Guitar restringing costs between $20 and $50 at most shops, depending on the type of guitar and whether you want new strings included

The labor alone—removing old strings, cleaning the fretboard, and installing new ones—typically runs $15 to $25. A full set of replacement strings adds another $5 to $30, depending on whether you choose budget nylon, phosphor bronze, or premium coated strings. Some shops bundle labor and strings into one price; others charge separately. Acoustic guitars usually cost slightly more to restring than electric guitars because the bridge pins take longer to remove and replace.

If you bring your own strings, most shops will install them for $10 to $15. This is worth doing if you already own strings you like or want to save money, though some shops charge a small fee for using outside materials. High-end repair shops in major cities may charge $30 to $50 just for labor, while smaller towns or chain music stores often charge $15 to $20.

Key Takeaways

  • Labor for restringing costs $15 to $25 at most shops, and new strings add $5 to $30 depending on the type and brand.
  • Acoustic guitars typically cost more to restring than electric guitars because of the bridge pin design.
  • Bringing your own strings can lower the total cost, though some shops charge a small fee for installation-only work.
  • Specialty shops and luthiers charge more than chain music stores, but may include fretboard cleaning or intonation checks.
  • Many shops offer discounts if you restring regularly or buy strings from them.

What's included in the restringing service

A basic restringing removes your old strings, cleans the fretboard and body where strings normally cover, and installs new strings with proper tension. The technician will tune the guitar to pitch and let the strings settle for a few minutes, then retune—new strings stretch and go flat quickly at first. This whole process takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the guitar type and how dirty it is.

Some shops include extras like bridge pin replacement (if one is cracked), a full fretboard conditioning with lemon oil, or a quick intonation check where they verify the guitar plays in tune up and down the neck. These additions may be free or cost $5 to $15 extra. Ask what's included before you hand over your guitar, because "restringing" can mean different things at different places.

String type and price differences

Budget strings for acoustic guitars cost $5 to $10 per set and work fine for casual players. Phosphor bronze strings, which sound warmer and last longer, run $12 to $18. Coated strings (like Elixir or D'Addario NYXL) cost $20 to $30 but stay bright longer and resist corrosion from sweat and humidity.

Electric guitar strings are cheaper overall: basic sets run $4 to $8, mid-range nickel-plated strings cost $10 to $15, and premium options like stainless steel or coated strings reach $18 to $25. Nylon classical guitar strings fall in the $8 to $20 range. The shop will usually show you what they stock and let you choose, or they can order a specific brand if you want something they don't have in stock (which adds a day or two to the wait).

Where to get your guitar restrung

Local music shops are the most common choice and usually offer the best value for the money. They stock multiple string brands, can restring while you wait (typically 30 minutes to an hour), and can spot other problems like loose tuning pegs or a warped neck. Call ahead to ask their price and whether they have your string type in stock.

Guitar repair specialists and luthiers charge more—often $30 to $50 for labor alone—but they inspect your guitar more thoroughly and may catch issues a general music shop would miss. This is worth the extra cost if your guitar is expensive or hasn't been serviced in years. Chain stores like Guitar Center offer restringing at competitive prices ($15 to $25 labor) but may have longer wait times during busy seasons. Some will restring while you shop; others need an appointment.

If you're comfortable doing it yourself, you can buy strings and watch a tutorial video online. This costs only the price of strings ($5 to $30) and takes 15 to 30 minutes once you've done it a few times. Many players restring their own guitars to save money and learn how their instrument works.

How often you should restring

Most players restring every 3 to 6 months if they play regularly, or once a year if they play casually. Strings lose brightness and go flat over time, especially if you play hard or sweat a lot. If your strings sound dull, feel rough, or have visible rust spots, they need replacing. Some players change strings before recording or performing because new strings sound brighter and hold pitch better.

Beginners often wait too long to restring because they don't notice the gradual loss of tone. If you haven't restrung in over a year, your guitar probably needs it. Restringing is one of the cheapest maintenance tasks—much less expensive than fixing a cracked neck or replacing a pickup—so it's worth doing on schedule.

Getting a discount on restringing

Many shops offer discounts if you buy strings from them regularly or sign up for a loyalty program. Some charge $5 to $10 less if you bring in your own strings, though this varies by location. A few shops run promotions during slow seasons (summer is often slower than fall and winter when people buy new guitars).

If you have multiple guitars, asking for a package price on restringing all of them at once sometimes saves money. Some luthiers and repair shops offer a slight discount if you combine restringing with other work like a setup or fret cleaning. It never hurts to ask what they can do on price, especially if you plan to be a regular customer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I restring my guitar myself to save money?

Yes. You'll need a string set ($5 to $30), wire cutters, and a tuner. Watch a tutorial video for your guitar type first—the process is different for acoustic, electric, and classical guitars. Most people can do it in 15 to 30 minutes after the first attempt. You save the labor cost but invest your time learning.

How long do new strings take to settle?

New strings stretch and go flat for the first few hours, then stabilize over a day or two. Most shops will tune your guitar after installation, but expect to retune it several times in the first 24 hours. Coated strings settle faster than uncoated ones. Avoid playing hard or bending strings aggressively on the first day.

What if I don't know what strings to buy?

Tell the shop attendant what you play (rock, folk, jazz, classical) and your budget. They'll recommend a brand and gauge that fits your style. If you're unsure, go with mid-range phosphor bronze for acoustic or nickel-plated for electric—these work well for most players and cost $10 to $15 per set.

Do I need to clean my guitar when I restring?

A basic restringing includes fretboard cleaning. If your guitar is very dirty or hasn't been serviced in years, ask the shop about a full cleaning or conditioning, which may cost $10 to $20 extra. This is optional but keeps your guitar looking and feeling better.

Why does restringing cost more at some shops?

Specialty repair shops and luthiers charge more because they have higher overhead, more experience, and often include extras like intonation checks or detailed inspection. Chain stores have lower labor costs. Both are legitimate—choose based on whether you want speed and low cost or detailed service and informed.