New strings just on - instant frustration!

3rd Uncle · #1 10-28-2011, 11:44 AM

Just stuck on a new set of EB Hybrid Slinky 45-65-85-105 and there's a manufacturing error on the 65!

Around the 9th fret the the string changes thickness from 65 to approx. 45! I've tried various methods to get a decent picture to show you but my point and shoot camera isn't really capturing it.

Had these strings sitting for about 6 weeks having bought them in England where it's cheaper than here in Spain.

Really can't be bothered taking these off to stick the old ones back on.

Rage!

Going to email the shop where I bought them from and chance my arm that they'll send me another packet. They can only say no.

mmbongo · #2 10-28-2011, 11:51 AM

Wow, can't say I've ever seen anything like that. Nutty.

I'll stick with DR Strings

jgroh · #3 10-28-2011, 11:55 AM

Contact EB customer service. They will probably send you a new set free.

Emibass · #4 10-28-2011, 12:01 PM

Where in Spain are you from? Yo soy de Madrid. Never liked EB slinkies,

3rd Uncle · #5 10-28-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgroh

Contact EB customer service. They will probably send you a new set free.

You think? I'm already past the return period of the shop. I'll try their customer service. It's a really bizarre fault. When you look at the string sitting in the nut it's like there's a D string where the A string should be!

You can see the fault just above the fret here

and the A and D strings looking like identical twins here.

I'll put the bar code number in the email. It might be a bad batch although I've never had problems before with dozens, if not hundreds, of packs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emibass

Where in Spain are you from? Yo soy de Madrid. Never liked EB slinkies,

I'm in Barcelona pero soy de escocia. I'm not to keen on the Hybrid slinkies - I prefer regular - but they've always worked fine for me.

SurferJoe46 · #6 10-28-2011, 09:11 PM

Ernie strikes again. But this is a new problem as I see it. EBs generally have all sorts of 'issues' and I stay far away from them.

nashman · #7 10-28-2011, 09:36 PM

I use the hybrid slinkys on my ray. I have installed many a set - never an issue. You just got a bum string.

mmbongo · #8 10-28-2011, 09:52 PM

How does that make it past QC?

magic papa · #9 10-28-2011, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nashman

I use the hybrid slinkys on my ray. I have installed many a set - never an issue. You just got a bum string.

+1. I went easily through tens (if not hundreds) of packs and never had a single issue.

It's a really freaky accident, very exceptional and you were really, really unlucky. Don't lose you faith in the Slinkys based solely on that experience. They are great strings and the quality is usually fantastic.

Just get a replacement. If EB customer service is any good they shouldn't even ask for the bad strings back, just send you new ones.

jgroh · #10 10-28-2011, 10:24 PM

I had a problem with a pair of Slinkys a while ago and I contacted them directly and they sent me a new set quickly. Cant hurt to try.

3rd Uncle · #11 10-29-2011, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nashman

I use the hybrid slinkys on my ray. I have installed many a set - never an issue. You just got a bum string.

Quote:

Originally Posted by magic papa

+1. I went easily through tens (if not hundreds) of packs and never had a single issue.

Yeah, I've had plenty myself. Guitar strings too. No problems at all.

The Hybrid Slinky thing was a bit of an experiment. The D and G are a bit weedy for me. Going to stick with regulars in future.

capnjim · #12 10-31-2011, 08:12 AM

It looks to me like you may have gotten a short scale string in the pack.

bassgod0dmw · #13 10-31-2011, 08:58 AM

That is really weird! I can't say I've even seen anything like that...

I'd email EB directly as well. They've got great CS and will more than likely make it right no matter when you purchased the strings.

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnjim

It looks to me like you may have gotten a short scale string in the pack.

Like a super short scale? That's at the 9th fret. With enough string left over to make it all the way up to the tuner.

Internet Police · #14 10-31-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

How does that make it past QC?

I was on my smoke break behind the dumpster. I apologize.

stflbn · #15 10-31-2011, 09:14 AM

Contact EB customer service and they'll take care of it. Or, you can complain and try to deal with a vendor who will end up telling you to 'contact ernie ball'.

mmbongo · #16 10-31-2011, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Internet Police

I was on my smoke break behind the dumpster. I apologize.

Well that's where most EB strings end up anyway

invalidprotocol · #17 10-31-2011, 11:23 AM

how many EB employees does it take to wind a string?

3rd Uncle · #18 11-03-2011, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by invalidprotocol

how many EB employees does it take to wind a string?

More than it takes to answer an email?

The international customer service guy hasn't even responded to me.

Limeman · #19 11-03-2011, 12:54 AM

I've used EB Slinkies for over 20+ years with rarely a bad string that I can remember. They don't last very long for me, but I love the tone and feel over just about anything else - cheap or expensive. Other bass players roll their eyes at me when they ask what string I play, but that is always AFTER they've already complimented me on my tone. Go figure!

3rd Uncle · #20 11-03-2011, 07:32 AM

I got a reply today from the Spanish rep who had my email pàssed to him by the international customer service dept.

As soon as they saw the images they offered to send a new set (I only wanted the A string).

As mentioned, no matter what your opinion on the strings (purely a question of taste IMO), in my experience there have been no QC issues with EB strings and the one time I get a bad string they immediately offer to replace the set.

You really can't ask for more than that.