Location: North of the Golden Gate, South of the Redwoods, East of the Pacific and West of the Sierras
Posts: 10,607
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonics
Jim D'addario explains it. The biggest issue ALL string manufacturers face is the core wire. Basically it's no good and unfit for instrument use. Core wire is intended for use in the automotive industry where geometry, loose tolerances and wire 'stretchiness' is not an issue. The core wire vendors don't care, because the music industry only makes up a fraction of their business...and where else are you going source wire from?
In 2013 D'addario took the unprecedented step to make their own core wire, and this wire IS instrument grade. This level of attention to detail, quality and consistency, IMO, explains why 'other' companies want D'addario to make strings for them.
Mapes, a major core wire manufacturer for almost a century, has been making strings for musical instruments - core and wrap wire - for decades. They were making piano strings before they made guitar strings but I am pretty sure they didn't become the go-to string for Steinway Pianos by making a wire that was unfit for instrument use. Not trying to be argumentative, just saying that D'Addario did not invent the idea in 2013, they just decided to get into the market as well. And why not, they are a first-rate company that make fine products.
Mapes, a major core wire manufacturer for almost a century, has been making strings for musical instruments - core and wrap wire - for decades. They were making piano strings before they made guitar strings but I am pretty sure they didn't become the go-to string for Steinway Pianos by making a wire that was unfit for instrument use. Not trying to be argumentative, just saying that D'Addario did not invent the idea in 2013, they just decided to get into the market as well. And why not, they are a first-rate company that make fine products.
Best,
Jayne
Agreed. Where there are few manufacturers opportunities can be had. Mapes is a traditional quality provider, not unlike Martin, that can be held as an example to emulate and obtain some market share from, if earned.
06-24-2019, 04:07 PM
