Restringing costs between $25 and $75 at a repair shop, depending on the strings you choose and your location

If you take your acoustic guitar to a shop, expect to pay $25 to $50 for labor alone. The strings themselves add another $10 to $30 to that bill. A full restring with mid-range strings at an average shop runs around $40 to $60. High-end shops in major cities may charge $60 to $75; smaller towns or chain music stores often charge less.

The price breaks down into two parts: what the shop charges for the work, and what the strings cost. Some shops quote you a flat rate that includes strings. Others charge labor separately and then add the cost of the strings on top. Always ask which way they're pricing it before you hand over your guitar.

If you restring the guitar yourself at home, you only pay for the strings—typically $10 to $25 for a decent set. This saves the labor cost but requires you to own or borrow wire cutters and a string winder, and to spend 20 to 40 minutes on the job.

Key Takeaways

  • A shop restring costs $25 to $75 total, with labor running $25 to $50 and strings adding $10 to $30.
  • Doing it yourself costs only the price of strings ($10 to $25) but requires basic tools and 20 to 40 minutes of your time.
  • Phosphor bronze strings last longer than bronze and cost a few dollars more, but many players find them worth it.
  • The shop's location and reputation affect price more than the brand of strings—a local independent shop may charge half what a major chain does.

What affects the price at a repair shop

The biggest variable is the string brand and material. Bronze strings are cheaper ($10 to $15 per set) and sound bright; phosphor bronze strings cost $15 to $25 and last longer before they dull. Coated strings (which resist corrosion) run $20 to $30. Most shops stock one or two mid-range brands and can order premium brands if you ask, though that may add a few days to the job.

Labor rates vary by geography and shop type. A chain music store in a suburban area typically charges $25 to $35 for labor. An independent luthier or repair specialist in a city charges $40 to $60. Some shops charge a flat rate per restring; others charge by the hour (usually $50 to $100 per hour, with a restring taking 30 to 45 minutes).

Whether the shop cleans the fretboard or does other maintenance while the strings are off can add $10 to $20. Ask upfront if that's included or if it's extra. Most shops will at least wipe down the fretboard for free while they work.

Doing it yourself: tools and time

You need wire cutters, a string winder (optional but saves time), and a tuner. If you already own these, restringing costs only the strings themselves. A basic string winder costs $8 to $15 new; wire cutters you may already have in a toolbox. A tuner runs $15 to $40, though many people use a free tuner app on their phone.

The actual work takes 20 to 40 minutes once you get the hang of it. You remove the old strings (either all at once or a few at a time), clean the fretboard if you want, thread the new strings through the bridge and tuning pegs, wind them tight, and tune up. The hardest part for beginners is winding the tuning pegs evenly so the strings sit right in the nut and don't slip.

If you've never done it, watch a video first—seeing the motion of winding and the angle of the string makes it much clearer than reading instructions. Most people get faster and more confident after the second or third time.

String types and how they affect cost

Phosphor bronze is the most common choice for acoustic guitars. It costs $15 to $25 per set and lasts 3 to 6 months with regular playing before the tone dulls. 80/20 bronze (also called plain bronze) is cheaper ($10 to $15) and sounds brighter but dulls faster—usually in 2 to 4 months. Coated strings like Elixir or D'Addario EXP have a thin polymer layer that keeps them sounding new longer; they cost $20 to $30 but can last 6 to 12 months.

For a beginner or casual player, phosphor bronze is the best value. For someone who plays daily or performs, coated strings save money over time because you replace them less often. Bronze strings are fine if you like a bright tone and don't mind changing strings frequently.

Gauge (thickness) also affects price slightly. Light gauge strings ($10 to $15) are easier on your fingers; medium gauge ($12 to $18) is standard and balanced; heavy gauge ($15 to $25) gives more volume and sustain but is harder to play. Most shops stock medium gauge; special gauges may cost a dollar or two more.

When to restring and how often

Most players restring every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often they play and what type of strings they use. If you play daily, restring every 3 months. If you play a few times a week, every 4 to 6 months works. If you play occasionally, you might go 6 to 12 months between restrings.

Signs that your strings need replacing: they sound dull or flat even when tuned, they feel rough or corroded to the touch, they break easily, or they won't hold tuning. If only one or two strings are damaged, you can replace just those, though most people replace all six at once for consistency.

A fresh set of strings costs the same whether you replace one or all six, so replacing them all together is usually more economical than doing it piecemeal.

Comparing shop prices in your area

Call or visit three shops before you decide. Ask each one: "What do you charge for a full acoustic restring, and does that include strings?" Write down the answer. Some shops quote $35 flat rate; others say "$25 labor plus the cost of strings." You need both numbers to compare fairly.

Ask what brand of strings they stock and whether you can bring your own strings if you prefer a specific brand. Most shops allow this but may charge a small fee ($3 to $5) for using outside strings. If you have a favorite brand, factor that into your decision.

Independent repair shops often charge more per hour but work faster and may include extras like fretboard cleaning. Chain stores charge less but may take longer to get to your guitar if they're busy. Neither is wrong—it depends on whether you value speed, price, or personal attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I restring my acoustic guitar with electric guitar strings?

No. Acoustic strings are wound differently and thicker to produce the volume and tone an acoustic needs. Electric strings are too thin and won't vibrate the acoustic's body properly. They'll sound thin and quiet, and the thinner core can damage the bridge or nut over time.

How long does it take a shop to restring my guitar?

Most shops can do it while you wait—usually 30 to 45 minutes. Some shops are busier and may ask you to come back later or leave it overnight. Call ahead and ask if they can do it same-day, especially on weekends.

Do I need to replace all six strings at once?

No, but it's usually better to. Replacing all six at once keeps the tone consistent and the tension balanced across the neck. If only one string breaks, you can replace just that one, but most players find it worth replacing all six for the same cost as a full restring.

What's the difference between a restring and a full setup?

A restring is just replacing the strings and tuning. A setup includes restringing plus adjusting the truss rod, bridge, nut, and action (string height). A setup costs $75 to $150 and is worth doing once a year if you play regularly, but you don't need it every time you change strings.

Will restringing fix my guitar if it sounds bad?

New strings will make a dull-sounding guitar brighter and more resonant, but they won't fix structural problems. If your guitar sounds bad because the action is too high, the neck is bent, or the bridge is lifting, restringing alone won't solve it. A shop can diagnose the real problem during a setup.