Forgot what strings I put on

So I'm LOVING the strings on my Gibson -- they're either Martin Retros or John Pearse Pure Nickel, but I can't for the life of me remember which. Both brands have brass ball ends, so they look identical. Is there any way to tell them apart? Does monel glow under a blacklight or something?

[woodbox]

Ha!
I used to have that problem.

Til it was suggested..by an old girlfriend I might add..to cut out a section of the string box (remember when strings came in a little box?) that has the string info on it, write the date on the back and put it in the case.

It's the guitar string equivalent of writing the change-out date on the battery in the TV remote or smoke detector.

Sorry I can't answer your specific question, but thought jump in with my/her idea.
As the well spoken guy from Alaska often writes:
I hope this helps.

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by woodbox

Ha!
I used to have that problem.

Til it was suggested..by an old girlfriend I might add..to cut out a section of the string box (remember when strings came in a little box?) that has the string info on it, write the date on the back and put it in the case.

THIS! Done it since forever, no memory required! If no box, Write the date on the empty bag and stash that in the case.

[mickthemiller]

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

THIS! Done it since forever, no memory required! If no box, Write the date on the empty bag and stash that in the case.

I've thought of doing something similar, but I'm old and I forget.

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by mickthemiller

I've thought of doing something similar, but I'm old and I forget.

[Cabarone]

What was the question again?

[lovgren]

Do you have a micrometer? At least one of the strings might indicate a few thousands of an inch different diameter.

[rmgjsps]

I keep a spreadsheet. Date, Guitar, String Brand, Gauge.

Now, if I could only remember what I named the file ....

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by rmgjsps

I keep a spreadsheet. Date, Guitar, String Brand, Gauge.

Now, if I could only remember what I named the file ....

You're kidding...right?

[Rosewood99]

I go to my computer and put a Calendar entry every time I do a string change.

[hairpuller]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

I go to my computer and put a Calendar entry every time I do a string change.

Dang, good idea! I'll start putting string changes and info on my phone calendar!!
xoxo,
scott

All good suggestions going forward. Thanks for the replies!

[Steadfastly]

Originally Posted by woodbox

Ha!
I used to have that problem.

Til it was suggested..by an old girlfriend I might add..to cut out a section of the string box (remember when strings came in a little box?) that has the string info on it, write the date on the back and put it in the case.

It's the guitar string equivalent of writing the change-out date on the battery in the TV remote or smoke detector.

Sorry I can't answer your specific question, but thought jump in with my/her idea.
As the well spoken guy from Alaska often writes:
I hope this helps.

Smart girl.

[L20A]

I use a recipe card to keep record of string changes. The card stays inside the guitar case.
I will make notes when I really like a new set of strings.

Martin Retro strings are more readily available so I would guess these are your strings.
I have been using them for about a year now and really like them.

[jwellsy]

You might try emailing or submitting a support ticket to both string companies and see if they have any ideas. If anyone knows for sure, they would.