The Cuda was originally designed for 6-string acoustic and electric guitars but, using the translation chart below, it also works great with 12-string guitars, mandolins, or any other steel string instrument that uses standard size tuning machines and string diameters that fall within the sizes shown on this chart. Note the string diameter shown on your string’s packaging and reference the chart below to determine which slot on the Cuda Winder to use for the ideal measurement. Download a PDF of the translation chart here:
We wanted to take the pain and guesswork out of restringing your guitar so you can focus on making great music. The Cuda Winder makes the process a whole lot easier. The heart and soul of the Cuda Winder is the patented string measurement gauge incorporated into the handle. The notches that correspond to each string help you make a visible mark in the string, giving you a repeatable process for measuring its optimal length. Measuring each string to the optimal length means your instrument will stay in tune longer and you’ll experience longer string life. Follow these steps to get the most out of your Cuda so you can restring quickly and get back to the music.
Step 1
Loosen your old strings using the Cuda Winder and uncoil the strings from the tuning pegs.
Step 2
Using the nose of the Cuda, loosen and remove your bridge pins. Discard your old strings, place the ball end of the new strings in their appropriate position in the bridge, and re-seat the bridge pins. Pull on the new strings a bit to ensure the bridge pins are fully seated.
Step 3
This is where the Cuda shines. With the string inserted in it’s tuning peg, place the nose of the Cuda on the tuning peg, above the string. Route the string underneath the Cuda…
…and through its corresponding notch. Pull the string tightly toward yourself, ensuring there is no extra slack in the string. When pulling the string, you may need to apply a slight, downward pressure on the Cuda so the nose doesn’t slip off of the post. You should be left with an approximately 90 degree bend.
Step 4
Pull the string back until the 90 degree bend meets the tuning peg and start winding. Repeat this process for each string, placing the nose of the Cuda on the tuning peg which you are restringing. So, place the nose of the Cuda on the A tuning peg to bend the A String through the "A" notch, and so on.
The Cuda Winder just measured the optimal string slack for you so you can stay in tune longer and enjoy longer string life.
Extra Tip
When winding, to help your instrument stay in tune even longer, we recommend the first wind travel above the excess string, and the rest of the winds sit below the excess string, as shown here. By stringing with the Cuda Winder and this winding method you should end up with one wrap below the Low E, progressing one additional wrap for each string, ending with 6 wraps below the High E. Simple, clean, and effective.
