History of Guitar Strings (With Ernie Ball)

We all know guitar string extraordinaire Ernie Ball. In this week's episode, Josh sits down with his grandson Brian Ball to find out just how guitar strings are made. Because (to quote fellow string-maker Rudolf Smuntz) "a world without string is chaos."
Ernie Ball: www.ernieball.com/
www.thejhsshow.com/
www.jhspedals.info/
www.patreon.com/thejhsshow
JHS Fresh Clips: kzbin.info/door/TN1OwPMtjgH3hQAxvF-l2Q
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:27 The History of Guitar Strings
1:36 Ernie Ball Origin Story
5:36 Ernie Ball Aesthetic
7:04 String Making Process
11:42 String Tech
15:53 Quality Control
16:50 Ernie Ball Straps
18:10 The Ball Family Legacy
20:18 Thanks For Watching!
#jhs #thejhsshow #ernieball

[@mykhedelic6471]

Dude's grandpa would be proud of him-- spoke well and informed about the brand and really sold the products.

[@Terribleguitarist89]

Most definitely

[@davedavem]

🥲

[@RobCurley]

Absolutely.

[@timoel]

And he looks like his grandpa too 2:05

[@pCeLobster]

As far as kids taking over their dad's business the Ball brothers seem about as admirable as they come. I'm sure they're largely behind the growth of EBMM's guitar sales and the redesign of the Stingray bass. There's no doubt the company is in good hands and we can look forward to a lot of cool new ideas from them.

[@Wesquire]

Lee Anderton too

[@jts3339]

I kept wishing my grandpa founded a company like Behringer that I could be running now. Josh could interview ME, and I could tell him about the clones of JHS pedals that I was planning to release for $20 in time for Christmas.

[@tscardinal]

As heartwarming as it was, this is just a sponsored ad for Ernie Ball strings

[@jereatsdrywall]

Okay I’m convinced, I’ll buy some Ernie Ball strings. Now just plug this video in 6 months when I have the motivation to change my strings.

[@berkeleybernie]

Ha! Fun to hear this story. Sterling Ball was a student at my high school at the same time I was there (early 70s). He used to play lunchtime concerts with his band. I was a guitarist but not yet into electric so I didn't make the connection to Ernie Ball until I was in college. Definitely see the family resemblance in Brian.

[@AjDaPigeon]

nicest ernie ball ad i've ever seen. shit is the wendy's of guitar strings

[@Hyce777]

"a world without string is chaos." Josh, I already loved you and this channel, but this just made my year... One of my favorite guilty pleasure movies. "It's a LaRue!"

[@luisornelas2318]

I think we all get drawn to the Ernie's because of the package, not knowing that much about strings but just knowing that those were the right ones.

[@FunkAndFluff]

Every pack of Ernie Ball strings I've ever used gave me issues with breaking and tuning stability, yet even I have to admit this weaves a wonderful story.

[@DHyattPHD]

I went through several 2 year old packs that were rusted when opened, some really bad as in corroded. They kept lying to me about wanting to make it right and then blocked me from social media so I could not continue to post my photos of their corroded strings. Sad part is that I've been using EB strings ever since my first guitar back in 1968, still love my Cobalts just cannot depend upon buying them in bulk anymore. Been debating as to whether or not I want to call Brian out on his bullshit here. Think I'll send copies to Josh...

[@FunkAndFluff]

@@DHyattPHDErnie Ball REALLY shouldn't treat you that way... You might want to try out some D'Addario NYXL's if you haven't already. From my experience, they have a kind of similar mid-pushed sound with a healthy amount of clarity/presence. I've used some bulk NYXL's old enough to be on the fossil record without any corrosion, breaking or other related issues.

[@stratcat4450]

@@DHyattPHD sorry to hear your story. I used E B strings for decades but always had issues with them breaking prematurely. As strat an tele player I tried the Fender original 150s which they put on thier guitars in the factory a lot. I like them better, they stay bright longer and never seem to break. I buy in bulk less than yearly and they have never rusted in the pack from longterm sitting, my d addero acoustic strings do!

[@naught0]

Oh my god he is the spitting image of his grandpa -- another great episode y'all cheers

[@JC-11111]

Look at Dickey Betts' son, Duane. Talk about a carbon copy! It's almost shocking how much Duane looks almost exactly like Dickey at that age.

