Martin Titanium Core issue, HELP

[MHC]

Just got a pack of Martin Titanium Core strings.

Very excited to put them on my OM BUT...

When I got to the B and high e string I felt a super sharp "spur" like thing coming out of the the top of the ball end. Upon closer inspection, it looks like the return end of the B and e string poking out. [see photo]

Given that the ball ends on these strings are very different, I'm not sure what to think.

It's really sharp and very stiff and I fear that it will poke a hole in my bridge plate, or scratch it up. Unfortunately, I don't have a tool to get in there and trim it with.

Am I worrying about nothing - or is this an anomaly? Anyone else have this sharp wire spur with their MTC strings? I should also say that none of the wound strings have this extra string piece sticking out.

Thanks.

[Brucebubs]

If you contact Martin Customer Service and show them that picture I'm sure they will send you a replacement set of strings.

I contacted them about a month ago when I discovered corrosion on the unwound strings in 2 different sets of new Martin strings.

They replaced them for me ..... and I'm in Australia.

Excellent service.

p.s. I've had Titaniums now for 4 months and that ball-end on your set is definitely faulty.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by MHC

Just got a pack of Martin Titanium Core strings.

Very excited to put them on my OM BUT...

When I got to the B and high e string I felt a super sharp "spur" like thing coming out of the the top of the ball end. Upon closer inspection, it looks like the return end of the B and e string poking out. [see photo]

Given that the ball ends on these strings are very different, I'm not sure what to think.

It's really sharp and very stiff and I fear that it will poke a hole in my bridge plate, or scratch it up. Unfortunately, I don't have a tool to get in there and trim it with.

Am I worrying about nothing - or is this an anomaly? Anyone else have this sharp wire spur with their MTC strings? I should also say that none of the wound strings have this extra string piece sticking out.

Thanks.

Why wouldn't you trim it before you installed the string?

[MHC]

Originally Posted by TBman

Why wouldn't you trim it before you installed the string?

When I wrote "get in there" I didn't mean trim it while the string was installed - I meant don't have one of those wire cutter tools (in your photo) that can get in close to trim it tightly. All I have with me is a blunt little trimmer attached to a string winder. It ain't gonna do it.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by MHC

When I wrote "get in there" I didn't mean trim it while the string was installed - I meant don't have one of those wire cutter tools (in your photo) that can get in close to trim it tightly. All I have with me is a blunt little trimmer attached to a string winder. It ain't gonna do it.

Go get one. They're about $16 (you could find cheaper ones too). You should have one for your guitar tool box anyway to trim the top of the strings as well.

Wire cutters, cutting pliers.. I like the wire cutters.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/7-in-Ultr...CRCP/203683896

[tomiv9]

I just put on a set and mine didn't have string poking out like that. I'd be worred it would poke into the bridge plate if u install it as is. Either trim it, and install or contact martin for replacement. I'd prob do that latter since they are $40 a set

[5th Element]

If you get diagonal pliers, make sure that they're hardened for cutting steel. Guitar strings can destroy the cutting edges on standard wire cutters, which are made for cutting copper. How do I know this?

Here's the Stewmac offering:



Edit: Image and link not showing. The stringcutter is here: http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools...ng_Cutter.html

[rokdog49]

I would definitely contact Martin and at least let them know.
Send them the pic as well.
I agree that I would have trimmed the piece of wire and put the string on.

[MHC]

Thanks for the replies and the tool suggestions.

Given that this is a $40 set of strings, I'm not inclined to buy wire cutters and perform surgery on two strings. That's kinda like buying a Ferrari, and then using duct tape to seal a leaky window.

I'll probably contact Martin. IF there is an issue, Martin should see it and know about it.

But I'll still get the Stewmac cutters anyway.

[Russell G]

Am I the only one who thinks 40 bucks for a set of strings is a bit over the top???

[vindibona1]

I dunno. a $40 set of strings with a "special" ball end, you'd think they'd have better QC.

[JeffreyAK]

For less than the price of three strings that will eventually wear out, you can get a lifetime tool, http://www.sears.com/craftsman-6-in-...VGKfgodI8UJAw#

[ohYew812]

Originally Posted by MHC

Thanks for the replies and the tool suggestions.

Given that this is a $40 set of strings, I'm not inclined to buy wire cutters and perform surgery on two strings. That's kinda like buying a Ferrari, and then using duct tape to seal a leaky window.

I'll probably contact Martin. IF there is an issue, Martin should see it and know about it.

But I'll still get the Stewmac cutters anyway.

Definitely contact Martin. They need to know these things so they can investigate and correct. And I guarantee you they will ship you a new set!

[Quickstep192]

My set also had a little stub of string poking out. Mine was more in line with the long string. I think you could just grab the ball end bend the string a little bit so the string and the stub are aligned together. Then they'll both slide up into the slot in the bridge pin.

[ohYew812]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

My set also had a little stub of string poking out. Mine was more in line with the long string. I think you could just grab the ball end bend the string a little bit so the string and the stub are aligned together. Then they'll both slide up into the slot in the bridge pin.

Hmmm... do you suppose they are intentionally made that way to fit better?

The "ball" end isn't a ball, its more like a bullet, so... ??