D'Addario QC or Counterfeit?

[gerryjazzman]

D'Addario XL's have been my go to strings for a long time. I've been using ELX220-5 on my 5-strings and 6-strings (with a single high C-string). A few months a go I bought a half dozen sets from Amazon. I've used a few of those sets so far and I noticed a weird kink about 3 inches or so from the ball end of the B and E strings. I didn't think much of it and put them on. I just put a set on my Ibanez SR 5-string last night and noticed a bit of a warble on the E and B strings. I'm always VERY careful how I install the strings to avoid any kinking of my own or twisting them. I can't help but wondering if this is a result of some poor QC on D'Addario's part or if they could be conterfeits (I'm getting more and more wary of stuff on Amazon). I think I'm just going to make it a point to stick with authorized string dealers or direct from the manufacturer's website from now on.

Here's a picture of the E and B on the bass with the strings loosened. You can still see the kinks:

Here's a picture from a new set out of the pack:

Am I being too critical or is something going on here? I've never seen this before.

 

[HaphAsSard]

D'Addario XL's have been my go to strings for a long time. I've been using ELX220-5 on my 5-strings and 6-strings (with a single high C-string). A few months a go I bought a half dozen sets from Amazon. I've used a few of those sets so far and I noticed a weird kink about 3 inches or so from the ball end of the B and E strings. I didn't think much of it and put them on. I just put a set on my Ibanez SR 5-string last night and noticed a bit of a warble on the E and B strings. I'm always VERY careful how I install the strings to avoid any kinking of my own or twisting them. I can't help but wondering if this is a result of some poor QC on D'Addario's part or if they could be conterfeits (I'm getting more and more wary of stuff on Amazon). I think I'm just going to make it a point to stick with authorized string dealers or direct from the manufacturer's website from now on.

Here's a picture of the E and B on the bass with the strings loosened. You can still see the kinks:

View attachment 7216892



Here's a picture from a new set out of the pack:

View attachment 7216894

Am I being too critical or is something going on here? I've never seen this before.

Used strings passed off as new, from the looks of it. They must have been installed through the body; then straightened as well as possible.

Was the plastic bag sealed? Any evidence of it having been, well, re-sealed?

 

[ardgedee]

More likely to be somebody's returns rather than counterfeit. Since it's only the B and E strings with problems I'm betting somebody tried forcing them through a bridge hole too small for the windings at the ball end.

 

[michael_t]

I think I'm just going to make it a point to stick with authorized string dealers or direct from the manufacturer's website from now on...

I always order my strings from reputable online dealers, such as Strings By Mail and Fret Nation.

I recently ordered a set of GHS Round Core Boomers from Amazon Canada, but ended up having to return it when I found two of the same gauges for A and E. Ordered a second set as a replacement. Guess what, the same thing! They looked legit enough on the outer packaging, but there was something fishy about the paper sleeves inside.

 

[gerryjazzman]

Used strings passed off as new, from the looks of it. They must have been installed through the body; then straightened as well as possible.

Was the plastic bag sealed? Any evidence of it having been, well, re-sealed?

Hmm. Maybe. No evidence that I can tell that it was resealed. All the packaging inside and out looked pristine to me which is why I was wondering if they could be counterfeits. Two packages now (can't remember if the first one I opened was like this) have the same type of kink in the same spot which makes me believe this happened during a sloppy packaging process. I could see possibly doing this myself if I took some strings and started to wrap them around my hand, kinking them as I pulled them over my fingers. I'd hate to think that D'Addario is slipping on their QC.

 

[TheArchitect]

I really don't trust Amazon. Half the stuff never passes through them to even see if its legit.

 

[gerryjazzman]

I really don't trust Amazon. Half the stuff never passes through them to even see if its legit.

Yes, I've been distrusting them more and more. The whole Amazon Marketplace thing makes it too easy for disreputable sellers and you can't always know who you are actually buying from.

 

[salmon256]

It is very possible some return the strings and Amazon sotrage just re-stores them without checking. A common scam people do is buy some nice strings like let's say TI Flats for example then put something cheap strings back in the TI flats packaging and make a return with Amazon.

I use to love Amazon string buying but I push myself to buy them local or buy from places @michael_t shared, they are way better. I had a similar experience as well from Amazon with strings.

 

[covermego]

It is very possible some return the strings and Amazon sotrage just re-stores them without checking. A common scam people do is buy some nice strings like let's say TI Flats for example then put something cheap strings back in the TI flats packaging and make a return with Amazon.