[@TheFlutecart]

I use Ernie Ball strings. On all my guitars. For years now. "Not Even Slinky" on my acoustic, "Primo" or "Regular Slinky" on my normal tuned guitars and "Heavy Tops Light Bottoms" on my DADGAD Strat. I've tried others- but now it's just the "Ball". Less breaks, great tone, consistency. Made in USA.

[@stevesnider6817]

Very interesting that USA- made Ernie Ball strings are the least expensive! Great story.

[@mcfontaine]

Yet again, I have say well done Josh. I love the way you interview people, you give them so much space.

[@DadRockProject]

Excellent video. I'm more proud to say I'm an Ernie Ball string user for many many years now.

[@musicman9901]

It's great to see people with passion, who love what they do. It goes a long way when the manufacturer of the gear I choose to use sees their contribution as more than just making money and growing a company but understands the impact of their products.

[@kirkgill7814]

Ernie Ball strings have always been good. You'd think you'd outgrow them or something, but you never do. I've bought other brands now and again, but Ernie's are something I come back to, especially on electric guitar.

[@mikegro5337]

So that was the best ad I've ever watched,I want to send it to my friends and be like "yeah, I didn't even know this and I've told you there is something great about these slinky strings" that was a pleasure to see the passion he has for something we all look at as this disposable item but yet have an attraction to one brand or another for whatever dumb reason.

[@zombiemosher1139]

Love Ernie Ball strings, I've been using them since the second packet of strings I ever bought. First 8s then 10s & Skinny Top, Heavy Bottoms since they came out & doubt I'll ever change.

[@derrickbullock4540]

This is amazing Josh! Thank you! You have really opened my eyes! I’m such a nerd when it comes to anything guitar, and with you going out of your way to point people’s attention in the direction of other companies make you look so down to earth & humble. You’re a fan first & a pedal maker second. I love that there’s no competition. With you it’s all about fun & enjoying the guitar & all of the devices that make it loud & unique. This is really a brotherhood to you & I love that! You’ve really got something special going on man! And I’m loving every minute of it! Thank you JHS!

[@austinknowlton1783]

Been buying EBs' for over 30 years. Some of the best money I've ever spent.

[@musicsurfandrats]

the only brand I've stayed loyal to since I started playing guitar in '94. I feel joy when I buy myself those strings, I remember vividly doing it when I first started, my grandpa would give me money for it on saturdays and I'd restring my guitar and inspect all the artists listed in the packaging. To me this is a tradition of my own. I don't even think they are necessarily the best, but they are the ones I like.

[@bellsclubsbarsandbows76]

Absolutely love Ernie Ball strings!!!

[@shorerocks]

Brian looks like a reincarnation of his grandpa. And this cool, friendly vibe.

[@georgemueh3273]

I love my slinky 42-9 In the beginning I jumped around between fender bullets, Dean Markley, and Earnie Balls... For the last 20 years it has been EB all the way. 🤘

[@Roger-qh2zp]

I've been playing Ernie Ball Super Slinkys and Slinkys for over 40 yrs. The best strings in the world.

[@ribbonsofeuphoria5744]

Not a note played but I really enjoyed this. Pink EB’s were my first strong and I stayed loyal up until the arrival of Elixirs. I love the family feel and it is time to come back home to EBs. Great video.

[@Yupppi]

Thanks again JHS for a marvelous historical interview like this. I learned so much about string manufacturing and that Ernie Ball has actually applied so many other industries's technologies. I knew Ernie Ball was a string I enjoyed that could trust, but I didn't know their philosophies that align well with mine. Knowing these things I wouldn't mind if they cost a bit more, but they're just as affordable as any other. I also think that it's important what he says about family business, that he's proud of it and they are the heartbeat. Family businesses tend to be proud of what they're doing, honored to be able to do what they do and hold it high to themselves to make quality. Unlike stock market businesses that have the leaders change on a whim, basing the decisions on stock owners's profits, while family businesses are stuck to their decisions, the leaders carry on with their decisions on their shoulders and respond to their employees and families about it. They simply can't afford to make short-vision decisions, they have to play the long game. And that leads to making good stuff with good heart.

[@tedblumstein6772]

Every new pack of regular slinkies I have purchased over the last 3 years has came with free RUST on the solid core strings. I switched brands because of this.

