Issue restringing new EART GW2L

[Xcaliber]

Hi. I found this forum while looking for a solution to my problem and thought I would see if anyone has any advice or suggestions. I purchased a new EART GW2L (the left handed version) from Amazon and it arrived yesterday. It played very nicely, but the strings were very dirty and seemed like they were quite old so I decided to put a fresh set on.

My problem is that I cannot get the new strings to go through the holes in at the nut (it's headless) no matter what I do. I've tried removing the screws that lock the strings down completely and even then the strings seem to be getting "caught" on something. I was able to finally get the high E string in and locked down, but none of the other strings will go through. I'm attempting to put a set of Stringjoy 10-48's on the guitar.

I've contacted EART support (via Facebook messenger), but so far they've just said "make sure that the locking screws are loosened all the way".

Has anyone else had this problem? Are there any "tips and tricks" to changing the strings on this guitar?

Thanks in advance.

[Tonray's Ghost]

Hi. I found this forum while looking for a solution to my problem and thought I would see if anyone has any advice or suggestions. I purchased a new EART GW2L (the left handed version) from Amazon and it arrived yesterday. It played very nicely, but the strings were very dirty and seemed like they were quite old so I decided to put a fresh set on.

My problem is that I cannot get the new strings to go through the holes in at the nut (it's headless) no matter what I do. I've tried removing the screws that lock the strings down completely and even then the strings seem to be getting "caught" on something. I was able to finally get the high E string in and locked down, but none of the other strings will go through. I'm attempting to put a set of Stringjoy 10-48's on the guitar.

I've contacted EART support (via Facebook messenger), but so far they've just said "make sure that the locking screws are loosened all the way".

Has anyone else had this problem? Are there any "tips and tricks" to changing the strings on this guitar?

Thanks in advance.

A picture might help..having trouble visualizing the issue

[toomanycats]

I don't personally own any headless guitars, though there are guys here who do. Some pics would definitely be helpful.

Going just by what you have described in your words, my initial thought is that they inadvertently installed the nut for a right handed guitar on your left handed guitar. This could account for why you have been able to get the high E string through the slot, but the others are getting "caught."

[BatUtilityBelt]

I have the same guitar, but now have to admit I haven't changed its strings yet. Now I'm not sure it will go as easily as I thought it would. But for reference, here's what the headless anchors on mine look like.

If I had the problem you describe, I would probably keep loosening the other head-end screws until I could get the new strings through. But I'm of a mindset that there's nothing I couldn't put back together after I took it apart.

[toomanycats]

I have the same guitar, but now have to admit I haven't changed its strings yet. Now I'm not sure it will go as easily as I thought it would. But for reference, here's what the headless anchors on mine look like. EART5.jpg
If I had the problem you describe, I would probably keep loosening the other head-end screws until I could get the new strings through. But I'm of a mindset that there's nothing I couldn't put back together after I took it apart.

Wow, okay, this is interesting. So there is a traditional style nut plus a zero fret.

[andrewsrea]

Many times, these operate with the bolt pressing down on a 'top plate' (free floating, like on a Floyd Rose bridge) which squeezes the string between the plate and another flat surface (a base). Designs are sometimes poor, and gravity prevents the 'plate' from lifting up to create a space for the string. It may be one of those where you have to have the front of the guitar facing sideways or to the floor.

[ILuvTeles]

Curious... What does the back of the 'headless head' look like?

[BatUtilityBelt]

Curious... What does the back of the 'headless head' look like?

[Rollin Hand]

This is probably a stupid question, but in which direction are you trying to push the strings? Towards, or away from the bridge?

And with ball ends or without? Usually, if it has two screws to hold each string, the ball end isn't necessary.