Papa Het's new limited edition 72 Seasons Master Core signature string sets are now available, commemorating Metallica's 11th studio release and worldwide no-repeat tour.
Developed with Metallica's James Hetfield over the past decade, this signature set consists of James's preferred 11-50 gauge combination using thicker Paradigm core wire and plasma-enhanced nickel-plated steel wrap wire. They are ideal for James's aggressive style and technique, offering a heavier sound with extra pitch stability. The plain strings consist of Paradigm core wire with brass RPS reinforcement at the ball end for added strength and tuning stability. These limited-edition signature sets are housed in a durable tin box with custom graphics and artwork designed by James! The tin box is compact, highly collectible, and includes three signature string packs inside.
• Celebrating Metallica’s 72 Seasons album release and tour
• Never Before Offered Gauge Combo (11, 14, 18, 28, 38, 50)
• Heavier Core to Wrap Ratio
• Wound Strings wrapped with Paradigm plasma-enhanced nickel-plated steel around ultra-high strength tin-plated steel hex cores
• Paradigm Ultra-High Strength Tin Plated Steel Plain Strings
• Thicker Sound
• Added Pitch Stability
Our StringsThe Process Captured
SmeltingAlloys used for strings start from ore which is smelted using high heat to remove impurities. The material is cooled and forged into shape for conversion to wire. Our exclusive alloys used for Cobalt Slinky, M-Steel Slinky, and Aluminum Bronze strings are smelted to our exacting specifications to ensure optimum performance and consistency.
Raw MaterialsOur strings are made with the finest and freshest raw materials which are specified to exacting tolerances to ensure optimal consistency and performance. Strings consist of fine diameter wire which is supplied on spools. Each type of string consists of a specific combination of wire materials and sizes.
Ball End FabricationGuitar and bass ball ends are made using brass wire rod. The brass is machined and cut to exacting specifications to ensure a precise fit and function. The ball ends are then deburred, cleaned, and inspected before they are ready for use.
String WindingWound strings consist of a core and a wrap layer. Cores are manufactured by cutting hexagonal shaped wire to length and twisting one end with a specific shape and twist count to attach a ball end. Once made, cores are loaded onto winding machines which spin the core while laying a consistent winding of wrap wire around the core.
Coated StringsCoated strings are treated using our own proprietary nanotechnology. Strings are staged in bundles which are loaded into chambers which prepare the string surface and apply the treatment.
QualityAll raw materials and strings must pass a multi-point inspection process. Our strings are inspected repeatedly throughout the manufacturing and packaging processes.
AssemblyErnie Ball single strings are coiled and packaged individually in order according to specific Slinky gauge requirements. The Slinky sets are then processed and flow wrapped in air tight individual foil packs.
PackagingStrings are packaged using our Element Shield design which uses impermeable film that is wrapped and sealed to ensure sets are provided with maximum protection.
Immersion TestPackaged strings are checked for a quality seal using a pressurized water chamber which subjects packs to an elevated level of stress across every seal. This ensures that the packages are completely air tight and the quality of the seal is optimal.
Boxed And Ready To ShipOnce packaged and inspected, our last step is to box up the strings and send them on their way to be played by musicians all over the world.