[@alexmoll8372]

Thanks Josh - another superb interview. Great interview Brian - you're definitely carrying on the legacy and I'm sure your family is very proud of you.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great episode Josh! Brings back memories, I'd break a string back in the 70's and go down to the drug store and buy 1 Black diamond to replace it! As time moved on I went from Black diamonds to GHS boomers, Fender bullets, then Ernie Ball's, played D'Adario's for awhile but keep going back to Ernie Ball super slinky's, that's all I use today!

[@aaronhuisinga2531]

I've tried lots of different strings over the years. Some I've really liked, some I've really disliked. I've used certain string brands for years, but I always comeback to Ernie Balls. They're consistent. You know exactly what you are getting and what they are going to feel like. For what you get, the price can't be beat either. I hope this company stays family owned and serves musicians for generations to come!

[@davedavem]

The more videos i see about Ernie Ball (the company, including Musicman) and the Ball family, the more I want to support them. They're great people, and family businesses are where it's at for me.

[@jbvap]

Ernie ball has such incredible packaging, I only buy slinky’s because it’s so nostalgic from seeing them as a kid. That and they’re adorable.

[@pablorivera529]

Love this! Thanks for another amazing video, JHS team!

[@chilidogcowboy]

I’m excited to see this. I wanted to know how we moved from cat whiskers to these incredibly strong and long yet sublime tools.

[@TheRealcdawg22]

It was guts not whiskers, I think. They took out the intestines, stretched them, and let them dry in the sun. This is all from memory. Correct me if I am wrong. Cheers.

[@paultorbert6929]

@@TheRealcdawg22 he is talking about the cartoon Tom and Jerry.... Jerry the mouse had an uncle that was a Western Swing Guitarist.... whenever he broke a string, he would yank out a cat whisker from Tom’s face and tune up and continue playing his song.....

[@TheRealcdawg22]

@@paultorbert6929 Oh, ok. I did not get that reference at all. Thanks for the explanation.

[@plexidust5101]

Outstanding content. Hats off to the team and the Ernie Ball Legacy !

[@vlastimilelias]

Díky!

[@NoNameNo.5]

Don’t change nothin, best strings. American Icon

[@_RLP]

Beautiful piece, Josh. Thanks for sharing this. Been using ernies (standard range) since day one and never thought of changing brands (of range). This video only strengthens my conviction. Kudos to both companies.

[@bldallas]

Great interview! Very informative. I bought my first pack of Super Slinkies when I was around 13 years old (1975), and I still use their 9s and 10s on my electric guitars. Great quality, bendability (if that’s a word), and virtually never break. Thanks for this behind the scenes look at a great company; much like JHS….

[@Deved89]

family businesses are the heart of everything. support them so they stay around

[@nubfishin9152]

You can tell Brian has passion for his family's company. Thanks for this great vid JHS!

[@simon_patterson]

Such an interesting interview! Thanks to you both, and to team JHS for putting it together.

[@richclayton5785]

Proudly support family businesses across the country including Ernie Ball

[@brutalbasspro]

I’ve played Ernie Ball slinky 5 string sets and straps since 1993! Got them because they were the only 5 string set I could get and the straps were the longest I could find when I wanted to be a low slung guitar playing gangster!

[@RobCurley]

Fantastic ambassador for his family's brand and so eloquent in explaining what makes what his family's products unique, and how those things interesting elements came to be. Really great video. Also, Josh is a great interviewer who typically gets in and out quickly, while making sure the conversation goes forward in a way that helps us gain a better understanding. And, of course, there is some really well-done editing. These JHS videos just keep getting better and better on so many levels. I've always used Ernie Ball strings, and this video just reiterated my commitment.

[@pcbullets8726]

I was very thankful the day I got my first set of Super Slinkies. I've tried other sets over the years and always came back to Ernie Ball strings. I gig out about 70 - 80 times a year and they hold up well. I go through about 50 sets a year. Great video!

[@Fallub]

Josh is such an incredible interviewer. Great job.

[@adambrown9849]

Very rad piece, and I am very glad they chose JHS to give some insight into the Ernie Ball company. Good job!

