The Growing Threat of Counterfeit Guitar Strings and How to Spot Fakes
- scraggylegg
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Over the past moth we've seen customers coming into the shop asking the same question:
"Why have my new strings gone rusty after a few days?"
Or...
"These don't feel like the usual Ernie Balls."
Unfortunately, after taking a closer look, the answer has often been the same – they've unknowingly bought counterfeit guitar strings online.
It's something that's becoming increasingly common, particularly with popular brands such as Ernie Ball, D'Addario, Elixir and Martin. The packaging often looks convincing, the price seems like a bargain, and unless you've handled genuine strings before, it's surprisingly difficult to spot the difference.
The problem is that by the time most people realise they've been sold fake strings, it's too late.
Why Are Counterfeit Guitar Strings Becoming So Common?
Counterfeit products aren't just limited to designer clothes and electronics anymore. Guitar strings have become another target because they're inexpensive to manufacture but carry the reputation of trusted brands.
Online marketplaces make it easy for third-party sellers to advertise products that appear genuine. In many cases the seller may disappear before complaints start appearing.
The biggest warning sign is often the price. If a pack of premium strings is significantly cheaper than every reputable music retailer, there's usually a reason.
What Are the Problems With Counterfeit Strings?
The differences become obvious once they're on your guitar.
We've had customers report:
Strings losing their brightness within days.
Rust or corrosion almost immediately after fitting.
Poor tuning stability.
Strings snapping far earlier than expected.
Rough winding that doesn't feel right under your fingers.
In one case, a customer brought in a set of "branded" strings that simply weren't long enough to fit the guitar properly – something that should never happen with genuine strings.
Some players assume there's something wrong with their guitar when, in reality, the strings themselves are the problem.
Quality manufacturers spend years refining their alloys, winding techniques and coatings. Counterfeiters simply don't have the same materials or quality control.
How Can You Tell If They're Fake?
Sometimes it's obvious. Sometimes it isn't.
A few things worth checking are:
The Packaging
Counterfeit packaging often looks almost identical to the genuine article, but there are usually small clues.
Look for:
Poor print quality.
Misspelled words.
Colours that don't quite match the manufacturer's packaging.
Thin or poorly glued packaging.
Missing security seals or holograms where applicable.
The Strings
Once opened, fake strings may show signs such as:
Uneven winding.
Rough finishes.
Inconsistent ball ends.
Discolouration straight out of the packet.
An unusual chemical smell.
Authentic strings should look clean, consistent and professionally finished.
Buy From Someone You Trust
The easiest way to avoid counterfeit strings is simply knowing where you're buying them.
Authorised music shops buy directly from official UK distributors and manufacturers, so you know exactly where your strings have come from.
If you're buying online, make sure the retailer is reputable and be cautious of marketplace listings where the seller is unknown.
Saving a couple of pounds isn't much of a bargain if you're replacing the strings again a week later.
What If You've Already Bought Fake Strings?
If you suspect you've received counterfeit strings:
Stop using them if possible.
Contact the seller and request a refund.
Report the listing to the marketplace.
Let the manufacturer know—they're always interested in tracking counterfeit products.
If you're unsure, bring them into the shop.
We're always happy to have a look and compare them with genuine strings. Sometimes the differences are obvious, while other times they can be surprisingly subtle.
Our Advice
Although our shop has only recently opened, we've already helped several customers who have unknowingly bought counterfeit strings. It's disappointing to see musicians spend good money on products that simply don't perform as they should.
We only source our strings from trusted suppliers and authorised distributors, so you can buy with confidence knowing you're getting the genuine article.
Whether you're a beginner choosing your first set of strings or an experienced player looking for the perfect gauge or material, we're always happy to help you choose the right strings for your guitar. If you're ever unsure about a set you've bought elsewhere, feel free to bring them into the shop and we'll do our best to help.
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