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Thread: Ball-end String problem?

  1. #1

    Post Ball-end String problem?

    Hello from Denmark 🇩🇰
    I inherited my grandmother's old Hofner 545 mandolin. I have fond memories of her playing it 💓
    The old strings had a loop end, and sat around the tailpiece (before it was cleaned and got a new bridge)
    I would fit new strings with Ball end (D'Addario EJ70). But on the E and A string, the winding slips at the ball end.
    Did I do something wrong? or is there something wrong with the strings? And what can I possibly do to prevent it from happening again?
    They have, at no time, been over the tune.
    Best regards, Mogens
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Ball-end String problem?

    The ball ends aren't supposed to be strung on a bar like beads, as in the last 2 photos.
    With ball ends, the strings are threaded though narrow holes in the bridge, and the ball ends anchor the strings in place at that end, as in the second photo.

    example:

    https://www.themandolintuner.com/wp-...in-406x295.jpg

  3. #3

    Default Re: Ball-end String problem?

    The strings were mounted as You linked to.
    The rod was only used to pull the strings back from the tail piece, so that the string end could be seen.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Ball-end String problem?

    If they were fitted correctly, it shouldn’t happen. You could, of course, have bought fake d’addario strings. If you still have the packet, you can check if they’re legit. on the d’addario website. They don’t exactly look like the d’addario balls that I’m used to.
    Last edited by Ray(T); Jan-16-2023 at 1:15pm.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Ball-end String problem?

    Thank you for your reply.
    The strings are original, I have registered them on the DŽaddario Players Circle.
    Ray You are absolutely right that they don't look like the original balls.
    I removed the varnish from the E, A, D strings (Green/Black/Red) So that they looked like the ball on the G strings.

    Right now can't I see other than, that I removed the paint. Or that there was some kind of defect with the string (none of the things can I really see should be it)
    But good to have confirmation that it is the right way, that I have mounted them.
    Next time I won't remove the paint from them.
    I just didn't think it suited the old mandolin, with heavy green/red/black color
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  6. #6
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    Default Re: Ball-end String problem?

    That would explain what they look like! I’ve been using d’addario strings since they started producing them circa. 1974. I’ve never had a problem but others on the cafe have occasionally reported similar problems from time to time; you may wimply be one of the unlucky ones. Their problems have been sorted by contacting d’addario. If you can be bothered (for the sake of a couple of E strings) this might be your solution.

  7. #7
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Question Re: Ball-end String problem?

    Pease made a loop winder came with a plastic bag full of balls /...
    you can use the other end of a loop string ,
    or just hold the ball in the loop (glued) as the tension is increased.


    or consider running the string around that cross bar & back thru its own loop



    Last edited by mandroid; Jan-16-2023 at 6:54pm.
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    Lurkist dhergert's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ball-end String problem?

    D'Addario has a history (ca. ~2016) of also having this problem with their loop end E and A strings slipping. This kind of slipping shouldn't happen with either their ball end or their loop end strings. It could be an older bad production run or some other problem, but either way it should be reported back to D'Addario because the retail source may not have the newest strings.

    Some people re-tie their strings, others solder the winding areas. Personally I prefer to deal directly with D'Addario so they know what is being sold and can work to correct the situation.
    -- Don

    "Music: A minor auditory irritation occasionally characterized as pleasant."
    "It is a lot more fun to make music than it is to argue about it."


    2002 Gibson F-9
    2016 MK LFSTB
    1975 Suzuki taterbug (plus many other noisemakers)
    [About how I tune my mandolins]
    [Our recent arrival]

  9. #9

    Default Re: Ball-end String problem?

    Thank you for your help.
    I think more and more that there has been a problem with the strings. they slipped so unrealistically
    I ended up winding them tight around again. And it seems to have kept tuning overnight
    But I definitely want to make such a winding tool. But just make it so that I can put a ball on it.
    Thanks again for your feedback
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  10. #10
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Question Re: Ball-end String problem?

    John Pearse string wizard .. is already made https://www.elderly.com/products/joh...-string-wizard /

    writing about music
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  12. #11

    Default Re: Ball-end String problem?

    Now I have made my own string wizard, Maybe not so pretty. but it works ��
    With it I can tighten the purchased strings so that I don't have the same problem with a sliding ball end again. and make new balls than strings.
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  13. #12
    Lurkist dhergert's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ball-end String problem?

    Nice tools.

    Not meaning to be contentious, but why can't the maker of these strings have and use such a tool?

    It seems essentially un-profitable for the purchaser of the strings to have to do so. Again, this is the reason to contact the maker of these strings directly about the problem so they can find a solution.
    -- Don

    "Music: A minor auditory irritation occasionally characterized as pleasant."
    "It is a lot more fun to make music than it is to argue about it."


    2002 Gibson F-9
    2016 MK LFSTB
    1975 Suzuki taterbug (plus many other noisemakers)
    [About how I tune my mandolins]
    [Our recent arrival]

  14. #13

    Default Re: Ball-end String problem?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mogens View Post
    Now I have made my own string wizard, Maybe not so pretty. but it works ��
    With it I can tighten the purchased strings so that I don't have the same problem with a sliding ball end again. and make new balls than strings.
    Click image for larger version. 

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    As someone who often gets to make gizmos, I give your design and execution very high grades; even the way you’ve done the right angle bends.
    About Don’s comment, I can’t imagine that string makers use anything other than a semi-automatic fixture, but adjustment of the tension applied could be off temporarily since doing a frequent pull test wouldn’t be generally necessary. The few times i’ve made loops (using bulk wire to make plain strings), I’ve used a hammer to mash the winding a little for better contact. Can’t tell you if this is worthwhile. I do know that ordinary rosin-core electrical solder doesn’t tin these materials but might still be useful.

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