[@JJ-nq3ll]

Wow... Great rich family history video, and must appreciate the work and effort to deliver a great product to us all for what we love a great sound guitar. QC is so important, myself been in the manufacturing for 27 yrs. I know what it takes, and so is true with every JHS Pedal. Truly enjoyed.

[@gingthedigger5046]

Josh this video just made me aware of why I've only ever tried a different company of strings twice in 13 years of guitar playing great video thanks

[@bobrg1459]

Thanks. A great story and detail about EBs. Ball's are Best! (Nice seeing you back Josh!)

[@DVRMNaitor]

I wish all infomercials were this good.

[@don7789]

Ironically, this video dropped the same day the new strings for my bass got here. Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt 50-105's. So now I will go and change my strings but not because you told me to! lol

[@mefirstandthegimmiegimmies5160]

Been rocking EB strings for decades and will continue for decades more! Great video

[@FAIRWEATHER_MUSIC]

I could watch this a hundred more times... and I probably will. Amazing history lesson here!

[@bryanpoff15]

Been playing Ernie Ball strings for 15 years! Love them!

[@markhammer643]

I got my very first set of light gauge strings from none other than Ted Nugent in the summer of 1970. I was working for a short-lived music tabloid and was sent to interview Ted the day after a music festival in town, where the Amboy Dukes had played a set (unfortunately shortened because Grand Funk went on longer than scheduled). We talked for a bit in his hotel room, and Ted let me try his blonde Byrdland. I was astounded at how easy it was to bend strings on it. When I asked Ted how it was possible, he said it was light gauge strings (the topic of the Byrdland's much shorter scale never came up). Since the only strings I had ever bought were the ones sold at the local department store (either La Bella or Black Diamond, but medium gauge at best, in any event), the very existence of lighter gauges was unknown to me. Ted said "Here. let me make you up a set". He grabbed an attaché case he had, flipped it open, and inside was every single guitar-related gauge of Ernie Ball string, from the very lightest unwound (.008) to the heaviest wound (something in the .060s), all in order from left to right, like the record rack in a store, with little cardboard separators sticking up. He poked around, selecting gauges for me that he felt would result in a "balanced" tension, and made me two sets. We may not agree on a lot of things, but Ted was generous and enthusiastic in the presence of another guitar player. I had to search all around town for others when those two sets wore out, but I stuck with those gauges.

[@ShaneOBrien]

That was great. Ernie Balls have been my go to for as long as I can remember. Decades actually...

[@pyratoothNL]

Great documentary, thanks Josh! I think one of the advantages of family businesses is having a heart and integrity for the business. I switched to EB about 30 years ago after I found my Floyd equipped instrument couldn't handle the brand I was using at the time. They've always been reliable and consistent for me.

[@jguse2378]

Thank you Josh, well done. I have been using Ernie Ball strings for 30+ years I use a custom set - 10, 14, 18w, 26w, 36w, 48w Never had a bad string

[@chrisbystrak7967]

I'm only gonna buy ernie ball strings from now on after watching this vid. I've used them quite alot over the last 35 years. I've tried only a few other brands in all those years, but knowing it's still a family run buisness for now a 3rd generation and seeing this current family members passion, well he,s got my loyalty.

[@luckylicks3497]

Thanks for doing this episode!

[@dfuzzybuzzy]

This was so great. Thank you for the wonderful education!

[@joshmiller2446]

My first job was at Dean markley in Vicksburg Michigan just south of Kalamazoo. I ran a Vinci machine much like the lathe for larger gauge wrapped electric and acoustic strings. Round wound=crappy day/ Hex wound=good day. This was from 2003-2005 and the strings were still wound by hand. Bonus...all the free strings I wanted☺️

[@pierheadjump]

⚓️ Thanks JHS 😎 pretty much a marketing story… barely touched on guitar strings… chemistry/metallurgy > pickups work on the signal generated by the magnets and the magnetic material > iron < Fe > in the strings, the quantity & quality of iron directly affects the pickups output. The ‘Cobalt’ may have higher iron content… but the interview never got it. ? So where does the player get the question answered ? ? How much iron is in my guitar string ? 😎 Thanks, this interview is a good start 🎸

[@leroy0053]

truly enjoyed this episode. absolutely love ernie ball on acoustic. gonna get some fresh packs for electric now. been a d'addario guy since 2008 as far as electrics.

