Guitar restringing costs $25 to $75 at a music shop, depending on the guitar type and whether you want new strings included
A basic restringing service—where a technician removes old strings, cleans the fretboard, and installs new ones—runs $25 to $50 at most shops. If you bring your own strings, you pay only the labor. If the shop supplies the strings, add $15 to $40 more, depending on string quality. Acoustic guitars cost slightly more than electric because they take longer to string and tune. Classical guitars (with nylon strings) are usually cheaper than steel-string acoustics.
Some shops charge a flat rate; others charge by the string. A few high-end repair shops may charge $60 to $75 if they also dress the frets, adjust the truss rod, or address other setup issues while they have the guitar in hand. Always ask whether the quoted price includes new strings or just labor.
Key Takeaways
- Labor alone costs $25 to $50; adding new strings from the shop brings the total to $40 to $75.
- Bringing your own strings cuts the cost to just the labor charge, usually $25 to $35.
- Acoustic and classical guitars may cost more to restring than electric guitars because of the time required.
- Restringing yourself with a $15 to $30 string set costs far less but requires practice and the right tools.
What affects the price at a music shop
The main cost driver is whether strings are included. A shop that quotes $35 for restringing may mean labor only—you bring strings—or it may mean the shop installs its house-brand strings. Always confirm before you leave the guitar. Premium string brands (Elixir, D'Addario, GHS) cost more than budget brands, so a shop using premium strings will charge more.
Guitar type matters. Electric guitars have six lighter strings and simpler hardware, so they restring faster. Acoustic guitars have heavier strings and bridge pins that must be removed and replaced carefully. Classical guitars use nylon strings tied to the bridge, which takes the most time. Some shops charge the same rate for all three; others charge $5 to $15 more for acoustic or classical.
Additional work raises the price. If the technician notices rust on the tuning pegs, a bent bridge pin, or fret wear while restringing, they may offer cleaning, replacement parts, or a full setup. These are separate charges, usually $15 to $100 each, but the shop should ask before doing them.
Restringing your own guitar costs far less
A set of new strings costs $10 to $30 depending on brand and guitar type. Budget electric strings run $10 to $15; acoustic strings $12 to $20; classical strings $15 to $30. You need wire cutters (most people have them) and a string winder, which costs $8 to $15 new or can be borrowed from a friend. If you already own these tools, restringing costs only the strings.
The trade-off is time and learning curve. Your first restringing will take 30 to 60 minutes and may sound rough if you don't wind the strings evenly or tune carefully. By your third or fourth time, you'll do it in 15 to 20 minutes. Many players restring their own guitars to save money and learn how their instrument works.
Online videos from reputable sources (Fender, Martin, YouTube channels dedicated to guitar repair) walk you through the process step by step. The main mistakes beginners make are winding strings too loosely (they slip out of tune), winding too many wraps around the post (the string breaks when you tune up), or not stretching new strings enough after installation (they go flat within hours).
When to pay for a professional restringing
If your guitar hasn't been restrung in over a year, or if the frets are dirty or the fretboard is dry, a shop restringing is worth the cost. The technician will clean the fretboard while the strings are off—something you can't do easily yourself—and spot problems like a warped neck or loose frets that you might miss.
Expensive guitars ($500 and up) are worth taking to a professional the first time. A technician can may support the strings are wound correctly and the bridge is seated properly, which protects your investment. Budget guitars are more forgiving; restringing them yourself is a low-risk way to learn.
If you're unsure whether your guitar needs more than just new strings, ask the shop to inspect it before quoting a price. Many shops do a free visual inspection and will tell you if truss rod adjustment, fret leveling, or other work is needed.
How often you'll need restringing
Most players restring every 3 to 6 months if they play regularly (several times a week). Casual players who pick up the guitar once a week or less may go 6 to 12 months between restrings. Strings lose brightness and become harder to keep in tune as they age, so when you notice the guitar sounds dull or won't stay tuned, it's time.
Some strings last longer than others. Coated strings (Elixir brand is the most common) stay bright for 6 to 12 months; uncoated strings typically last 3 to 4 months. If you play hard or sweat a lot, strings corrode faster and may need replacing every 2 to 3 months.
Comparing shop prices in your area
Call or visit three local music shops and ask: "What do you charge to restring an [electric/acoustic] guitar, and does that include strings?" Write down the answer and whether they mention any additional services. Some shops offer a discount if you buy strings from them; others charge the same whether you bring your own or use theirs.
Big-box retailers like Guitar Center often charge $30 to $50 for restringing, similar to independent shops. Local repair specialists may charge more ($50 to $75) but often do higher-quality work and catch problems that chain stores miss. For a first restringing or routine maintenance, a chain shop is fine. For expensive guitars or complex repairs, a specialist is worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restring a guitar without a string winder?
Yes. You can wind strings by hand, turning the tuning peg slowly with your fingers. It takes longer—maybe 30 to 45 minutes instead of 15—but works fine. A string winder is a convenience tool, not a necessity. Many players use one because it's faster and more consistent.
Do I need to change all six strings at once?
You can change them one at a time if you want to keep the guitar in tune and playable between strings. This takes longer but is easier for beginners because you don't have to retune the whole guitar from scratch. Most experienced players remove all strings at once so they can clean the fretboard.
What's the difference between coated and uncoated strings?
Coated strings have a thin plastic layer that protects them from sweat and dirt, so they last two to three times longer than uncoated strings. They cost $5 to $10 more per set but save money over time if you play frequently. Uncoated strings sound slightly brighter when new but dull faster.
Will restringing fix a guitar that won't stay in tune?
New strings help, especially if the old ones are very worn. But if the guitar still won't hold tune after restringing, the problem is likely the tuning pegs, the nut, or the bridge—not the strings. A technician can diagnose the real issue for $20 to $50 in inspection time.
Is it cheaper to buy strings online and bring them to a shop?
Yes, usually. Online strings often cost $2 to $5 less per set than shop prices. Most shops will restring guitars with customer-supplied strings for the same labor fee. Call ahead to confirm they accept outside strings, since a few shops prefer to use their own.