KaminTheWeaver
Well-known member
Does anyone know how or why this happens to certain strings? This is a brand new set. I’ve tried pulling on them before and it only tears the string in two.
String splitting
- Thread starter KaminTheWeaver
- Start date
It does kind of look like yarn from a sweater sleeve. If the OP is sure this is plastic shedding from the strings, then the strings are probably defective. This happens from time to time. You can try asking the retailer or the manufacturer for a refund.
merlin666
Well-known member
I think this fairly common with fluorocarbon strings and normal wear. That's why many sets come at double length so you can easily replace.
They said the strings are brand new. I could believe "normal wear" if the strings were way past Aldrine's recommendation of replacing your strings every 2 months.
Recent thread with the same problem
forum.ukuleleunderground.com
Martin Premium Tenor Strings
Yesterday I strung up my Kamaka HF-3 with Romero Low G and Martin Premiums. I’m surprised at how much I like them. I didn’t think I would. First of all, I’m impressed with the balance they give to the Low G. Coming from playing guitar for over 50 years, I like the texture of these strings and...
forum.ukuleleunderground.com
Voran
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2 months??!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!!?
...
I've used the same sets on mine for two years.
Try installing new strings. Report back to us on how much better your ukulele sounds with new strings.
Voran
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No thanks. Not wasting perfectly good strings.
It would help to know which brand, and set, you are experiencing this with.
I had this happen once with a set of Martin fluorocarbons that I bought from a local store. I showed the ukulele to the store clerk and he said it happens from time to time and gave me a new set of strings. Pretty obvious that the problem is a defective string when the damage occurs all along a newly installed string instead of just one point where there is a sharp edge on your instrument.
A friend of mine had the same problem happen with some Seaguar Blue fishing line that her pro luthier had installed after doing some work on her ukulele. She took it back and he said that he was having the same problem with with the the Seaguar Blue that he had installed on some custom instruments that he had built and he switched all his new instruments to Seaguar Red to fix the problem. He switched hers to Seaguar Red as well and that fixed the problem.
As far as I know, all fluorocarbon ukulele strings are repurposed from fishing line factories and the factory quality control doesn't test for musical instrument use.
KaminTheWeaver
Well-known member
I wanted to avoid trashing a brand, but after the feedback and link to the separate thread, the strings in the a picture are Martin M620s. I wanted to try them to see the difference between them and Worth Clears. I like the sound, but this is the second set I’ve seen with the fraying issue. It’s a shame!
Martin is one of the biggest brands of ukulele and guitar strings, so some number of problem reports on the Internet is not unusual. Unless this is happening repeatedly to strings that you are personally buying, I wouldn't worry about it.
JJFN
Well-known member
I had the same problem with the Martin's Concert fluorocarbon string. I also noticed that the problems shown above are all on the E string as was mine. Hmmm
KaminTheWeaver
Well-known member
Interestingly enough, I replaced the Martins that were in the uke when I bought it with another set of Martins. Now with both sets, the E string frays immediately. It’s a shame because I love the sound and feel!
Oldscruggsfan
Well-known member
I had this happen with the A in a set of Martin M600 & viewed never to buy an other set.
Thanks to the kindness of a UUF friend, I’ve changed my opinion. I currently have a set of Martin graphites that have lasted at least 9 months with zero problems & I love the tone.
Thanks to the kindness of a UUF friend, I’ve changed my opinion. I currently have a set of Martin graphites that have lasted at least 9 months with zero problems & I love the tone.
casualmusic
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Hi Kamin
Surface fraying is cosmetic and is such a tiny percentage that it doesn’t affect tone and longevity.
It happens when the string maker uses dual density fluorocarbon fishing leader that has a soft outer layer and a hard core. (Single density is also available from fluorocarbon factories)
The softer outer layer is designed for tighter fishing knots and to protect the harder core from seabed abrasion.
SeaGuar Blue Label is a market favourite:
seaguar.com
Cheers
Surface fraying is cosmetic and is such a tiny percentage that it doesn’t affect tone and longevity.
It happens when the string maker uses dual density fluorocarbon fishing leader that has a soft outer layer and a hard core. (Single density is also available from fluorocarbon factories)
The softer outer layer is designed for tighter fishing knots and to protect the harder core from seabed abrasion.
SeaGuar Blue Label is a market favourite:
Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader l Freshwater & Saltwater l Seaguar
Blue Label Leaders have a refractive index much lower than monofilament with superior abrasion resistance and knot strength. Find your ideal size today.
seaguar.com
Cheers
JJFN
Well-known member
Why does this problem seemingly only occur on the E string?Hi Kamin
Surface fraying is cosmetic and is such a tiny percentage that it doesn’t affect tone and longevity.
It happens when the string maker uses dual density fluorocarbon fishing leader that has a soft outer layer and a hard core. (Single density is also available from fluorocarbon factories)
The softer outer layer is designed for tighter fishing knots and to protect the harder core from seabed abrasion.
SeaGuar Blue Label is a market favourite:
Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader l Freshwater & Saltwater l Seaguar
Blue Label Leaders have a refractive index much lower than monofilament with superior abrasion resistance and knot strength. Find your ideal size today.
Cheers
