Measuring Strings

[lt_donut]

I recently started stringing and I spend a lot of time measuring the strings w/ a yard stick. Basically what I do is I measure 3 feet make a mark and fold it to get 3 more feet and repeat that till I get to the desired length. This method is such a pain (especially with the polyester strings since they curl a lot) so I am wondering if there is a fast and easy way to measure strings.

Please share your ideas
Thanks!

 

[bigbanger]

Here's what I do: I lay the yardstick across my machine's tool tray, then I hold one end of the string in my left hand and align that end with the left side of the yardstick. I then slide my right hand along the string until the string is parallel to the stick and my right hand is at the right end of the yardstick. So now my hands are exactly 3' apart. I then pass the string from my right hand to my left hand (so my left hand is holding the string exactly where my right hand did) and repeat the process. Using this technique, it only takes a couple of seconds to measure off the string I need. I then cut the string where my right hand ends up. Obviously, when the remaining string I need is less than 3', I'll position my right hand only as far down the yardstick as necessary. This is a lot easier than this description probably sounds

 

[fist pump]

i marked 1 and 2 feet on my sears workstation so i just spread the string and count from there - pretty efficient IMO.

 

[Jon Terminator]

If I'm doing 1 piece I just measure 10 or 11 feet for the short side. If I'm doing two piece I just measure the first 20 feet.

 

[watch_the_ball]

You can also use the frame of the racquet to measure the mains/crosses. Just move along the head and count the number of mains and crosses. Add a little bit for tensioning and tying off and you're done.

 

[Two Fister]

Here's what I do: I lay the yardstick across my machine's tool tray, then I hold one end of the string in my left hand and align that end with the left side of the yardstick. I then slide my right hand along the string until the string is parallel to the stick and my right hand is at the right end of the yardstick. So now my hands are exactly 3' apart. I then pass the string from my right hand to my left hand (so my left hand is holding the string exactly where my right hand did) and repeat the process. Using this technique, it only takes a couple of seconds to measure off the string I need. I then cut the string where my right hand ends up. Obviously, when the remaining string I need is less than 3', I'll position my right hand only as far down the yardstick as necessary. This is a lot easier than this description probably sounds

Okay, BigBanger, that is officially the most detailed and complex explanation that I have ever heard for what you are actually doing!!! If I didn't know better, I'd think you were an engineer who still buys vinyl discs, cuz they have better depth of sound stage than CD's. (sorry folks, inside joke).

When I stretch my arms out to the sides and hold the string between my thumb and forefinger of each hand, the length of string measures 5 feet. That's what I use to quickly measure the string. For smaller lengths, I estimate (e.g. one or two feet) after I measured in five foot increments as above. Works like a charm. My Aria also has tape measure markings on the front side, but I don't really use that.

 

[Gaines Hillix]

I have marks at 17', 18', 19' and 20' on the floor from the reel holder I built on the front of my work bench. I just pull the length I need off of the reel and measure it to the mark I want. If I'm doing a two piece job with a prepackaged set of string I loop it around a door knob and uncoil it until I have two 20' pieces. I use the length of the frame times 1/2 the number of mains plus 1' when measuring the short side for a 1 piece job.

 

[bigbanger]

If I didn't know better, I'd think you were an engineer who still buys vinyl discs, cuz they have better depth of sound stage than CD's. (sorry folks, inside joke).

Geez, now how did you know that?

 

[Jeff488]

Some of that sounds pretty complicated. I have 5 ft. marked off in 1' increments on the front of the bench on which the machine sits. Pull it off in 5' at a time and cut. Simple.

 

[lt_donut]

Thanks to all of you.

As you can see this is my first ever thread I didn't know that I was going to get so many replies in less than 24 hours! I guess I'll stop folding the string. I have my stringer in my bedroom and it's hard to do the things Gaines is doing but I guess I'll buy a longer measuring stick!

What do you think of this idea though? I get a cylinder with circumference of 1' and just wind the string as many times as I need to get the length needed. Of course the problem is where am I going to find such cylinder?
Any ideas?

 

[Jeff488]

Try a 5 gal paint bucket and cut it to make it shorter(you wouldn't need the whole thing). Circ. around the top of one I checked is, conveniently enough, 36" measuring just below the top ridge/lip.

