A device and method for reducing wear and stress in the string of a
stringed instrument, such as a guitar. Certain stringed instruments are
strung by advancing strings through string apertures in the body of the
instrument. The device includes tubular sleeves that are placed into the
string apertures. As the instrument is strung, the strings of the
instrument are tightened. When tightened, the strings abut against and
bend around the tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve has a curved surface
against which the strings bend. This lowers stress concentrations in the
strings at the points of the bend. Furthermore, the tubular sleeves are
made from a material that is softer than the material of the instrument's
strings. Accordingly, as the instrument's strings wear against the
sleeves, the sleeves experience the wear more so than the strings.