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Author Topic: ZOG strings - my experience  (Read 4821 times)

Alfi27

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ZOG strings - my experience
« on: February 05, 2016, 01:07:30 PM »
Hi guys. Some of you might be familiar with ZOG strings, but for those who are not: ZacharyOptimumGauges, based on the idea of progressive tension. I liked the idea as the low E string on all of my guitars feel loose especially when i drop it to D, so I decided to order a few sets. I ordered five sets, where four of them were different. He has two sets optimized for Gibson type guitars and I wanted to try for a few of my other guitars as well. I also asked about the gauges, because I think that is usually a good unit of measurement of strings and I was worried that some of the extra-progressive sets might be too heavy for me. So he wrote this back:
Quote
I instantly lose respect for anyone who talks gauges.
Gauge is not an accurate indication of Tension. Gauge is a ratio between core and wrap and also material composition.
I do not work in gauges. Only final Tension.

You need to first forget what you have been bullshiteeted about by idiots or idiotic corporations.

Ordering one set of each, does not sound like you really know what you want.

Alex
 
I was a (potential) first time customer, and he cannot put his personal opinions and interests on the sideline. It also looks like he has a problem with me ordering different sets to try. I told him that I wanted to try different sets because I cannot know instantly from what he writes on his site what will work best for me. So he said "Fine, I will get back to you shortly with your quote". My definition of "shortly" is within five hours, so five hours later I wrote "That sounds good. When will you do that exactly?" and then he just answered "Are you rushing me?". After that I have not heard from him, it looks like I am not «good enough» to purchase his strings. You can just take a look at his website and you will see that he has a "site for idiots" where he has copied some of the mails he have received from people asking about gauge etc, with their full mail address and everything, making a fool of them.

My point of this thread: do not buy from this douchemonkey! He treat people like sh*t unless they wholeheartedly supports his ideas and opinions, and in this seller-customer relationship you as the customer have to proceed with caution in case he decides you are not worthy of his precious strings. I decided to get a balanced tension 10-46 set from D'Addario and a single 0.50 string, so that will solve the problem with the B and low E-string having lower tension than the rest. I have not received it yet, but I am certain that it will be a really good alternative.
BKs: Black Dog (b), Riff Raff (b), HSP90 Nantucket (b).

richard

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Re: ZOG strings - my experience
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2016, 01:55:05 PM »
Just been looking though his site. Extraordinary - he spends most of his time telling you that you are a moron and undeserving of his products. Ed Roman times 100. I would never buy anything from this guy. Read it - you will be shaking your head in disbelief.
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Dave Sloven

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Re: ZOG strings - my experience
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2016, 02:55:04 PM »
This guy sounds like a right tosser.  I would never deal with a know-it-all tw@t like him.

EDIT: I went looking for his site, but I also found this from 2013:

http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/extended-range-guitars/230655-zog-strings.html
« Last Edit: February 05, 2016, 02:57:28 PM by Agent Orange »
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Kiichi

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Re: ZOG strings - my experience
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2016, 04:03:13 PM »
Sounds like quite the w**ker. Thanks for the warning.

I often have the same issue as you and go for similar paths a lot of the time. Getting an extra string is just the easiest. If I want to invest more time and money, but have a great result, I go with Newtone. They make straight custom sets for you. Got to know them because they do strings for the madmen that is Jon Gomm. 15er acoustic set. Problem with them is that it takes ages for the strings to be made, so buying in bulk makes sense.
I do however love the option of deciding everything. My favorite is increased core strength. Bigger core, lighter wind = more tension without bloating the string up, which has been an issue for my 7 string before.

Plus they make lovely nickel acoustic guitar strings that play really well with one of my axes.
BKPs in use: 10th set / RY set / Holy Diver b, Emerald n / Crawler bridge, Slowhand mid MQ neck/ Manhattan n
On the sidelines: Stockholm b / Suppermassive n, Mule n, AM set, IT mid

Slartibartfarst42

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Re: ZOG strings - my experience
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2016, 08:39:20 PM »
He's funny, I'll give him that  :laugh:

In truth, I've never heard of his strings before but now I have, his personal, supportive and helpful approach has convinced me to carry on using Elixir strings.  :grin:
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38thBeatle

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Re: ZOG strings - my experience
« Reply #5 on: February 05, 2016, 11:07:12 PM »
Rather than risk annoying him, like Slarti, I'll stick to Elixirs.
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PhilKing

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Re: ZOG strings - my experience
« Reply #6 on: February 06, 2016, 03:57:27 PM »
I get my custom gauges from a Kerly Music in Hoboken who make 50's nickel strings in the 2 sets I use (10.12.16.26,36,46 for Fenders/PRS and 11,13,17,28,38.48 for Gibsons).  They made them up with no problem.  I've been using these for ages after I spent hours talking to Dean Farley about strings (he's Snake Oil and used to be Scalar), who seems totally the opposite of the Zog guy  Dean will explain in great detail his experience, but never tried to force it on you.  I used to have Snake Oil in custom gauges and at one time used 11,13,17,30,40,50 for Gibsons, but prefer the balance and tone with the 28,38,48.  Mind you I buy them by the box, so that might be why there is no issues  :laugh:
« Last Edit: February 06, 2016, 03:59:24 PM by PhilKing »
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Alfi27

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Re: ZOG strings - my experience
« Reply #7 on: February 07, 2016, 09:15:08 PM »
Thanks guys, looks like there are plenty of other custom strings options around! I really like the concept of the ZOG strings so it's a shame he is such a douchebag. Looks like he genuinely believes he has reinvented the wheel and thinks everyone who does not use his strings are idiots. But what about those (like me) who aren't allowed to buy them? What a w**ker...
BKs: Black Dog (b), Riff Raff (b), HSP90 Nantucket (b).