass and 12-string guitars

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Why Some Guitar Types Cost More

Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic restringing is straightforward. Most shops include:

• Removing old strings
• Installing new ones
• Quick cleaning
• Basic tuning

Cost: $20–$40

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Electric Guitar

Electrics can require more tuning and intonation checking. Some need special bridge adjustments.

Cost: $25–$50

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Bass Guitar

Bass strings are thick, harder to handle, and more expensive.

Cost: $30–$60

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Classical Guitar (Nylon)

Classical stringing takes finesse because nylon strings tie onto the bridge.

Cost: $15–$35

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12-String Acoustic

You pay more because:

• Twice the strings
• More tension
• More time

Cost: $35–$75

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Factors That Change the Cost (Expert Insight)

Here are the real factors shops use to determine restringing prices:

✔ String Brand and Quality

Elixir and D’Addario coated strings cost more but last longer.

✔ Technician Skill Level

A certified luthier charges more than a general music shop employee — and for good reason.

✔ Guitar Hardware Complexity

Floyd Rose tremolo systems can double the labor time.

✔ Setup Add-Ons

Some shops add optional services:

• Deep cleaning
• Nut lubrication
• Intonation check
• Neck relief check
• Bridge height adjustment

These extras can add $10–$50.

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ASCII Graph: Average Restring Cost by Guitar Type

Here is a simple text-based “graph” showing cost range:

More # symbols = higher typical cost range.

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DIY vs Professional Restringing (Expert Comparison)

DIY Pros

• Cheapest option
• Good skill to learn
• Lets you choose your own strings

DIY Cons

• Takes practice
• Easy to wind strings wrong
• Some bridges (like Floyd Rose) are tricky

Professional Pros

• Fast
• Reliable
• Includes cleaning
• Can catch early guitar issues

Professional Cons

• Costs more
• You must trust the shop
• Prices vary wildly

Credit: blog.taylorguitars.com

ASCII Graph: DIY vs Shop Cost

Personal Story #2 – The Time I Overpaid at a Shop

When I was younger, I once walked into a high-end music shop with my electric guitar. I just needed new strings. The tech said:

“We’ll restring it and give it a full setup.”

I agreed because I didn’t know what that meant yet.

Total bill?
$85.

They did a good job, but I could have gotten the same result for half the price at another shop. I learned two lessons that day:

1. Always ask what’s included.
2. Setup and restring are not the same thing.

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How to Know When You Should Restring Again

Here are clear signs:

• Strings look rusty
• Strings feel rough
• Guitar won’t stay in tune
• Tone sounds dull
• One string breaks

Below is a quick table:

Problem	Likely Cause
Dull tone	Old strings
Rust spots	Moisture / sweat
Hard to tune	Worn strings
Buzz or dead notes	Old strings / setup
Sudden break	Wear + tension

How to Save Money on Restringing (Beginner and Expert Tips)

• Buy strings in bulk
• Learn to restring at home
• Avoid overpriced boutique shops
• Clean your strings after every use
• Use coated strings to increase lifespan

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Guitar Restring FAQ (Expanded Expert Answers)

1. How much does it cost to restring a guitar at a shop?

Most shops charge between $20 and $60 depending on the string type, technician skill, and time required. Electric and bass guitars may cost more due to hardware complexity and higher string prices. Always ask whether cleaning and tuning are included.

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2. Is restringing worth paying for?

Yes, restringing is worth paying for if you want fast and reliable work, especially if you’re new to playing or unsure how to wind strings correctly. Pros can also spot neck issues, worn frets, or loose hardware during the service, which can prevent bigger problems later.

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3. Why do some shops charge higher restring fees?

Shops charge more when strings are thicker, hardware is advanced, or the guitar needs extra setup work. Urban areas with high labor costs also set higher rates. A certified luthier may charge more because they offer precision and deeper instrument knowledge.

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4. Can I restring a guitar myself even as a beginner?

Yes, beginners can learn to restring with simple tools and a bit of patience. It may feel awkward at first, but it becomes easier over time. Many players start with acoustic guitars before moving to electrics or bass, which require slightly more care.

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5. How often should I restring my guitar?

Most players restring every 1–3 months, although frequent players may need fresh strings sooner. Signs you need new strings include dull tone, rust, or tuning issues. Coated strings last longer, but even they need to be changed regularly for the best sound.

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Final Thoughts: How Much to Get Guitar Restrung — Now You Know

Restringing is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve your guitar’s tone and feel. Whether you decide to do it yourself or pay a shop, the key is knowing the real costs and what affects them. With this expanded guide, you now have expert-level knowledge — explained in a friendly, conversational way.

And trust me, once you hear your guitar with fresh strings, you’ll understand why players love that “new string” sound. It brings your guitar back to life.

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