Question How long does a set of Ernie Ball Strings last in it's packaging?

[petrucciyourgod]

I just picked up 2 packs of Cobalt Power Slinkies from my local guitar store for about $25. I got them because the distributer in Canada won't be getting another shipment of Cobalt Strings for another month or so and I wanted to make sure I got my hands on a pack or two while I could. I am currently borrowing a cheap guitar from a friend while I wait for my new Music Man JP6 Mystic Dream Fully Loaded (Very Excited! ) which I ordered about a Month and a half ago. I plan to put the Cobalts on my JP when it arrives (With the proper adjustments, of course. ). Anyways, I was wondering if the Strings will still be as fresh as if I bought them the day I put them on. Is there anything in particular I should do to preserve my stings?

 

[KevinM]

I hear they have a shelf life equal to twinkies.

well, not quite that long but there was a thread not too long ago that said because of the sealed packaging they could be stored for years.

 

[DrKev]

I like the "new" packaging and it'll keep your strings fresh pretty much forever. But even in the old packaging the strings are perfectly good if they're not stored in damp conditions. I've got some really old ones lying around in my 'spares kit' (zip lock bag) and they're still fine.

Anyway, here's some snippets from the original press release...

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (January 17, 2008) -New this year, Ernie Ball's modernized packaging methods ensure that your new string sets sound factory-fresh from the moment you open the package - and will retain their just-opened tone and appeal for even longer than before.

"This is the first time we've redesigned our packaging in over 45 years - and we've done ourselves proud," said Brian Ball of the Ernie Ball Company. "New technologies are allowing us to take string preservation to the next level, and what better place to start than with the packaging? This is yet another way for us to ensure that your strings play the same and last as long as if you snagged them right off the factory floor."

 

[TNT]

just wipe em' down after you play!!!