Replacing an E string on a 370/12 W/ "R tailpiece"

[sleepingtiger]

OK, this is embarassing , but I spent an hour just trying to get the ball end locked into the R tailpiece! I know to use a capo or tape further up the neck, but unless you get the ball end seated, that info is useless!
DOES anybody have a way to guide it in to get it seated? I can't change a whole set every time I have a string break. I use the Ernie Ball .008 12-string electric set, so it does happen from time to time. The slotted strings are bad enough, but this sucks!
Thanks in advance!

Tony

[jps]

Have you tried curved forceps or hemostats (surely, you have one of those in your stash tool box)?

[sleepingtiger]

Hmmmm...might just work. Thanks!
Any other suggestions guys???

Tony

[jimk]

I use one of the little hex keys supplied with the guitar to poke the ball end into its notch. Got that trick from McGuinn's DVD.
JimK

[sleepingtiger]

Will it stay put in the notch if you get it in? My eyes suck, so it doesn't help I can't see $h!+!

Tony

[jimk]

Yeah, it stays put as long as you keep some kind of tension on the string until you get it tightened up. Lots of us use a capo as a kind of third hand in this operation.
JimK

[sleepingtiger]

Yeah, I was ready with a capo, but couldn't get the damned thing started....

Tony