Share This Thread String Packaging Change - Why? Randy Hano (5375) Miscellaneous Forum 11/2/2009 10:49:33 AM · 11 Views [Respond to this Message] Just bought another box of strings for backup stock and I freaked out. The packaging has changed again to the foil type of wrapper. Sorry folks, I miss the plastic and folded card insert. When did this change occur and why? If it is to go more green - understood. If it is too make it more flashy for increased sales - huh and why? As for what I use - GHS Boomers Light Gauge and have used them for over 30 years.

Responses

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/2/2009 11:41:38 AM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: Randy, some makers put an inert gas in the foil to help keep the strings from oxidizing. I think its argon in ghs, but am not sure.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/2/2009 12:05:15 PM Randy Hano (5375) wrote: That makes sense and I never thought of that. Inert gasses do help to prolong product that has not yet been used. Interesting.... I probably should check to see if they started date stamping the string packages as well. I never thought that this technology would have reached strings but I guess with Nitrogen filled switches, this type of process wasn't too far away. Thanks Warren!

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/3/2009 9:23:02 AM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: Randy, I did a search on the gas filled packs and some players seem to think the strings dont last as long so could you please let us know what you find with them. Rock on.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/3/2009 10:18:01 AM Randy Hano (5375) wrote: I will. It's funny because I buy them a box at a time and I still have some left over from my last purchase. I think that I am going to cut into my new stock just to see what the result is. I don't have acidic hands so my strings tend to last longer than most. What's nice about that is if I am playing (live) consistantly, string changes are at 1 month intervals. After all us semi-pro's don't have the sponsors to support us with new set discounts.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/3/2009 5:26:36 PM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: Randy, yep I am in the same boat as for the price of strings. I would have loved to have had a sponsor when I was gigging live. Now with the lack of use of my left are I can keep a set of strings going for 2 months before they get to me. I dont have acidic hands either but the way I have to press down with my fingers tends to rub the strings on the frets and seems to make then wear faster than a home player.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/4/2009 12:50:47 AM Dan Klotz (180) wrote: I use D'Addarios and they are vaccuum packed as well. I get them a box at time and they stay fresh. Works for me. I don't think I can really tell the difference in string brands anyway. I think I started using D'Addarios a long time ago because they would stay fresh, and of course, for the extra points for free stuff....of which I still have never turned in. I could probably get a D'Addario car with all the points I have...

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/4/2009 9:02:50 AM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: Dan, LMAO with the car bit.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/4/2009 10:25:02 AM Randy Hano (5375) wrote: There was a period eons ago that I went through that string exploration stage. Tried the Fenders, Dean Markley's, and such but settled into GHS Boomers. They just work for me and I get no bonus points. They make great cat toys though! For Classical strings though, I do use D'Addario Blues which are the High Tensions. I like there tone better than Augustine's.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/4/2009 10:17:36 AM Randy Hano (5375) wrote: How are frets? Because of the change in technique that you endured, do you have subsequent fret wear?

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 4:09:15 AM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: Yeah, the high strings do now wear very quickly. The G string esp. I still have all the strength in my hands but have to grip like hell to allow my arm to stay up there. I would be stuffed with out my thumb! I purchased a new Fender Deluxe Strat in 2007 and have replaced 3 frets already, where as before the accident I would be able to go as 10 - 15 years with out needing a fret replacement.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 4:22:47 AM Charles Ross, Jr (223) wrote: hey i break my 1st and 4th mainly on my classical guitar and when electric isnt broken the same lol

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 8:38:25 AM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: Hay Charles, Its weird how sometimes you seem to break the same strings in the same spot on different guitars. Is your classical rigged up with nylon strings?

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 10:06:23 AM Randy Hano (5375) wrote: I would check the are that the string is breaking. Sometimes burrs develop in the bridge that help to cut the string. Do you use the whammy bar alot? That help string fatigue that would promote breakage. Are you are hard picker? Go to a softer pick or adjust your technique. If you have a hard attack, you may want to consider a thicker string gage. In regards to your classical, are you using a pick? I hope not, if so your attack is to harsh for those type of strings. And finally, do you have very acidic hands? This can cause wear on the string where you will need to change them more frequently.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 10:56:08 AM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: Charles, Randy makes some good points I was going to suggest to you after you let me know about your classical setup. Of the worst that Randy said is the acidic hands. if this is you make sure you wash your hands before playing and then clean the strings and fingerboard after each session. This will help the strings last a bit longer. If you are breaking a string at the same fret often then you may have a sharp edge and could benefit from a fret dress. Dont worry you dont have to shave your legs for a fret dress. LOL. Lame joke I know. If they are breaking at the bridge (or even the peg heads) then you may still have a sharp spot and fixing this plus some graphite would be a help, plus it will help with your tuning. Also drop some graphite into your nut slot.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 9:46:40 PM Charles Ross, Jr (223) wrote: lol thank you guys and tell randy that you both had made me laugj i needed that, i use them to death.but its cool im gonna buy some new strings. i never liked classical like guitars,but my electric is banged up til i fix it.hey types of guitars do you all have?

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 9:54:46 AM Randy Hano (5375) wrote: Wow...3 frets, that's tough bro. That is a lot of pressure on the fret wire. How's the fingerboard in terms of wear? As for you without your thumb, you would find a way to play - left handed maybe (if you are right handed)?

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 10:50:05 AM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: Randy, Its true what you said about finding a way to play. The fingerboard has the finish removed from the most played spots and I think it does not get too damaged when I sort of squash the frets down. You know how the old, smokey clubs maple fingerboards look I guess. Anyway no new neck as yet, just the frets. Just thought of this... I was looking over my Epie Les Paul (play this about 35% of the time, compaired to my 4 Fenders) and the Epie does not need a fret job. Maybe the frets are made with harder steel or something.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 12:31:42 PM Randy Hano (5375) wrote: I believe you are correct, plug Epi and Gibson usually use wider frets so the wear maybe less due to the extra metal. You can also consider an odd alternative on your fretboard. Mostly for playability because of your injury - have your board scalloped. That won't affect your playing style but may prolong the fingerboard in terms of uniformity. It doesn't have to be deep but just enough for ease of play. The frets will still take a beating though.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 9:07:18 PM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: I did think about scalloping early last year but never did much about it. I have played a scalloped fingerboard and it was good. I might look for another neck. Have you played scalloped fingerboards? If so whats your feeling about them?

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/6/2009 11:29:51 PM Randy Hano (5375) wrote: Never have. I have heard and the bad about them. Let me start with the bad first. You can't overpress or you might skew the pitch and the technique takes some work. The ones who have played it love it cause it promotes somewhat of a light touch to get the note out. Most of them were shredders.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/7/2009 9:45:12 AM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: I managed to get a 56 Fender neck off ebay tonight for $540 plus $30 postage. I will have that scalloped and let you know what I think and if it helps.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/7/2009 10:36:57 PM Randy Hano (5375) wrote: Cool man! Let us all know the result of your progress.

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/7/2009 12:14:10 PM Chris Pinto (22045) wrote: Yeah, I have played a few scalloped necks. I like it for SOME things, and for other things, I don't like it. You have to change your style & it requires a lighter touch. Something not everyone can just easily do on a whim. I really liked the scalloped neck for chords! Chris

• Respond to this Re: String Packaging Change - Why? 11/7/2009 3:03:50 PM Warren Hunt (1478) wrote: Brother Chris, I had a really light playing style already until the accident. It would be great to get it back so the scalloped neck is a test.

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