From Ernie Ball to D'addario

buckalori · #1 10-07-2011, 06:16 AM

I recently made the switch from Ernie Ball to D'addario (got a ridiculously good deal theough my management company, so i couldnt really say no!). I changed my strings before a show while on tour and about half way through our 30 minute set the strings became increasingly sticky and extremely hard to play. I play some very fast parts and it did hinder my speed and ability.

HAs anyone else come across this problem? If so is there any way to stop this from happening? It became fine after about 2 more shows, but frustrating none the less.

Cheers guys!

Rockman · #2 10-07-2011, 06:35 AM

Yeah don't change your strings right before a show

basswave · #3 10-07-2011, 06:48 AM

I use XLs %99 and have used the Ernie Balls (mostly when they have come on my new basses) and have not noticed and issue. (A lot of what I do is on the progressive side as well).

What D'Addarios did you use?

scotch · #4 10-07-2011, 07:05 AM

I've never had this problem - that's weird. Possibly something got on your hands during performance?

Of course, there's always the possibility that something went wrong in manufacture/packaging,... but I'd bet something environmental on-site happened.

mdogs · #5 10-07-2011, 07:32 AM

Never had this problem, of course I would never think about using either EB or D'addario strings...

pudgychef · #6 10-07-2011, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdogs

Never had this problem, of course I would never think about using either EB or D'addario strings...

Oreomeister365 · #7 10-07-2011, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdogs

Never had this problem, of course I would never think about using either EB or D'addario strings...

Most helpful post in the world.

IPA · #8 10-07-2011, 08:55 AM

I've been using d'addario for a while now, never before has this happened.

pasta4lnch · #9 10-07-2011, 09:04 AM

I've been using daddario strings on my guitars for 2 decades and never experienced any issues. I wouldn't change strings before a show unless I knew how they react . . . I've come across issues (on bass, oddly never guitar) w/ moisture and my fingers "sticking" some strings seems to be more prone. probably a scientific explanation w/ metal make-ups . . .

SLaPiNFuNK · #10 10-07-2011, 10:17 AM

Was the gig out side? Maybe it was just humidity building up or something?

Possibly keep a cloth near by to wipe down between songs?

It could be your own sweat and stuff that is gunking up and turning sticky...

FWIW - I used to change my strings before every show... They were Stainless Steel though.

Only time I experienced this was with out door gigs *unrelated to string change,* Especially happens on my Upright when out doors... I keep some Almond Oil handy put a little tiny drop on my finger tips rub into my hands and then run up and down the strings and back of the neck... no more sticky icky

mdogs · #11 10-07-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oreomeister365

Most helpful post in the world.

Should be, friends don't let friends use crap strings...

Oreomeister365 · #12 10-07-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdogs

Should be, friends don't let friends use crap strings...

jjk2007 · #13 10-07-2011, 01:27 PM

Never had that issue in my 15 years of playing them.

RBX4 · #14 10-07-2011, 07:20 PM

Stick with Ernie balls, that's the reading you got them so cheap..

**jmattbassplaya** · #15 10-07-2011, 07:24 PM

D'addarios have always felts a little rougher than EB's, but never sticky. Something funny happened.

JET-1977 · #16 10-07-2011, 07:40 PM

I actually have had this experience. I can only speak for my personal situation, but maybe this will help.

For me this is a combination of two things. First I have naturally very sweaty hands. This sucks for string life, but does allow me to play faster (like my hands are well lubricated). If I put new strings on before a show it can go fine if I have my usual sweaty hands...but if the stage is cold, or there is a fan pointing on me so my hands are not sweaty...the new strings will be extremely sticky relative to what I am used to.

I have found that this is for some reason more pronounced with D'addario strings.

FuzzyPanda · #17 10-07-2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdogs

Should be, friends don't let friends use crap strings...

Oh man, I'm glad I came across this post. Please tell me, what strings should I use then? I must not understand what a good tone is, I need someone to tell me exactly what I should buy. You obviously have a wealth of knowledge.

somegeezer · #18 10-07-2011, 08:13 PM

I use both EB and D'Addario, but flatwound vs rounds. =P But Against some other rounds I've used, I'd definitely say the D'Ads were fairly sticky. No idea why. But compared to my EB flats, all rounds have that feel for me. They really blister up my fingers when I go back to them. >.<

Crabby · #19 10-08-2011, 11:09 AM

Is there any chance your your strings are not real D'addarios? They are known to be the victims of counterfeiting on a huge scale. There are factories in China pumping out fake strings and they are found all over the world. Maybe you got such a great deal on them because they are not legit.

RBX4 · #20 10-08-2011, 11:35 AM

You gotta put back slinkys back, man!!!