Question EB strings authenticity

[jack8rkin]

Hey there!
Over the last couple of years I've been seeing many doubts on the Russian side about authenticity of EB strings.
Could you please shed some light on the authentic features to look for on the Element Pack?

Images below represent an example of 2 different designs. The "Old" one was bought about 2 months ago, and respectively "new" one more recently.



Here are the differences discovered:
1) Band names are in different fonts on the right.
2) New one: "Element Shield Packaging Factory Fresh All The Time"
Old one: "Element Shield Packaging means longest life Factory Fresh all the time"
3) On the new one there is no inscription: MANUFACTURED AT ERNIE BALL, INC. COACHELLA, CA.92236 U.S.A.

Is it just a change in the design of the pack? Or should we look for a fraud here?

Thank you!

Alexey

 

[TheStiffness]

Hey there!
Over the last couple of years I've been seeing many doubts on the Russian side about authenticity of EB strings.
Could you please shed some light on the authentic features to look for on the Element Pack?

Images below represent an example of 2 different designs. The "Old" one was bought about 2 months ago, and respectively "new" one more recently.

View attachment 27444 View attachment 27443

Here are the differences discovered:
1) Band names are in different fonts on the right.
2) New one: "Element Shield Packaging Factory Fresh All The Time"
Old one: "Element Shield Packaging means longest life Factory Fresh all the time"
3) On the new one there is no inscription: MANUFACTURED AT ERNIE BALL, INC. COACHELLA, CA.92236 U.S.A.

Is it just a change in the design of the pack? Or should we look for a fraud here?

Thank you!

Alexey

Hi Alexey,

Fear not! Both of those packages look like genuine Ernie Ball strings. The back of the package underwent a minor redesign, a while back. Our CURRENT packs have the following:

1.) Band Name Fonts were adjusted, slightly.
2.) Element Shield Packaging Factory Fresh All The Time
3.) MANUFACTURED AT ERNIE BALL, INC. COACHELLA, CA.92236 U.S.A.

So, it seems that both packages are genuine Ernie Ball strings! If you have any additional questions, email me: [email protected]

 

[jack8rkin]

Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply!

 

[strat]

Hello!
I have a similar question/complaint. I have been buying Ernie Ball standard 11 gauge guitar strings for a long time. I am sick and tired of the E string slipping off the ball- yes, i mean slipping of the ball, not the machine head. It has nearly cost me a few gigs, and i am done. I surely hope that Ernie Ball steps up its string quality. Ps Other string brands do not slip off of the ball ever.

 

[beej]

The thread was about packaging, so that's not really similar ...

Usually when you have issues like you're describing, it's a burr on the saddle causing the string to unravel. I'd have a close look at your bridge assembly. You could also to use the RPS strings that are reinforced at the ball end.