To make sure you’re getting authentic strings, it’s best to stick to high street stores or trusted online sellers. Photo: Shutterstock.
Counterfeit guitar strings are a growing problem in the industry, with untrustworthy sellers entering the market with cheap imitations that look the part but sound sub-par.
Counterfeit strings can snap easily, corrode faster, and leave your tone flat. They also often come in packaging so convincing that even seasoned players can be fooled.
To make sure you’re getting authentic strings, it’s best to stick to high street stores or trusted online sellers.
Spot the signs
There are a number of things you can check for to make sure the strings you’re buying are real:
- Assess the price: If a set of strings costs less than it should, be wary.
- Inspect the packaging: Check both the external and internal packaging for odd/bolder fonts, spelling mistakes, or missing holograms.
- Check the packet quality: Do the print and smaller details look low quality? Does the packet appear darker, duller or flatter in colour? Does the packet material feel different?
- Performance: If your new strings sound lifeless or feel rough, they might not be the real deal. Counterfeit strings are also more likely to break easily.
Get in touch
This issue and the above advice was brought to the attention of the MU by Strings & Things Ltd, a UK-based distributor of musical instruments and accessories.
If you’d like to get in touch or help raise awareness of this issue, please contact Alex Davis directly via alex@stringsandthings.co.uk.
What to do if you’ve been sold counterfeit strings - information from Citizen’s Advice
Citizen’s Advice state that if you’ve bought something that’s fake or counterfeit, you’re legally entitled to a full refund within 30 days of paying for it.
If it’s been over 30 days but less than six months since you paid for the product, the seller is legally able to give you a real version of the item to replace the fake one. However, if they can’t provide a replacement, they’re legally required to give you a refund (up until six months after you paid for it). Visit Citizens Advice for more information on how to request a refund for counterfeit goods.
You can also report the seller to Trading Standards or report the seller for fraud. Please note that while Trading Standards might take legal action against the seller, they can’t help you to get your money back.