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Thread: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

  1. #1

    Default Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    Mine are supposed to arrive today. The Thomastik site says 4-5 windings around the post and not to bend them too much or you break the core. What's your preferred method?

    On my usual strings, I do the locking thing with just a couple wraps shown on the Frets site. Looks like that's a bad idea on Thomastiks.
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
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  2. #2
    mandonucs John Uhrig's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    I have been using TI mediums on my Eastman for about 6 years now,
    Have always strung them up just like any other string with no problems
    1919 Gibson A3
    1920 Gibson A2
    1937 Gibson K1 Mandocello
    2015 Eastman Bowlback

  3. #3
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    I also just put them on. I use the locking loop on them all. That said, that fabric wrap does offer a great lock on its own.

    Can't wait to hear your review and youtube in action! I'm just really stuck on Starks for my Cohen.

    f-d
    ˇpapá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

    '20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A

  4. #4
    Lost my boots in transit terzinator's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    What John said.

    I go the length of two posts past the post for the wound (two inches, give or take), three past the post for unwound (three inches). First wrap over, the rest under. Cut after it's up to tension.

  5. #5
    Registered User jclover's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    I just put a set of mittels on my Red Valley, treated them like any other set of strings. Worked fine in my case. Really like the strings, they increased tone and playability to another level.
    -Jim

  6. #6

    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    Thanks, guys. I love the wealth of knowledge on this site!
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
    Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@hillbillychambermusic

  7. #7

    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    yup
    a few wraps on each post, and seat the loops carefully

    wind downward , so the break angle increases as the capstan takes up the wire

    it is important to be mindful, as these have broken once for me, likely due to my own impatience and carelessness in re-stringing.

    the last thing you want to do is NOT have enough wrap, ie 2-4 around imho, especially on the plains-the wrapped ones need less, as there is more friction against the post. The locking technique may also be great, with a couple of wraps as well. heres the deal with the lock: flat wounds tapes can break -it is less forgiving and flexible than round wounds. and sharp break might cause a break in the wrap, but I think this isn't an issue with a lock and then several wraps.


    I recall decades ago using heavy flats on my old fender jag, and how with time the saddle barrels would break down the flat metal tape and the core would be exposed and then breakage soon thereafter.(not tomastiks but likely fenders or some domestic make )

    problem is replacement singles are very pricey, and, short of the plain strings, no others will come close
    I even think that the plain strings are unique , but ernie balls will do in a pinch.

    do let us know your thoughts once you have them on and have played a few days.

  8. #8
    Registered User mandobassman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    I was going to say the same as John above. Used Thomastik Heavies for the better part of 13 years and wound them just like any other string. The silk winding makes a very stable hold on the peg and never found a need for the locking method.
    Larry Hunsberger

    2013 J Bovier A5 Special w/ToneGard
    D'Addario FW-74 flatwound strings
    1909 Weymann&Sons bowlback
    1919 Weymann&Sons mandolute
    Ibanez PF5
    1993 Oriente HO-20 hybrid double bass
    3/4 guitar converted to octave mandolin

  9. #9

    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    OK, got them installed. No big deal, just seemed like it with the cost of the strings. Thanks again for your assistance!
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
    Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@hillbillychambermusic

  10. #10
    Lost my boots in transit terzinator's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    Congrats!

    Let us know how you get on with them.

    I tried them once, and I liked 'em fine in a solo setting, or with another guitar for some jazzy stuff. Nice tone fo' sho'...

    But in jams, they just didn't have the volume and cut I wanted.

  11. #11

    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    They went on a Phoenix Neoclassical...gonna slap a Schertler on it and play a gig with the Billyhawks Saturday. You barely touch the string and you have the note.
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
    Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@hillbillychambermusic

  12. #12
    Registered User mandobassman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    That's what that mandolin is built for. Amazing volume with Thomastik strings. Enjoy!

  13. #13
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    I think they should make instruction manuals for those strings.

  14. #14

    Default Re: Any trick to installing Thomastik strings?

    Quote Originally Posted by s11141827 View Post
    I think they should make instruction manuals for those strings.
    I use them on all of my mandolin family instruments and have for decades. I string them like any other strings: 3-4 wraps and no weird locking, just an "S" bend where it goes through the peg.

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