Noob post: restringing my Quantum

by stevegallagher Sat Feb 21, 2015 6:27 pm

Hey guys
I have a Quantum that I have been looking after for a friend for coming up 20 years. It hasn't been played much in that time, but judging by the scratches on the back it's had a bit of a hard life at some stage.
I'm restringing, and having a hell of a time getting enough tension on the strings, especially the E. It appears to have the original locking mechanism, unless I'm missing something.
So, any tips on how to get enough tension on the string? If I just use the machine head at the base, I can't get it up to pitch.
Obviously I'm no gearhead, so go easy on me Smile

Was going to post link to photos but can't as I'm a new member

by stevegallagher Sat Feb 21, 2015 7:59 pm

Update - Figured out photos:

quantum - Noob post: restringing my Quantum Img_2011

quantum - Noob post: restringing my Quantum Img_2012

quantum - Noob post: restringing my Quantum Img_2013

by **corsair** Sun Feb 22, 2015 2:07 am

I don't have one of these, but don't the ball ends of the strings go at what would be the headstock end of the neck?

by Westbone Sun Feb 22, 2015 4:28 am

Remove all strings.
Set all tuners as your G string is.
Tighten up top clamp.
Tune up.

And chop all those tentacles off.... Wink

by stevegallagher Mon Feb 23, 2015 3:23 am

Thanks for the advice, will definitely chop the tentacles off once I've got it up to pitch! Am going to give it a clean up as best I can before restringing. Any advice on the best product to use for fingerboard and getting rid of the crap around the tuners?

by jim Mon Feb 23, 2015 7:45 am

Dish washing liquid, lukewarm water, toothbrush, towel or microfiber cloth.

For the fretboard: When cleaned and thoroughly dry (!), apply Lemon Oil with a dry cloth, you might find some extra dirt will be removed by it.
This is my approved method but I think most do it like this although they might swap Lemon oil for anther like e.g. almond oil.

by Sgt. Vimes Mon Feb 23, 2015 11:41 am

I've started using an acetone soaked rag to clean the board, then a toothbrush I shaved the bristles down to a few mm to get into the fret edges, then lemon or almond oil, buff to finish.