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Post by rodeoclown on Jun 12, 2006 21:49:51 GMT -7
I'm an old guy and either through experience, age induced cynicism, or just plain indifference I don't usually fall for hype; but I went hook, line, and sinker for Snake Oil Strings. Of course the name just grabbed me, and I read great reviews of these strings on this and other musician frequented websites. So I ordered 5 sets of these fairly expensive strings and eagerly awaited my string epiphany. While installing the first set the E 1st string broke at the tuning peg. I RARELY break strings, as I play with a very light touch; and I constantly examine my pegs, saddles, nut, etc. for burrs or any potential problems. I emailed Mr. Snake Oil about this and he questioned my string changing capabilities. I emailed him back that I've been changing strings pretty much the same way for 43 year with no problems.. He said his strings were guaranteed. I assumed he mean't he would replace the string, but he hasn't yet. I've since broken another E and a B string on 2 other guitars within a week of changing the strings and only playing them sitting in friont of the tube at home. I really can't remember the last time I broke a string at home or on stage, and I play out 3 to 5 nights a week. I have a CD entitled "Live and Never Learn", and now I guess I'll have to write a new verse to the title song. You know, I never did like snakes.
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Post by Bill on Jun 13, 2006 4:26:45 GMT -7
That's too bad they didn't work for you. I've used them off and on for 2 years with no problems. Sometimes I need a quick change and will run to the local store for Ernie Balls, but usually try to have the SO's around.
I can imagine starting right out of the box with breaking strings would be a huge disappointment for anyone, I know it would be for me.
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Post by real oldster on Jun 13, 2006 5:17:32 GMT -7
Some guarantee. Bad customer service really puts me off. Remember "The Customer is Always Right"?
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Post by propellr on Jun 13, 2006 5:22:58 GMT -7
Some guarantee. Bad customer service really puts me off. Remember "The Customer is Always Right"? That guarantee is outdated and has apparently been replaced by, "The customer is always a bafoon." No offense, rodeo!
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Post by guitarman1 on Jun 13, 2006 7:58:18 GMT -7
Thanks for the heads up Rodeoclown, as I've been thinking about trying some of those. I haven't had strings break on me like that since I bought a few sets of SIT strings years ago.
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Post by zimmer on Jun 13, 2006 11:29:55 GMT -7
Sorry to hear about the string breakage, but what did you think of the sound?
I admit to having SO's on two out of four guitars, and I like the original nickel version.
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Post by Paul (TRANE) on Jun 13, 2006 11:42:20 GMT -7
Sorry to hear of your bad experience. I have SOS Original Nickels (11 - 50) on my Les Paul. I love the sound and have not had a broken string yet. Also, as a note I have had the chance to talk to Dean at SOS and he has been great so far with regards to customer service. At least that has been my experience so far.
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Post by rodeoclown on Jun 13, 2006 16:38:21 GMT -7
hey trane,
I went with the original nickels 10 to 48. I've always been into supporting small independent guys, and I really wanted to make these strings work. After breaking 3 strings in the first 3 sets I've tried, I just feel I can't depend on them. And that is the working musician's kiss of death. And I swear I NEVER break strings. Did I get a bad batch? Did a disgruntled employee sabotage a bunch of strings? I have no idea. But I've never heard back from him, and I now I'll never again be able to use these strings again.
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Post by foxx on Jun 13, 2006 17:48:36 GMT -7
SOL on the SOS.
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Post by prowler on Jun 14, 2006 8:41:30 GMT -7
Nothing but good experience with my Snake Oils. The owner has exchanged a couple of packs for me without any issue.
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Post by Hohn on Jun 14, 2006 12:18:39 GMT -7
Fellas, if you want the "pure nickel" sound that SOS makes such point about, why not try some DR Pure Blues strings?
From what I understand, the wrap is, in fact, 100% nickel. The "high beam" strings use nickel-plated, and that's why they sound so different.
The "Pure Blues" strings are great sounding, long lasting, and I've never broken one-- and they are somewhat widely available and a HECK of a lot cheaper than the SOS..
JMO
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Post by billyguitar on Jun 14, 2006 13:22:44 GMT -7
Back when the DRs first came out I had two different sets that had loose wrapped wound strings, useless. I never tried them again. As far as breaking strings, mostly it's the plain strings and aren't they really all the same?
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SG123
Full Member
Posts: 221
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Post by SG123 on Jun 15, 2006 9:05:03 GMT -7
Another DR Pure Blues user here. Is it my imagination, or do they feel "softer"? Bends seem easier, etc. Yet they have a great twang and pop.
Aren't standard Fender 150s pure nickel wrap as well? Most advertised "nickel" strings ARE only nickel plated.
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Post by Hohn on Jun 18, 2006 20:56:11 GMT -7
Billy, give the DRs another shot. They had some growing pains and QC issues early on, but those are history from what I can tell.
I feel that the PBs are a little softer than other strings, probably because nickel has less mass than steel, so it takes less tension to produce a given frequency. Wound strings only, of course. Plains are plain, and the same from one stringmaker to another, imo.
I once tried the PBs in a 12ga set, and LOVED the tone, but the wound 3rd made lead all but impossible to me. Perfect for rhythm, though....
jh
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Post by dei305 on Jun 19, 2006 6:16:16 GMT -7
Hey guys, Give the Curt Mangans a try as well. Rick
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Post by Bill on Jun 19, 2006 6:48:17 GMT -7
I just put on a set of SOS 9.5-46's last night, no problems and they sound killer. I've read Dean's usually quick to replace a broken string...somehow you guys evidently didn't "connect" for some reason.
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Post by rodeoclown on Jun 19, 2006 20:12:09 GMT -7
He did finally send me an E string and I haven't broken any others since, but when these are dead and gone I'm going back to my good ol' dependable inexpensive d'Addario's
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Post by skydog958 on Jul 5, 2006 11:21:01 GMT -7
I've been using DR Tite-Fit 11-50s exclusively for a while. No string breaks, good tone, pretty flexible for bends too. I wish the bass strings had a *tad* more girth, but I found that my old set of GHS Boomers Thin/Thicks were too stiff on the bass strings (not to mention too thin on the trebles). The only exceptions to the DRs are the Ernie Ball Not Even Slinkys (12-56) that I use on my detuned guitar (the V). I like the feel, but they started to tarnish and oxidize after only 3 or 4 times playing them, which I find to be pathetic. My DRs last so long it's usually months before I need to restring them. They stay in tune purty well. I know I tend to keep my strings on too long (it's because I'm lazy ), but if they still feel and sound good, it doesn't matter. Does anybody know of a brand of 12-56s or similar gauges that they like (that don't oxidize quickly)? I also like a smaller (i.e. not jazz gauge) G string so I can bend it enough (.024 is probably my limit).
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Post by Hohn on Jul 6, 2006 15:22:36 GMT -7
Would or plain G?
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Post by skydog958 on Jul 6, 2006 21:00:24 GMT -7
plain G
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Post by G'OlPeachPhan on Jul 7, 2006 5:51:12 GMT -7
Sorry you had a bad experience with Dean at SOS. My experience with the both Dean and his product have been exceptional. SOS string user for 2 years now, and I string all my axes with the vintage sets in either 10's or 11's. It's possible to get a couple bad sets with any brand... that happened to me with DR's as well. Hasn't happened with SOS yet, but I can't imagine Dean not taking care of the problem.
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