Gamma 6004 string clamps leaving imprints on strings

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ckhirnigs113

Rookie
Hi,
I recently obtained a used Gamma 6004 in good shape and finally got around to stringing a racquet tonight. I had some trouble finding the right clamping pressure with the string clamps. I used the tail of the string like I always do to test for adequate clamping pressure. No matter what, I could not prevent the clamps from leaving little indentations on the the string. Is this normal?

For some background, I upgraded from a Gamma 6002, and its clamps never had this problem. I could always find a good clamping pressure that held but didn’t damage the strings. The diamond coating on the 6002’s string clamps looked a lot like fine grit sandpaper with no discernible pattern to it. My 6004’s clamping surface has a geometric pattern to it. This patten is what keeps leaving an imprint on the strings after clamping.

I have thoroughly cleaned the clamps with rubbing alcohol, so I know that’s not the issue. In an effort to prevent the marking of the strings I actually loosened the clamps too much at one point. There was some slippage during a pull and it damaged the string a bit. Nothing too catastrophic, but it just shows me that once I get adequate holding pressure on the clamp it’s going to leave those marks on the string.

Could any long time 6004 users chime in or even @Gamma Tech ? If the clamp marks on the string are normal and nothing to worry about, that would ease my mind.

For anyone curious, I was stringing up the new Tecnifibre HDMX hybrid string for the TW playtest on my Prince Textreme Tour 100 (310).

Thanks, CK
 
C

ckhirnigs113

Rookie
Here's a link to some pictures I took of my string clamp. As you can see, the style I have is all metal and doesn't have a separate insert that makes contact with the string. I tested some different type of scrap string last night and noticed that no indentations were left on Pro's Pro Synthetic Gut, whereas most soft polys I clamped had marks left on them. Maybe there is no avoiding this on certain strings, but I'd still like some input from more experienced stringers.

Link to clamp pics: 6004 string clamp
 
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Shroud

Shroud

G.O.A.T.
ckhirnigs113 said:
Hi,
I recently obtained a used Gamma 6004 in good shape and finally got around to stringing a racquet tonight. I had some trouble finding the right clamping pressure with the string clamps. I used the tail of the string like I always do to test for adequate clamping pressure. No matter what, I could not prevent the clamps from leaving little indentations on the the string. Is this normal?

For some background, I upgraded from a Gamma 6002, and its clamps never had this problem. I could always find a good clamping pressure that held but didn’t damage the strings. The diamond coating on the 6002’s string clamps looked a lot like fine grit sandpaper with no discernible pattern to it. My 6004’s clamping surface has a geometric pattern to it. This patten is what keeps leaving an imprint on the strings after clamping.

I have thoroughly cleaned the clamps with rubbing alcohol, so I know that’s not the issue. In an effort to prevent the marking of the strings I actually loosened the clamps too much at one point. There was some slippage during a pull and it damaged the string a bit. Nothing too catastrophic, but it just shows me that once I get adequate holding pressure on the clamp it’s going to leave those marks on the string.

Could any long time 6004 users chime in or even @Gamma Tech ? If the clamp marks on the string are normal and nothing to worry about, that would ease my mind.

For anyone curious, I was stringing up the new Tecnifibre HDMX hybrid string for the TW playtest on my Prince Textreme Tour 100 (310).

Thanks, CK
Click to expand...
I can't help much. I have that machine and don't have issues with the clamps marking strings. But my clamps look different like they are a different version. they look like this:
061110-134b.jpg
 
C

ckhirnigs113

Rookie
@Shroud Thanks for the input. My machine is from 2013 according for the serial number. I think the current 6004 comes with the style clamps you have. Your clamps look they have a separate diamond dusted insert glued to the metal. My clamps don’t have an insert at all.

I bought my machine used from someone with little to no knowledge about what it was, so I have a fear that perhaps the insert is missing from my clamps. If someone can verify that my style clamps are a legitimate version that Gamma produced, I’d appreciate the info!
 
C

ckhirnigs113

Rookie
I think the grip strength is ok, so I don’t know if adding diamond powder is necessary. It’s just the indentations left on the string surface that are bugging me. My guess is that maybe this is the reason Gamma changed the design of the clamps. My 6004 is a 2013 model, and I believe the newer models have the insert instead of the all-metal design of my clamps.
 
esgee48

esgee48

G.O.A.T.
If you are flattening the string with the clamps, then they are too tight. A small amount of ghosting is normal, so if that is what is needed to hold the string, live with it. One issue I sometimes have with strings is their coating. If you can feel the oily/greasy coating, wipe the string down before installing them in the frame. This works for me, especially with some SGs.
 
