Etiquette Question - Bring Your Own Strings?

[JTNuney]

I’ve been meaning to have my #1 (and only!) restrung and set up at the (really great local) shop where I originally bought it. (I know I should learn to do my own setups, but let’s put that aside.)

The only *not* great thing about this shop, though, is their selection of flats. It’s going to be pretty much Chromes or bust (not that I have anything against Chromes, just had other strings in mind.)

So, the question: Is it considered poor form to buy your preferred strings elsewhere and ask a tech to install them? In my previous life as a bicycle mechanic, we *hated* it when people got parts online (usually cheaper than our price) and then asked us to install them, but I don’t know if that’s the same among guitar techs. I’m paying for the same labor either way (obviously), but they aren’t making squat on the strings.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I’ve been meaning to have my #1 (and only!) restrung and set up at the (really great local) shop where I originally bought it. (I know I should learn to do my own setups, but let’s put that aside.)

The only *not* great thing about this shop, though, is their selection of flats. It’s going to be pretty much Chromes or bust (not that I have anything against Chromes, just had other strings in mind.)

So, the question: Is it considered poor form to buy your preferred strings elsewhere and ask a tech to install them? In my previous life as a bicycle mechanic, we *hated* it when people got parts online (usually cheaper than our price) and then asked us to install them, but I don’t know if that’s the same among guitar techs. I’m paying for the same labor either way (obviously), but they aren’t making squat on the strings.

I wouldn’t think it would be a problem, but I’d ask first. One other thought, they may be able to special order you what you want.

 

[Ggaa]

Never hesitated bringing my own strings, never a problem. Not gonna for pay for strings I don't like.

 

[steve_ss]

I was also about to say ask them first if they can order what you want. I don't think it's poor form to pay for them to install your strings IF they can't get them for you. I agree with you that providing "parts" when the shop can supply them is poor form. I always thought if a customer provided parts the 'special' labor rate kicked in. wink wink

 

[UntitledProject]

You might even agree to an upcharge for bringing outside parts/materials.

Yes, the above mentioned "special labor charge".

 

[smogg]

I have always provided my own strings and it has never ever been a problem. IIRC PLEK requires the customer to provide their own strings. Also, I have never been asked to pay an upcharge for proving my own strings. It's always been a flat rate quote before strings are even mentioned.

 

[brianrost]

Is it considered poor form to buy your preferred strings elsewhere and ask a tech to install them?

No!!!! Unless they regularly stock your favorite strings.

When I used to take my bass guitars to music stores, they didn't stock the bass guitar strings I wanted anyway.

Today I take my instruments to luthiers working out of their house (one for bass guitars, one for my DBs) and they don’t have any strings to sell anyway Now that JustStrings is closing down, I get my BG strings from Sweetwater and I go to Gollihur for my DB strings.

 

[Roland GR 88]

It’s never bad form to provide the strings of your choice. It’s one less potential hassle for the shop and the customer and nobody I’ve ever dealt with would consider strings as parts.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

Maybe I'm lucky, but the guy I use for guitar/bass work is an individual who works from home. We have a good, honest relationship because he knows I bring him alot of work.
His business model revolves around his labor and the expertise he brings, not selling parts.
If I were having to use a large retail outfit (like say..GC) for those services, their business model includes selling parts, including strings. Consequently, they probably have a different outlook on people bringing in their own stuff.

 

[funkinbottom]

So, the question: Is it considered poor form to buy your preferred strings elsewhere and ask a tech to install them?

Not at all.

One other thought, they may be able to special order you what you want.

Yeah I'd give them that option first. If they can't, definitely supply your own choice of string.

 

[Ggaa]

Not at all.

Yeah I'd give them that option first. If they can't, definitely supply your own choice of string.

If you have an open time frame for ordered strings to get there.

 

[KohanMike]

I spend the day at my repair place, Eric's Guitar Shop in Sound City, Van Nuys, CA and they're totally open to installing strings the customer brings in, in fact, they always ask the customer if they brought new strings.

 

[buldog5151bass]

It's your bass, you should have the strings you want. They shouldn't have a problem. If they do, they shouldn't be handling your bass.

 

[Geri O]

In fact, the three different techs I've used over the years request that I provide the new strings I want put on the bass to set it up once repairs are done.

Happy to oblige....

 

[jimbilly]

If you were a bicycle mechanic of any competence, learn to do your own basic bass tech. -from a fellow cyclist and "competent" amateur mechanic/ former C1 racer.
Basses are WAY easier to work on (by a lot): there's effectively no moving parts, there's no grease or sealant, and very very few unique/proprietary tools. There's only a few tools for basic adjustment of basses/guitars, and most of those are already in your bike tool box.
I trust my basses to about as many techs as I trust my bikes with: one or two in each category, and I'm thinking of the time that pro bike mechanic threaded my chain through the der wrong during a cx race, granted he was in a rush as I was out on a lap on a borrowed pit bike, but still...

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

Perfectly fine and reasonable and expected (if you have a preference) to bring your own strings

 

[ga_edwards]

String choice is integral to the setup process. There little point in having it setup with other strings that have different gauge, tension and feel as you’ll just undo the work they have done when you eventually change the strings.

 

[Geddaric]

The way I`ve always seen it was that the strings are what I paid for in the price of the bass. Roundwounds usually don`t last long so I`d either "use them up" and then buy my preferred, or I`d change them right away but keep them for backups in case I break one at a gig. And BTW, there is a market for people who will buy used strings (at least there used to be).
Also, take the time to learn how to string your instrument. There is a certain satisfaction you`ll get from doing it yourself!

 

[kcducttaper]

Bikes and guitars are a lot different. With bikes, you get all kinds of compatibility, 'trim level', fitment, geometry, etc issues that most people just don't understand. For example, I'm not gonna be able to squeeze a Fox Float X shock in my Giant Anthem even though it's got a rear shock. The equivalent of asking a tech to install your preferred strings is basically just asking your bike mechanic to install your favorite set of tires. It doesn't change the 'geometry' or 'functionality' of the instrument - it's just tweaking the feel/sound that you prefer much like tires don't affect how the bike, as a whole, works; it just affects how it feels on the trail/road is all.

Ask them to see if they carry your fav strings and, if not, ask if you can bring in a set for them to install next time you get a setup. I don't see any decent tech being offended by the customer preferring a certain set of strings.

 

[TheArchitect]

You might even agree to an upcharge for bringing outside parts/materials.

Yes, the above mentioned "special labor charge".

There is no way in hell I am paying for tne privelege to provide materials for the job.