Did I accidentally get two E strings in my set?

elevator · #1 07-16-2009, 11:12 AM

I just bought a set of GHS flatwounds (long scale, medium gauge), and I really can't tell which string is the A string and which is the E string. I know the difference in width between the two is supposed to be a fraction of a millimeter, but even with rulers that measure such small widths I can't see the difference. The difference between the G string and the D string are supposed to be the same as the difference between A and E (0.512 mm), but it is much easier to tell the first two apart.

Should I just trust that the packaging is right and string them on my bass according to the widths indicated on each individual string envelope? Or should I make a fuss about it?

dmusic148 · #2 07-16-2009, 11:16 AM

It happens. DR just went through a similar episode. The difference should be fairly obvious.

Kevinmach · #3 07-16-2009, 08:57 PM

^^I think it should be fairly obvious too, enough to eye ball, IMO.
I would take it back to where you bought it and ask them to double check with an existing pack. If you got them online, I would suspect your local GC wouldn't have a problem grabbing a pack off the shelf and letting you check (if them have them- I don't have many complaints about the one near me, except they are woefully bad about keeping them in stock).

Last option- if you're feeling especially lazy, I suspect if you complained to GHS in a 5 minute phone call, they would probably just send you one in the mail. As been said, those have to be packed by people and people make mistakes- I am sure it's happened before.

no1likesme · #4 07-16-2009, 09:24 PM

I use GHS flats and it is really obvious which string is which.

Jim C · #5 07-16-2009, 09:38 PM

Compare them to the ones you took off; your fingers should be able to tell the difference when they are both between your fingertips (approx .020")

whoatherechunk · #6 07-17-2009, 12:58 AM

get a magnifying glass

lunarpollen · #7 07-17-2009, 01:15 AM

Just go to a guitar tech and have them measure the gauge of the strings with a micrometer. That's what I did when I wanted to get a new set of strings that were the identical gauge to the old set I had on a bass.

Chipsonfire · #8 07-17-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

Just go to a guitar tech and have them measure the gauge of the strings with a micrometer. That's what I did when I wanted to get a new set of strings that were the identical gauge to the old set I had on a bass.

Or find someone with a set of calipers. I've measured a set of old strings using that method, and a cheap set of digital calipers will only set you back about $15.