Goodbye EB 2220. Hello GHS GBH.

EB 2220 11 - 48
Shown below is the last pack of EB 2220 Power Slinky strings I'll probably be opening. Been happily using these since the '90s without any notable rust issues. However, the last 3 or 4 packs have featured 'pre-rusted' plain strings. Have actually been forced to sand the E, B and G strings before use. Looks like 'Element Shield Packaging' is no match for the climate here. Bummer. This pack remains unused as I've had enough. Time for change, me thinks.

Element Shield Packaging: 

1. resists humidity 

2. keeps your strings as fresh as the day they were made 

3. longest life 

4. fresh all the time 

Sorry Ernie Ball, Element Shield Packaging has lost the battle against the local climate. Kindly take a closer look at the 3 strings below:

Rust

More rust

Even more rust

GHS GBH 12 - 52

Seems like these GHS GBH 012-052s with 'Fresh Pack' technology have fared much better than the EBs through their long journey from the US of A. Tried them out on a hot and sweaty lunchtime gig Wednesday, and they played like butter, no kidding. Guess I be sticking to GHS from now on. 

Nice and smooth.

Look ma .... no rust!

Ibanez GIO GRG170DX BKN

Details
Color: BKN (Black Night)
Serial No: A08120495.
Made at the Saein Plant, Korea in December 2008.
Production Number: 495.

Specs
Neck: GRG / One Piece Maple
Body: Basswood
Fingerboard: Bound / Rosewood
Inlays: Sharktooth
Frets: 24 / Medium
Bridge: Fat 10
Pickups: H (STD-H1) - S (STD-S4) - H (STD-H2)
Hardware: Chrome
Controls: Master Volume / Tone
Selector Switch: "Patent Pending" 5-Way

Work Done
1. Hardware Servicing / Adjustment
2. Checked and serviced all electronic components.
3. Replaced unshielded output wires with a shielded cable.
4. Replaced faulty output jack.

Interesting truss rod cover.

New shielded output cable and output jack.

Ibanez GIO GRX20Z JB

Details
Color: JB (Jewel Blue)
Serial No: A07120862
Made at the Saein Plant, Korea in December 2007
Production Number: 862

Specs
Neck: GRX / Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood / Pearl Dot Inlays
Frets: 22 / Medium
Bridge: Fat 6
Pickups: Neck (STD-H1), Bridge (STD-H2)
Controls: Master Volume / Tone
Switch: 3-Way Lever
Hardware: Chrome

Work Done
1. 100% Hardware Check and Service / Adjustment
2. Replaced rusty screws (where possible).
3. Replaced faulty output jack.
4. Fretboard cleaning / polishing
5. Restring / Action / Intonation

Yamaha RGX121Z FSL

Details
Color: FSL (Flat Silver)
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Serial Number: 13240

Specs
Scale Length: 25.5" (648mm)
Body: Agathis or Nato
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood / Dot Inlays
Frets: 22 / Medium
Pickups: H-S-H
Controls: Master Volume / Tone
Switch: 5-Way Blade
Bridge: "Vintage Style" Tremolo
Hardware: Black
Tuners: Individual / Sealed

Work Done
1. Electronics Evaluation / Servicing
2. Hardware Servicing
3. Replaced missing p.u. selector switch tip (black)
4. Replaced volume & tone pots, tone cap
5. Replaced faulty output jack
6. Control Cavity Rewiring
7. Fretboard cleaning / polishing
8. Restring / Intonation / Action