C

ckhirnigs113

Rookie
I sent a lengthy email to John at Gamma about the issue to see what he thinks. It's very likely the clamps are working perfectly fine and this is a non-issue. I think this issue with indentations may be one of the reasons they re-designed the clamps for later 6004 models. The insert is more of a uniform surface making contact with the string versus the cross-hatch pattern of my all-metal clamp.
 
Irvin

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
ckhirnigs113 said:
I sent a lengthy email to John at Gamma about the issue to see what he thinks. It's very likely the clamps are working perfectly fine and this is a non-issue. I think this issue with indentations may be one of the reasons they re-designed the clamps for later 6004 models. The insert is more of a uniform surface making contact with the string versus the cross-hatch pattern of my all-metal clamp.
Click to expand...
I had a Gamma 6004 that I got before 2010 and the teeth looked just like @Shroud’s clamps except when I got rid of my machine my clamp adjustment wheel was worn down more.
 
S

struggle

Legend
It's possible that those aren't clamps provided originally withe Machine. I got my machine in June 2012 and they don't look like that.

Similar, yes but with the dusted inserts instead. At one point the inserts came out/loose and the clamps were replaced.
 
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ckhirnigs113

Rookie
Sounds like I got some oddball clamps! I hope they are legit Gamma string clamps. They certainly don't look or feel cheap. I wonder if they were only produced for a short time. Hopefully @Gamma Tech will clarify for us. Not sure if John at Gamma who I have been in contact with is also "Gamma Tech".
 
C

ckhirnigs113

Rookie
You’re right! That is the exact clamp on my machine. Thanks for doing the digging for me. I’m not happy about this revelation though. I am currently contacting the seller and trying to get a partial refund since he sold the machine to me as “original”. The guy had no knowledge about tennis stringing machines, so I’m sure he had no idea the clamps had been replaced with much cheaper alternatives.
 
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ckhirnigs113

Rookie
I was able to secure a partial refund from the seller. It won’t cover the full amount for two new clamps from Gamma, but it’s better than nothing. I may try and sell these Pro’s Pro clamps once I get my new Gamma clamps. They seem like decent clamps, but they won’t cut it in my 6004. Luckily the base clamps appear to be original, so that’s good news. The base clamps are really expensive!

If anyone has a source for used/reconditioned Gamma clamps please let me know. I will most likely have to bite the bullet and get them new from Gamma.
 
S

struggle

Legend
Honestly, some of the other offerings on the market will work just as well as the Gamma clamps (the Pro'sPro/Eagnas tennis clamps aren't bad, actually). You might try Alpha as well as some others. Main issue is the post size being the same.
 
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ckhirnigs113

Rookie
Well I’m not too impressed with the Pro’s Pro clamps I have now. I much prefer the diamond coating that doesn’t leave any marks on the strings. What’s the best 5 tooth clamp for the money that will fit on my 6004?
 
S

struggle

Legend
ckhirnigs113 said:
Well I’m not too impressed with the Pro’s Pro clamps I have now. I much prefer the diamond coating that doesn’t leave any marks on the strings. What’s the best 5 tooth clamp for the money that will fit on my 6004?
Click to expand...
Yes, you claim to have badminton clamps. I had the three tooth eagnas/pro's pro clamps and they worked fine.
 
J

jim e

Legend
Eagnas, Babolat star 4 clamps , and my pro master (older style Wilson), are all same diameter posts for clamps. Alpha has different diameter. Be careful as not all machines are same, even though they may look it.
 
C

ckhirnigs113

Rookie
I have the “Pro’s Pro Universal Clamp”. It has 5 teeth and some websites list it for Tennis/Badminton. The main gripe I have is the inner surface of the clamp that actually makes contact with the strIng. It leaves marks on soft strings that would not be marked by diamond dusted clamps like the 6004 has or even my old 6002 had.

Has anyone replaced their 6004 clamps with something from Alpha or another manufacturer and been pleased with the result vs the original Gamma clamp?
 
J

jim e

Legend
I do not know. If someone tells you that eagnas, or Babolat, or older Wilson, if anyone of those fit, then you could use any of the 3. I do not know of gamma, I do know Alpha has different size diameter post, than above 3.
You can contact gamma and just go with their brand as you have that machine.
I no longer use the eagnas 3 tooth clamps I purchased a few years back. They do work, but I prefer the 5 tooth clamps that came with my machine, and the eagnas clamps do hold, but biggest complaint I have is the round knob that adjusts the clamp you need to mark the clamp where you set the knob, as it loosens up after so many racquets strung, and you need to watch it so it doesn't get too loose. As with my 5 tooth, it does not happen, and once it is set, that's it. I don't even readjust from one string to another, or even need to change between 16 or 17 g. Strings. So I really prefer the 5 tooth I typically use, it's like a set it and forget it clamp.I also use the Yusuki method of starting mains so I do not need extra clamping force on that initial pull.
 
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