Headline: Guitarists Rally Against Lash Loop Stringing: “It’s Time for Change!”
In a passionate outcry that has resonated through music shops and guitar forums alike, guitar enthusiasts are taking a stand against what they are dubbing the “lash loop BS” method of stringing guitars. Citing a multitude of frustrations, especially the added stress points created at the tuning head, players argue that this technique not only leads to frequent string breakage but also complicates string replacement, likening the experience to “trying to castrate a porcupine.”
The frustration peaked for one guitarist, who shared their grievances after experiencing the heartbreak of a broken .012 D string just after the first tuning on the morning of a much-anticipated jam session. “I can’t wait to see how the .008 G tunes up,” they lamented. “Who thought this was a good idea? Was it the guy who puts twisty ties on loaves of bread?”
The lash loop stringing technique, characterized by its unique approach at the tuning machine, has become a point of contention in the guitar community. Many players argue that it creates a prone breakage point right where the string is most vulnerableโat the headstockโleading to unnecessary frustration before gigs or practice sessions.
Supporters of traditional knotting methods are advocating for a return to classic stringing techniques, emphasizing that these approaches not only offer greater stability but also a more straightforward process for replacing snapped strings. “It shouldn’t feel like rocket science to change a string,” one local musician echoed, as they demonstrated a knotting method that has served them well for years. “There’s a reason these methods have lasted through the decades.”
As the debate continues, followers of the lash loop technique stand firm, claiming that with the right adjustments, they can achieve optimal tune and performance. However, the rising chorus of dissent suggests that many players are unconvinced.
As guitar shops gear up to host “Stringing Masterclasses” aimed at guiding musicians through the nuances of stringing, players are hopeful for an evolution in guitar maintenance. Whether it be through educating new guitarists or reviving time-tested methods, one message rings clear: the frustration over lash loop stringing may just spark a new movement in the way guitarists approach their craft.
The music community waits with bated breath for more stringing innovations, but until then, it seems that tensionโboth on the strings and among playersโwill remain high.
