#16
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This is where I find FastFret pays for itself many times over - I can get months of use out of a set of strings, by reviving them with FF before playing - I realise this doesn't work for everyone tho..
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#17
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#18
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Assuming is not knowing. Knowing is NOT the same as understanding. There is a difference between compassion and wisdom, however compassion cannot supplant wisdom, and wisdom can not occur without understanding. facts don't care about your feelings and FEELINGS ALONE MAKE FOR TERRIBLE, often irreversible DECISIONS |
#19
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Just an observation, not a criticism, but, I see guitar lists in signatures here listing thousands to tens-of thousands of dollars worth of instruments. I know that many members here are working musicians or just play a hell of lot more than I ever did or will. Some change strings weekly (me, maybe three, four times a year) but compared to the investment in guitars, the cost of strings is pretty nominal. OK, leaving out, like, Martin Titaniums. If you are a working musician, then strings must certainly be a deductable business expense, assuming that you actually report the income and operate as a business. I guess that along with GAS goes SAS -- String Acquisition Syndrome. We all have to pay for all of our addictions.
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La Patrie Concert Lakewood M-1 (2003) Recording King R0S-06 000 Blueridge BR-142 Recording King R0-T16 Alvarez AP66SHB |
#20
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Hi Silly M
I play Elixir Nano, phosphor bronze strings, and was paying $12-$13 (USD) per set shipped a decade ago in lots of a dozen. Just looked at my current supply sources and they are still in that range. I used to buy my D'Addario non-coated in a bulk box with 30 sets, and that has increased in price about 25% over the years. I agree with the sentiment of whom-ever said that they just buy the strings they need regardless of price increases, and liked it to putting gasoline in their car. I'm not going to down-grade my gasoline to a less octane version to save money. But I WILL shop at different gas stations to experience lower prices. Of course I live in a small city where I can drive anywhere in 10 minutes (and my outings take me all over the city). |
#21
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Shades of the Boston Tea-Party, I blame Presidents Trump and Putin
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NOT from Queen - he's much cleverer I am English, so are all my spellings Two guitars I'm happy with . . . |
#22
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I would suggest you are no longer getting such a good deal through Ebay as you once did, and this gives the impression that prices have risen so much.
From the UK I mainly use Fretsounds and StringDirect. Looking back at some purchases from these (made in Stirling) I note that: - D’Addario NBs price FELL over the last 18 months or so - by about 5%, and 80/20s stayed the same. (StringsDirect) - EJ16s went up less than 15% over the last 3 years, and Martin FX for my 12 string went up 5% Also no dramatic changes in other strings I use, such as Wyres PBs. Surely not so bad given the exchange rate change over the period. Trust this helps, |
#23
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This was before the invention of coated strings, but for me it was less about tone than it was tuning reliability. The effect that metal fatigue has on string life is routinely ignored on this forum, with most of the participants preferring to talk about corrosion or whatever. The effect of all that kinetic energy pulsing through these spindly little skeins of metal seems to barely rate a mention. So even then, as a skinny single guy in my twenties making ends meet but not much than that, the cost of strings was irrelevant. Whatever my out of pocket costs, they simply didn't compare to the agony of trying to get through a set in a rowdy Irish bar where the Paddies were getting restive because I was popping strings left and right. All because I'd been a dork and hadn't changed my strings like I should have. Reliability and the "don't have to worry about it" factor completely outweighed any worries about the cost of strings. Quote:
1.) Doing the daily crossword puzzle; and 2.) Allowing yourself four Oreo cookies with your lunch. Wade Hampton Miller |
#24
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Be very careful buying strings on eBay.
eBay counterfeit strings are a pretty popular issue. Only buy your strings from an authorized dealer.
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Fazool "The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter" 000-15 / GC7 / GA3-12 / SB2-C / SB2-Cp / AVC-11MHx / AC-240 |
#25
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Hey, Wade, You are absolutely right. I don't really care what strings cost since none of us can play without them, anyway.
I am totally addicted to the New York Times crosswords, working my way through ALL of the back ones. (I'm up to March, 2007) as well as each day's current one. Had to give up the oreos, though -- too many calories. Well maybe 4 oreo minis now and then! "Oh then tell me Sean O' Farrell, tell me why you hurry so ... "
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La Patrie Concert Lakewood M-1 (2003) Recording King R0S-06 000 Blueridge BR-142 Recording King R0-T16 Alvarez AP66SHB |
#26
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Strings Direct were always my preferred provider, ,and always speedy delivery,but a couple of years ago theri prices got less competitive. They are a regular ebay seller, but "reddansette" (Craigs Music) have been better priced. I checked out fretsounds - hadn't heard of them, but they don't even stock ej17s! BTW - to Fazool, this business about "fake" strings - all you need to do is look at seller's details to see if it is a genuine seller or not.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#27
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Taylor puts Elixir strings on their guitars not because they are the ultimate tonal choice, but because they last longer and sound better in a retail setting. That is a distinct competitive advantage, and other brands are jumping on the coated string bandwagon (EXP, Cleartone, Lifespan, etc). Many of us Taylor owners are perfectly happy with Elixir strings, however. Polyweb are fully coated and are slippery (and also sprout "fuzzies" when strummed). Nanoweb have only the grooves coated, with bare windings exposed. Less slippery, more finger noise, and feel more like regular uncoated strings. There is a place for both types.
Long before coated string were ever on the market, I discovered GHS White Bronze strings, with 52% nickel alloy. Those cost the same as most uncoated strings, but last 3-4 times as long as other brands (for me). In terms of the full life cycle, the White Bronze often beat Elixirs, but for guitars that don't get played very often Elixir is the way to go. YMMV. String pricing discussions always remind me of owning an airplane in Alaska. When aviation gas went from under $3 to north of $5 a gallon a few years ago (while auto fuel went past $4 a gallon) I knew many pilots that essentially stopped flying. Never mind that owning an airplane costs about $5K per year in fixed expenses (insurance, tie-down or hangar, chart updates, annual inspection, other maintenance) before you ever turn the prop. Fuel is the least expensive element of that hobby. A simple 50 hour oil change is nearly $100 -- if you do it yourself -- and closer to $200 if you pay a mechanic. |
#28
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Then rmgjsps (which is pronounced "rumga jaspus") concluded by quoting the opening line of "The Rising of the Moon": Quote:
To which I reply: "Hush a bhuachaill, hush and listen and his cheeks were all aglow. "I bear orders from the captain, get you ready quick and soon, "For the pikes must be together at the rising of the moon." "At the rising of the moon, at the RISING of the moon! "For the pikes must be together at the rising of the moon!!!" Sláinte mhaith. And for those of you who despise Irish music: Póg mo thóin.... ¥¥¥ Wade Hampton "There Beside That Singing River..." Miller Last edited by Wade Hampton; 12-06-2017 at 05:58 PM. |
#29
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Earl49, I have a fair number of good quality guitars and I don't stint on maintenance nor string changes.
I don't care for coated strings in fact I tried a set again a while ago, but they don't last any longer than uncoated for me. I use Ej17s on four dreads, a jumbo, two archtops and and a Weissenborn, and I change them, plus other types for other instruments. I don't begrudge changing strings, in fact I enjoy it, but I am simply asking if prices have hiked by 50% in two years elsewhere. I'm aware of the currency exchange rate changes but this seems radical. For info I've checked prices in Germany and they have hike similarly there too.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#30
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WOW that's a lot. I saw a buck or two going up but not near this pries that you pay Andy.
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SCGC Custom OM Mars spruce/cocobolo |