Guitar restringing typically costs between $25 and $75 at a repair shop, depending on the guitar type and whether you buy new strings there
A basic restring at a local shop runs $25 to $50 for acoustic guitars and $30 to $60 for electric guitars. Classical guitars cost more — usually $40 to $75 — because the nylon strings require different winding techniques. If you bring your own strings, most shops charge $15 to $30 in labor alone. Some shops bundle strings and labor into a single price; others charge them separately, so ask before you hand over your guitar.
The final price depends on three things: what kind of guitar you have, whether the shop replaces the strings or you do, and what condition your frets and hardware are in. A shop may charge extra if your fretboard needs cleaning, your bridge needs adjustment, or your tuning pegs need lubrication — all things that often happen during a restring. Ask for a quote before leaving your guitar, and ask whether that quote includes cleaning and setup or just the strings themselves.
Key Takeaways
- Local repair shops charge $25 to $75 for a full restring, with acoustic guitars at the lower end and classical guitars at the higher end.
- Bringing your own strings usually costs $15 to $30 in labor, saving you $10 to $40 compared to buying strings at the shop.
- Setup work — fretboard cleaning, bridge adjustment, tuning peg lubrication — often costs extra and can add $20 to $50 to the total.
- Big-box music retailers like Guitar Center typically charge the same as local shops but may offer discounts if you buy strings there.
What the price includes and what it does not
When a shop quotes you a restring price, confirm what is actually included. Most quotes cover removing old strings, cleaning the fretboard, installing new strings, and tuning the guitar to pitch. They do not usually include bridge replacement, fret leveling, or nut work — those are separate repairs that cost $50 to $200 or more.
Some shops include a basic setup — adjusting the truss rod and bridge saddle so the action (string height) is playable — as part of the restring. Others charge $15 to $30 extra for setup. If your guitar has high action or buzzing frets, ask whether setup is included or whether you need to pay separately. A guitar that plays poorly after restringing usually needed setup work that the shop either did not do or charged extra for.
Acoustic versus electric versus classical
Acoustic guitars cost more to restring than electrics because the bridge pins have to be removed and replaced, and the bridge itself is glued on, so any adjustment takes longer. Expect $30 to $50 for a standard acoustic restring. Electrics are faster — the strings thread through the bridge or tailpiece — so shops charge $25 to $40.
Classical guitars use nylon strings that are tied to the bridge, not pinned. This takes more skill and time, so shops charge $40 to $75. If you have a 12-string acoustic, add $10 to $20 to the acoustic price because there are twice as many strings to wind and tune. Specialty guitars — archtops, semi-hollow bodies, or vintage instruments — may cost more if the shop charges a premium for handling them.
Buying strings at the shop versus bringing your own
A set of acoustic strings costs $8 to $20 at a shop; electric strings cost $6 to $15; classical strings cost $10 to $25. If the shop charges $30 for labor and $15 for strings, you pay $45 total. If you buy the same strings online for $10 and bring them in, you pay only $30 labor. Over a year, if you restring four times, buying online saves you $20 to $40.
The trade-off is convenience. A shop can restring you the same day if you walk in, and the technician knows the strings will work with your guitar. Ordering online means waiting for delivery and trusting that you ordered the right gauge and material. Many players buy strings online and drop them off at the shop with a note, then pick up the restrung guitar a day or two later. This costs less than buying at the shop but takes longer than walking in with cash.
Where to get your guitar restrung
Local independent guitar repair shops are usually the cheapest and fastest option. Search "guitar repair near me" or ask at a local music store for a recommendation. Independent shops often charge $25 to $40 for a basic restring and can usually fit you in within a day or two. They also tend to do better setup work because they specialize in guitars.
Guitar Center and other big-box music retailers charge similar prices — $30 to $50 — but wait times can be longer, especially on weekends. Some locations offer a discount if you buy strings there, which can offset the higher string price. Pawn shops sometimes restring guitars for $20 to $35, but quality varies widely; ask to see examples of their work before leaving your guitar.
Some players restring at home to save money entirely. A basic restringing kit costs $15 to $30 and includes wire cutters and a string winder. If you restring four times a year, the kit pays for itself in the first year. The downside is that home restringing takes 30 to 45 minutes if you are new to it, and you will not get the fretboard cleaning or setup that a shop provides. Home restringing makes sense if you play frequently and want to save money; it does not make sense if you restring once a year.
Timing and turnaround
Most independent shops can restring a guitar the same day if you drop it off in the morning. Big-box retailers often need 24 to 48 hours, especially on weekends. If you need your guitar restrung urgently, call ahead to confirm turnaround time before you go in.
Some shops offer express restringing — usually for an extra $10 to $15 — if you need it done within a few hours. This is useful if you have a gig coming up or a string breaks the day before a performance. Plan for standard turnaround (24 hours) unless you are willing to pay the rush fee.
Signs your guitar needs restringing
Strings typically last three to six months with regular playing. They need restringing sooner if they sound dull, feel rough or corroded, break frequently, or will not hold pitch. A string that breaks is a sign to restring the whole set, not just replace one string, because the others are probably worn too.
If your guitar sounds bright and rings clearly, the strings are probably fine. If it sounds muted or the strings feel sticky, restringing will make a noticeable difference. Some players restring every month if they play daily; others restring twice a year. The more you play, the sooner you need new strings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restring my guitar myself to save money?
Yes. A string winder and wire cutters cost $15 to $30 total, and restringing takes 30 to 45 minutes once you learn. You save $20 to $40 per restring compared to a shop. The downside is no fretboard cleaning or setup, and the learning curve is steep the first time. Watch a video for your guitar type before you start.
How long does a restring take at a shop?
A basic restring takes 30 to 60 minutes of work time. Most shops can do it the same day if you drop off in the morning, though big-box retailers often need 24 to 48 hours. Call ahead to confirm turnaround time for your location.
Do I need to buy strings at the shop, or can I bring my own?
Most shops accept strings you bring, and many charge $15 to $30 less in labor when you do. Buying strings online and bringing them in saves money if you restring regularly. Some shops may charge a small fee ($5 to $10) if you bring strings, so ask first.
What is the difference between a restring and a setup?
A restring replaces the strings and tunes the guitar. A setup adjusts the truss rod, bridge, and nut so the guitar plays comfortably. Many shops include basic setup with a restring; others charge $15 to $30 extra. Ask whether setup is included in the quote.
Why does my guitar sound worse after restringing?
New strings need 24 to 48 hours to settle and hold pitch. If it still sounds bad after two days, the shop may have skipped setup work, or your frets may need leveling. Contact the shop and ask what happened; most will adjust it for free if the work was incomplete.