A String Source?

Subject: A String Source?
From: Deckman
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 09:31 AM

Has anyone had any good luck in finding a reliable source of guitar strings on-line? I recently retired (set down my hammer and picked up my guitar) and now I'm playing many more hours a month. I play a vintage Martin Classical guitar that enjoys devouring strings in a week. I usually use D'addario or La Bella strings. I'd appreciate any comments you might offer. Thanks, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Mooh
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 10:02 AM

juststrings.com used to be a good source for me. Specialty guages for the baritone, 5 string bass, tenor banjo and the like. They do carry D'Addario classicals, though I get my hard tension Pro Arte Composites locally.

I've also bought strings through 12fret.com and some better shops (Elderly?) may do likewise at savings for bulk purchases.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: 12-stringer
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 10:12 AM

FQMS.com is where I buy mine. Prices are good and so is the service, at least in my experience. Banjos are their specialty but they sell everything for pickers of most denominations.

I've tried several other on-line dealers but FQMS gives me the best service and prices. Darco mediums for my 12-string cost about $3/set there, which is hard to beat.

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 10:15 AM

I just finished dealing with juststrings.com. I will give them another opportunity for my business, because I was slightly less than satisfied and need to know if this was typicial or just happened this time. I decided, for price considerations, to go with bulk strings in specific sizes, for my bouzouki. My initial order arrived within 3 days and I was very pleased at how quickly they responded. When I opened the package, I found that the .034 phosphor bronze and the .012 Plain Steels were backordered. It took almost two weeks for those to get here. I guess it is good policy to ship what they have, and they did not charge me for the BO'ed strings, nor for shipping on them. I guess what I am saying is overall they delivered good service, price was good, but I will be watching to see if the Back Order thing is a constant. I wouldn't be interested if that was the case.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Deckman
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 10:21 AM

thankyouthankyouthankyou! This is excatly the kind of information I was hoping for. My two local sources of strings are both less than adequate ... and that's an understatement. Bob

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 10:35 AM

Here's a few links. I have used JMS a good bit with no problem so I was sorry to see Mick had one. I also will throw this thread into the Strings and Things Group which will show you previous possibly related threads at the top.


Just Strings

Big City Strings

Elderly Instruments

Bite My Strings

Spaw

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 10:43 AM

Highly Strung
Is run by a mate of mine , and is NOT the cheapest place , but carries a good stock , and gives excellent service .

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Amos
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:12 AM

I've ordered from JustStrings,com three times. Each time the service, timeliness and product were completely satisfactory.


A

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:13 AM

Forget it, after browzing the website of Bite My Strings, posted by Spaw above, I will never shop anywhere else again. That is the finest stock I have ever seen anywhere......hands down.

Mick

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:16 AM

Thanks Mick! That's pretty much the way I see it myself.

Spaw

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Amos
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:19 AM

As KEndall useter say,

Ayyyyy-YEHH!!

A

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:25 AM

I need a shower........ Spaw........ pass the soap.

Mick

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:28 AM

Hey....If you think I'm bending over in here right now to pick it up, you're nuts...........Just keep the cold water running for awhile Mick............

Spaw

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:35 AM

Amos......what the hell are you doing to that Loofa sponge, lad......

that is one sick puppy,....... let me see that picture again, Spaw........ Amos......don't bogart the sponge, lad, pass it over to me....... I will use the other side........

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Deckman
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:36 AM

YEE GAWDS AND LITTLE FISHES ... this was about strings! me

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:38 AM

Yep, Bob......and it still is........ strings of consciousness......LOL.

Happens that way sometimes on the old Cat.

Mick......***chuckling***

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: GUEST,Acorn4
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:53 AM

Try:-

www.stringsdirect.co.uk

I've always found them very reliable - do "triple packs" and normally arrive by return of post.

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Amos
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 11:55 AM

If you loofa me
An' I loofa you
An' we loofa jus' de same
I gonna say
This very day
You gonna get arrested....


A

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: mandotim
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 05:16 PM

I use these guys; good price, fast and friendly. strings and beyond
Tim

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Deckman
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 05:20 PM

Thank you Tim.

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 05:36 PM

Comparing 4 string sets on all the US sites so far, there isn't a lot in it but the best overall pricing is from "Big City" linked in my post above. I did not compare shipping costs.....sorry.

Spaw

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Deckman
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 08:32 PM

Thanks a lot fellows ... I think I've got all the information I need. Now you can all go back to bed, or get back in the shower ... whatever pleases you! CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: GUEST,Jeff
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 09:15 PM

Don't know if they are still active, but there was a company based in Orford, NH called the Euphonon Co. I bought strings from them for at least 10 years when I was actively performing. They were the manufacturer for Guild, Ernie Ball, Martin, etc. They would to send then to me in bulk. UPS-Ground. I'd buy a dozen sets @ about 1.50 per. I'd get 2 dozen D(0.35)and G(0.26) extra as I broke those quite often. I found the manufacturer for Fender picks, too and would get 2-3 gross at a time, but I can't remember the name of the company.

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: GUEST,The Barden of England sans cookie
Date: 24 Feb 08 - 04:24 AM

I use these :- http://www.webstrings.com/acoustic_guitar_strings_index.html

I buy 12 sets at a time, and at the price can afford to change them every week. I've never been less than happy with the strings nor the service, and what's more I live in the UK. They've done me fine in the last 4 years.
John Barden

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Nick
Date: 24 Feb 08 - 05:41 AM

>>I buy 12 sets at a time, and at the price can afford to change them every week. I've never been less than happy with the strings nor the service, and what's more I live in the UK. They've done me fine in the last 4 years.
John Barden

By my calculation and conversions etc that's about £24 for 12 sets delivered - is that about right?
How long do they take to arrive?

Subject: RE: A String Source?
From: Nick
Date: 24 Feb 08 - 05:50 AM

I have been using Stringbusters in the UK for some time but pay about £3.?? a set. Delivery is usually following day and they have been very good but - jings! - saving a poond a set appeals to the Scottish half of me.

Are the quality of the strings good? I have tended to buy Martin Phosphor Bronze mediums which looking again are about £3.60 a set. Are the Webstrings comparable (not sure I'd notice though anyway!)?