This^^^ My friend bought a set of Tonerider Strat pickups from Amazon. He gave them to me to swap out. I started looking at the wire colors and they didn't match with the instructions. I emailed Tonerider and asked if they'd not updated the instructions with the new wire colors. I sent pics and they said the pickups in the box were NOT Toneriders. I started doing a bit of research with Amazon returns and discovered a sticker on the side of this box, which signifies they had been returned. Sheesh, Amazon....... OTOH, with all the returns they get, how would they know? I agree with others; it's a lot better to buy from one of the reputable string sellers.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I can’t imagine anyone going to the trouble of counterfeiting strings

 

[Deleted member 394512]

You can check the authenticity of the strings on D'Addario's site. I used to buy from Amazon and the strings always checked out. I stopped buying from Amazon due to order mistakes, from the seller, and damage in shipping. Dented strings etc.

I buy direct from the manufacture these days if possible.

 

[fauxtoe]

I guess I'm the only one who is going to chime in that it could be a QC problem. I've had emails with DA in regards to the B strings being kinked in exactly that spot because they were wound too tight in the packaging. However, with it being both the B and E I would be suspicious as well that they may have been a return.

 

[salmon256]

This^^^ My friend bought a set of Tonerider Strat pickups from Amazon. He gave them to me to swap out. I started looking at the wire colors and they didn't match with the instructions. I emailed Tonerider and asked if they'd not updated the instructions with the new wire colors. I sent pics and they said the pickups in the box were NOT Toneriders. I started doing a bit of research with Amazon returns and discovered a sticker on the side of this box, which signifies they had been returned. Sheesh, Amazon....... OTOH, with all the returns they get, how would they know? I agree with others; it's a lot better to buy from one of the reputable string sellers.

I found out about this scam through Stringjoy. They sent out an email and made a post on Insta that someone did it to them through Amazon and they shared they do not go through prime for this exact reason. They shared the email they wrote the person saying they can tell it wasn't their strings. I respect the heck out of them after that and it only pushed me to support them more. It may not be two day shipping but it gets here quick.

 

[Chrisk-K]

All the packaging inside and out looked pristine to me which is why I was wondering if they could be counterfeits.

There are far more financially attractive things to counterfeit than bass strings.

 

[salmon256]

There are far more financially attractive things to counterfeit than bass strings.

Agree to an extent but counterfeit strings do exist. Just go on eBay, you will see three packs for like 10 dollars. None of those are real. You will see counterfeit TI flats. I hate to say but strings that cost up in the 30 to 50 range, someone will counterfeit it and pretend to be some warehouse shop or music store.





Ernie Ball are the most counterfeit strings I notice on eBay. If someone is willing to fake guitar strings which are way cheaper than bass strings especially Ernie's which are already pretty cheap on guitar IMO... c'mon... I hate to say there's always someone who's gonna figure out how to scam money.

 

[pineweasel]

I’ve had exactly this a couple of times with D’Addario EXLs and just assumed it was bad luck. They have always responded positively by sending me replacements.

 

[fauxtoe]

I’ve had exactly this a couple of times with D’Addario EXLs and just assumed it was bad luck. They have always responded positively by sending me replacements.

Yep! Happened to me many times with the B string. If you compare how they coil their strings in the package vs someone like Ernie Ball you can see just how it happens. The EB's practically want to spring out of their package and the DA's are coiled tight.

 

[Ol Sparky]

Wait, I really want to see some counterfeit Ti's. It's such a small niche market can't believe it would be profitable for someone to counterfeit.

 

[Relsom]

I've had fairly good luck buying returned DRs on Amazon sold at a discount. I've only had 1 case where the strings had obvious signs of having been installed on an instrument. They went straight back for a refund.

I came across this Ebay ad for cheap Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkys sold out of China. Many red flags here, but at least they come with a complimentary refrigerator magnet.

Ernie Ball 2833 Hybrid Slinky BASS NICKEL WOUND Strings Gauge 45-105 | eBay

 

[salmon256]

I've had fairly good luck buying returned DRs on Amazon sold at a discount. I've only had 1 case where the strings had obvious signs of having been installed on an instrument. They went straight back for a refund.

I came across this Ebay ad for cheap Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkys sold out of China. Many red flags here, but at least they come with a complimentary refrigerator magnet.

Ernie Ball 2833 Hybrid Slinky BASS NICKEL WOUND Strings Gauge 45-105 | eBay

12 pack for 12...

Look at this one 12 bass strings pack for only 12 bucks from China... seems legit!