Andy P
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,982
My main instrument is: Taylor 312ce, Guild D25, Deering 5 string banjo
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"8e2be1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 060607
Mini-Profile Text Color: 0b0b0c
|
Post by Andy P on Aug 25, 2017 11:53:44 GMT
Hello soundboarders, have the devil are you? I ordered three sets of Masterclass from stringsdirect.co.uk. I tend to choose things from pictures rather than wasting precious time reading any accompanying descriptions. There was the picture I recognise, clicked on it and completed the order. The strings have arrived today and thanks to my phenomenal powers of observation, I notice the words "BLUE GRASS" on the label. Further examination reveal that these strings are not .012-.054 (like the unused set I already have) but .012-.056, via .016, .026, .036 and .046. Now I know I should have been more cautious but I feel slightly misled here, especially considering that as you will observe from the link, the standard .012-.054 (which i like as I play no bluegrass whatsoever) are not illustrated. And here's the really weird thing: these blue grass strings are not featured on Newtone's own website and their standard Masterclass set are described on the picture as 012.-052!! What on earth is going on here? (I guess I need to address that question to Mr Newtone) My dilemma: shall I send them back or try them?
|
|
|
Post by earwighoney on Aug 25, 2017 12:05:16 GMT
My dilemma: shall I send them back or try them? Yes.
|
|
Andy P
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,982
My main instrument is: Taylor 312ce, Guild D25, Deering 5 string banjo
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"8e2be1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 060607
Mini-Profile Text Color: 0b0b0c
|
Post by Andy P on Aug 25, 2017 13:24:40 GMT
My dilemma: shall I send them back or try them? Yes. Of course. Why didn't I think of that?!
|
|
Andy P
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,982
My main instrument is: Taylor 312ce, Guild D25, Deering 5 string banjo
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"8e2be1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 060607
Mini-Profile Text Color: 0b0b0c
|
Post by Andy P on Aug 25, 2017 13:36:30 GMT
Update:
I've figured out the Newtone website string options now.
Just ignore me.
|
|
|
Post by andyhowell on Aug 25, 2017 16:05:50 GMT
That site is confusing - I always double check orders!
|
|
ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 34,077
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"c0cfe1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 182a3f
Mini-Profile Text Color: 733a1c
|
Post by ocarolan on Aug 25, 2017 16:32:59 GMT
Ring Strings Direct - they are usu v helpful. I get my Newtones from www.fretsounds.co.uk/ - website easy to do, usually slightly cheaper and excellent service too. Head honcho Steve is a great player and seems to be a v nice bloke. Keith
|
|
brianr2
C.O.G.
Posts: 3,067
My main instrument is: Brook Lyn guitar
|
Post by brianr2 on Aug 26, 2017 13:06:22 GMT
I also use Fretsounds, following a previous recommendation from his Keefship. They don't seem to run out of Newtones as often as Stringsdirect and are usually at least as good on price and service.
Brian
|
|
Martin
Administrator
Posts: 11,890
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"http://mandocello.org/lytebox/images/adirondack.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0a530b
Mini-Profile Text Color: 4f3517
|
Post by Martin on Aug 26, 2017 13:55:08 GMT
Fretsounds for me too. Newtones have gone up in price on there recently, but it's still my place if choice for most of my stringy needs.
|
|
|
Post by littlemart on Aug 26, 2017 16:39:21 GMT
Just a heads up for those who don't already know - you can order custom sets from the Newtone website. You can choose between round/hexagonal core and phos. bronze/80-20's and various other options. This means I can order a set that is ideal for me - gauges that suit DADGAD and with round cores, rather than hexagonal cores that you get with D'Addario's. However, the downside is that you have to wait about 2 weeks for them to make them and send them out. Personally, I don't mind the wait, especially as I'm helping support a local home-grown business (their workshop is only about 10 mins down the road!!).
|
|
|
Post by Mike Floorstand on Aug 26, 2017 18:42:55 GMT
Usually get my Newtones from Eagle Music, no idea if they are cheaper than the others mentioned so far, but the service is always good. They will let you specify custom gauges too. It's on my to do list to visit their shop one day too, they often have some interesting mandolins.
Back on topic, the slightly fatter .056 E string is specifically for the purpose of killing banjos, which is a bit of a bluegrass obsession. It will still work for other styles of music.
|
|
Andy P
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,982
My main instrument is: Taylor 312ce, Guild D25, Deering 5 string banjo
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"8e2be1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 060607
Mini-Profile Text Color: 0b0b0c
|
Post by Andy P on Aug 26, 2017 23:12:50 GMT
Thanks for your contributions.
Strings direct are happy to refund on these so I'll send them back. It doesn't help that the Bluegrass set bear exactly the same label, apart from the word Bluegrass! I think it would also avoid confusion if they clearly stated what is in stock and what isn't.
I ordered direct from Newtone yesterday (once I'd figured the products section of the website out) and they arrived today so no complaints there. £9.60 per set (80/20s).
|
|