Official Luthiers Forum!

So folks, what did you all do with all the strings you bought from the OLF group buy??

I knew what I was going to do to make sure they stay "fresh" for a very long time.

I bought one of those food vacuum sealers (needed it for fish too) and went to town.

So I thought I show what I did this evening for the past 2 hours.

A friend of mine came over and helped me out. He coiled the sets, while I made the bags and sealed them all.

Two per pack, you can just fold one onto the other and put it in the case.

Anyway, here you go.

72 sets +/- waiting to be packaged



The food saver at work



a gaggle of strings (flock, herd, school?)



Anyway, now the strings are all sealed and should last a long long time. We used those disposable gloves while handling the strings.

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Thats a great idea! the bags are probably more expensive than the strings!

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Actually Peter it wasn't bad really. I got the whole thing at Costco cause we want to use it come fishing season or buying other foods in bulk.

I used 1-1/2 rolls and the rolls cost about $2.50 each, so it was really a good deal.

But I get the humor (thick as I am)

_________________
My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

I might try taht too Rod, once I get the strings! they haven't yet arrived!

Hey, how much was that vacuum sealer? I am in Richmond right now and may make a quick trip to costco!

Thanks

Shane

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Canada

So this machine creates a vacuum inside the bags, then seals them? I haven't gotten around to it yet, but I was planning on just getting a box of zip-lock bags to put each set in. That would obviously not be vacuum sealing, so I'm not sure if it would accomplish anything in the way of corrosion prevention. Perhaps they will be safe if I just store them like they arrived and I always keep them in the shop in 45-50% humidity? I guess each time I handle the bundle there will be finger marks on the strings, at least the zip-lock bags would avoid that.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

I store stings in PVC pipe with caps on the ends. Never thought about wearing gloves when I handled them, but it wouldn't hurt.

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Say what you do, Do what you say.

Hesh doesn't change strings until the old ones are corroded enough to cut aluminum!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Nice system Rod! They should stay pristine until ready to use.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

[QUOTE=Shane Neifer] I might try that too Rod, once I get the strings! they haven't yet arrived!

Hey, how much was that vacuum sealer? I am in Richmond right now and may make a quick trip to costco!

Thanks

Shane[/QUOTE]

Hi Shane, the food saver wasn't cheap unfortunately, I think about $250. But like costco this unit may not be there anymore, I couldn't find it online but I did find this one for $79.99 which should also work just fine. The difference may be in the size of bag that will work with it.

_________________
My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

That looks really good Rod. I just put mine in zip-locks too but I like your idea very much.I'm going to have to get me one of those machines. thanks

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

As long as we're talking BORGS (Big Ol' Retail Giants) check out Amazon.com. Found lots of them much cheaper.

Paul is correct. You can find these cheaper on many of the online sites like amazon or check out ebay, I'm sure you could find it cheaper there.

This was one of those impulsive buys by my wife, she knew I wanted one so she got it

_________________
My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Check out your local second hand stores. I've seen a dozen of these rigs (some with a full roll of bag material inside) for $5.00 or less!

Great Idea. I have mine in 6 long PVC tubes

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

You might want to try Target for it.  I got one last Nov. for hunting season and paid $59.99 for it regular price, not on sale.  It came with two rolls of bags.  It is the Rival Seal-a-meal.  That was definately the best price I could find anywhere for a vacuum sealer.