[@markgatland977]

Having worked in London guitar shops since my early '20s, (and still doing so now), I must've sold, restrung and setup thousands upon thousands of sets of EBs..great episode 👍

[@scottreynolds6317]

Great episode!!!!

[@PendelSteven]

To be honest, I already saw a visit to the D'addario factory before, but this interview with a great competitor was... Great.

[@anthonymichael3029]

Been using Cobalts since their inception way back in the later 00’s. I’ve tried other brands but always go back to Ernie Ball. Kudos for a cool episode!

[@mattildahubbardo]

love your videos thanks.

[@gregbottomley9016]

Fantastic Interview. Such a great insight into guitar stings and how they are manufactured. I never knew it was a family owned business. Thought it would have been brought out years ago by a major corporation. Can’t wait to put a fresh set of Ernie ball stings on my guitars.

[@DtB171]

Awesome video mate ty

[@jelopezandthegrips]

Great vid, loved this look at the story behind the name!

[@_oc6725]

Huge Ernie Ball fan! My preferred choice for the last 10 years. I play regularly and change my electric strings every month. Acoustic every 3 months. Always Ernie Ball Paradigm strings for my guitars! Great video!

[@CarlosBarrosoM]

That was truly amazing

[@maoosborne2150]

This was awesome. Great info. Thanks!

[@Gattygoon]

I never thought about a sealed package of guitar strings having an expiration date.

[@silverbulletlj5648]

I took about a 10 year break from playing but had bought a few packs before setting it aside. When I picked it back up and put the strings on, while they were still usable, some of the plain strings had small rust spots.

[@midnightwind8067]

This was an enjoyable video. Thanks guys

[@ekw555]

thanks for this, Josh.

[@pimpacciaturpe]

This is awesome!

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Great history, and great interview. Well done, Josh! I find the technology and process of string-making fascinating. I've used Ernie Ball strings throughout the years, on acoustics, electrics, and basses. Good, solid product. I've tried a lot of different strings over the years. Currently I'm using Stringjoys. Also, no idea how many of the EB guitar straps I've burned through...

[@artartpal]

Perfect video to watch while I sip some coffee, y'all have a good weekend

[@cigarettesmokingman9471]

Wow Josh!!! You're from Russellville! My family is from there and I went there all my life. I started going by that little music store on main street mid 90s when I started playing guitar. What a trip to think about all that. Ill always remember 80s and 90s Russellville AL. Great video too.

[@thseed7]

Another awesome historical exploration of a music icon

[@TheRealcdawg22]

Very inspiring. I'm gonna go play now.

[@christopherlucas3057]

Superb interview!

[@andybungert]

VERY COOL! I've learned a lot. Have a great weekend everyone!

[@robertschererx]

The Ernie Ball straps are my favorite ones. They are so simple, reliable and just work. But most important - like said in the video - the adjustable range is awesome 👏 I like the strings too btw 👍🏼

[@JC-11111]

Damn you, Josh! Now I have even more reason to love EB! 🎸👍

[@floridapunkarchivist]

Greetings from Florida. I love being old enough to have purchased original packaging strings

[@Russell_Optics]

Excellent video. I've been using Ernie Ball strings since the 70's. They are superb strings at a fair price, plus, I know what set to get just by the color of the packaging. The newer foil envelopes definitely allow them to stay fresh a lot longer. I also have a Music Man Cutlass & Valentine which are awesome guitars.

[@ngutierrezpuenteP]

Great show!!!

[@rustyl.6358]

Excellent episode. Some of my guitars have Ernie Ball strings. Some of my guitars have Ernie Ball straps. Cool tech. American made. Family business. Love to support them. And episodes like this are one of the reasons I'm a JHS Patron.

[@jeffreyjones3228]

Ernie's Hybrid Slinky, my favorite for Gibson Les Paul

[@joeriffanucci]

epic shirt! This was fantastic guys. Thanks so much

[@ScottMcdonaldMusic]

I always come back to Ernie Ball, even if I didn’t win the case from trivia time I’d still be playing them.

[@joebiondo6898]

Great episode, Josh. You are a really good interviewer!

[@Longshot421]

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, as this channel always enlightens me, but....here I am, surprised to learn cool things about Ernie Ball strings, and the Ball family, and now I'm on the Ernie Ball website, looking at all their different string options. Brian Ball, nice work.