 

[Mike Cottrill]

I either use the frame and count ½ the number of mains plus a couple of crosses or use the rail. The rail is about 12”. What do I know though? It takes me 7 min to get the string out of the package. Still want to see that 7 min string job.

Oh yea, when CD’s first came out. You bet, vinyl sounded lots better

 

[bigbanger]

Oh yea, when CD’s first came out. You bet, vinyl sounded lots better

It still does

 

[bigbanger]

It takes me 7 min to get the string out of the package. Still want to see that 7 min string job.

And 3 minutes for me to figure out how to cut the string tie so I don't knick the string with my cutter

 

[Mike Cottrill]

It still does

Not so much anymore IMO. However, even so, can you get vinyl that is in decent shape? Snap crackle pop?

 

[bigbanger]

Not so much anymore IMO. However, even so, can you get vinyl that is in decent shape? Snap crackle pop?

There's tons of *new* vinyl out there if you can't find decent used vinyl (there's loads of the latter around too). Check out places like musicdirect.com, acousticsounds.com, audiophileusa.com, redtrumpet.com, etc. Your wallet will run dry before the vinyl supply does

 

[Mike Cottrill]

There's tons of *new* vinyl out there if you can't find decent used vinyl (there's loads of the latter around too). Check out places like musicdirect.com, acousticsounds.com, audiophileusa.com, redtrumpet.com, etc. Your wallet will run dry before the vinyl supply does

Do you have a nice tube amp for that warm sound?

 

[bigbanger]

Do you have a nice tube amp for that warm sound?

You bet! Mike, I'm getting the feeling that you're something of an audiophile too, although your last statement about the sound of CDs is making me wonder

 

[Mike Cottrill]

You bet! Mike, I'm getting the feeling that you're something of an audiophile too, although your last statement about the sound of CDs is making me wonder

Yes, but not much of the last 15 or more years. Was into lots of recording. Digital has come a long ways, but there will always be those who prefer the warm analog/tube sound. Back in the 80’s, local studios were using digital VCR’s for mastering digital. You could tell a big difference. Shrill and no depth. Same thing you would here on the CD players. What do you expect for 8 or 16 bit though? I pulled out my Tascam multi track reel to reel out about a year ago. Have the new belt, but need a new pinch roller. You know, that rubber does not last forever. Nor does the tape. Turns to gum, or the flakes/sheds with white stuff. If you ever get the chance to hear an original master recording, and compare it to your vinyl or CD, you will still notice a big difference with both. Love good music. I even have a multi-track DBX, nicked named the bass pumper. My current stereo system is so old, you would laugh. You into recoding? Also, I'm wondering how many of your records are from re-mastered digital?

I guess I’m more into tennis now.
Mike

 

[Two Fister]

All this talk about audiophile sound...hmmm makes me think about that thunderous boom heard when I hit my overhead on you, BigBanger, using my PureDrive strung with Big Banger ALU Power. Don't care it is is digital or analog, now that's a sweet sound. If you don't remember it, I'll refresh your memory next Thursday!!!

 

[Mike Cottrill]

All this talk about audiophile sound...hmmm makes me think about that thunderous boom heard when I hit my overhead on you, BigBanger, using my PureDrive strung with Big Banger ALU Power. Don't care it is is digital or analog, now that's a sweet sound. If you don't remember it, I'll refresh your memory next Thursday!!!

Reminds me of my buddy, BoomBoom. When it hits you it is "live". No recoding media can do that. ha.

 

[bigbanger]

All this talk about audiophile sound...hmmm makes me think about that thunderous boom heard when I hit my overhead on you, BigBanger, using my PureDrive strung with Big Banger ALU Power. Don't care it is is digital or analog, now that's a sweet sound. If you don't remember it, I'll refresh your memory next Thursday!!!

You mean the one that hit the fence or the one that went into the stands? Bring it TwoFister!

 

[Two Fister]

The one that bounced good, then when out of the stadium court!

 

[diredesire]

My tip (that has been previously mentioned): Measure your arm span. from tip to tip. This is how long of a length you can pull off a reel. Arm span is typically very close to your height. I happen to be pretty short, so my arm span is ~5'3" or so. I figure with my fingers pinching the string i've shaved off an inch or two per side, so i consider it a 5' length. Yank out 4 arm span lengths off a reel and you've got yourself 20 feet. I eyeball adjust it from there. I'm not the most anal when it comes to saving string. I just string.