BTW, what differentiates a good string job from just an average or even bad string job? Thanks.
Consistency from day2day/wk2wk/mo2mo. If I string your stick today at 55 lbs, and then again at the same tension, 6 weeks later, when you get on the court, will you be immediately satisfied?
Consistency on each string. Main string consistency per string can be tested by pitch and deflection before the cross strings are installed. Cross strings by deflection.
Reducing or eliminating the friction around the corners of the grommets as the string is pulled.
Reducing the friction as cross strings are pulled thru the mains.
Tie-off knots that do not lose string tension on the tied-off string.
A responsive string bed, unless a deader string bed is asked for.
Main strings that are not notched or cut from pulling cross strings through mains too fast, sawing through the mains, before tensioning, so that the string job doesn't break too soon either because your stringer is rushing, lazy, or just a scheister.
Tension consistency after the string "sets" after stringing. If you put the racquet on a diagnostic machine, testing the string bed immediately after stringing, 24 hours later, and after an hour of play, has the tension rating dropped very little? If so, you have a good string job, if not, you have a bad string job.
Do you watch the work of your carpenter, painter, plumber, landscaper, pool cleaner, housekeeper, auto mechanic, etc., OR, query your doctors, lawyers, accountants, tennis pro, chiropractor, etc., or observe your children's nanny, tutors, coaches, etc.? If so, for all the time that many commenters spend on these threads, you should do so with your stringer! At the very least, you will learn how to string. Lastly, if the stringer knows that you can play, I guarantee you that the string job will take longer and will be done better, unless said stringer does not want repeat business, or dumb as a stump.
ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS TO WATCH YOUR STRINGER STRING, AS YOU ENGAGE HIM/HER IN CONVERSATION, TO DISCERN HOW CONSCIENTIOUS HE/SHE IS.