Dude's grandpa would be proud of him-- spoke well and informed about the brand and really sold the products.

As far as kids taking over their dad's business the Ball brothers seem about as admirable as they come. I'm sure they're largely behind the growth of EBMM's guitar sales and the redesign of the Stingray bass. There's no doubt the company is in good hands and we can look forward to a lot of cool new ideas from them.

"a world without string is chaos." Josh, I already loved you and this channel, but this just made my year... One of my favorite guilty pleasure movies. "It's a LaRue!"

Ha! Fun to hear this story. Sterling Ball was a student at my high school at the same time I was there (early 70s). He used to play lunchtime concerts with his band. I was a guitarist but not yet into electric so I didn't make the connection to Ernie Ball until I was in college. Definitely see the family resemblance in Brian.

Oh my god he is the spitting image of his grandpa -- another great episode y'all cheers

I kept wishing my grandpa founded a company like Behringer that I could be running now. Josh could interview ME, and I could tell him about the clones of JHS pedals that I was planning to release for $20 in time for Christmas.

Okay I’m convinced, I’ll buy some Ernie Ball strings. Now just plug this video in 6 months when I have the motivation to change my strings.

Yet again, I have say well done Josh. I love the way you interview people, you give them so much space.

I use Ernie Ball strings. On all my guitars. For years now. "Not Even Slinky" on my acoustic, "Primo" or "Regular Slinky" on my normal tuned guitars and "Heavy Tops Light Bottoms" on my DADGAD Strat. I've tried others- but now it's just the "Ball". Less breaks, great tone, consistency. Made in USA.

the only brand I've stayed loyal to since I started playing guitar in '94. I feel joy when I buy myself those strings, I remember vividly doing it when I first started, my grandpa would give me money for it on saturdays and I'd restring my guitar and inspect all the artists listed in the packaging. To me this is a tradition of my own. I don't even think they are necessarily the best, but they are the ones I like.

Every pack of Ernie Ball strings I've ever used gave me issues with breaking and tuning stability, yet even I have to admit this weaves a wonderful story.

Not a note played but I really enjoyed this. Pink EB’s were my first strong and I stayed loyal up until the arrival of Elixirs. I love the family feel and it is time to come back home to EBs. Great video.

This is amazing Josh! Thank you! You have really opened my eyes! I’m such a nerd when it comes to anything guitar, and with you going out of your way to point people’s attention in the direction of other companies make you look so down to earth & humble. You’re a fan first & a pedal maker second. I love that there’s no competition. With you it’s all about fun & enjoying the guitar & all of the devices that make it loud & unique. This is really a brotherhood to you & I love that! You’ve really got something special going on man! And I’m loving every minute of it! Thank you JHS!

Great episode Josh! Brings back memories, I'd break a string back in the 70's and go down to the drug store and buy 1 Black diamond to replace it! As time moved on I went from Black diamonds to GHS boomers, Fender bullets, then Ernie Ball's, played D'Adario's for awhile but keep going back to Ernie Ball super slinky's, that's all I use today!

As heartwarming as it was, this is just a sponsored ad for Ernie Ball strings

The more videos i see about Ernie Ball (the company, including Musicman) and the Ball family, the more I want to support them. They're great people, and family businesses are where it's at for me.

I’m excited to see this. I wanted to know how we moved from cat whiskers to these incredibly strong and long yet sublime tools.

Thanks Josh - another superb interview. Great interview Brian - you're definitely carrying on the legacy and I'm sure your family is very proud of you.

nicest ernie ball ad i've ever seen. shit is the wendy's of guitar strings

So that was the best ad I've ever watched,I want to send it to my friends and be like "yeah, I didn't even know this and I've told you there is something great about these slinky strings" that was a pleasure to see the passion he has for something we all look at as this disposable item but yet have an attraction to one brand or another for whatever dumb reason.

Love this! Thanks for another amazing video, JHS team!

Such an interesting interview! Thanks to you both, and to team JHS for putting it together.

Outstanding content. Hats off to the team and the Ernie Ball Legacy !

Beautiful piece, Josh. Thanks for sharing this. Been using ernies (standard range) since day one and never thought of changing brands (of range). This video only strengthens my conviction. Kudos to both companies.

You can tell Brian has passion for his family's company. Thanks for this great vid JHS!

Excellent video. I'm more proud to say I'm an Ernie Ball string user for many many years now.

I never thought about a sealed package of guitar strings having an expiration date.

Ironically, this video dropped the same day the new strings for my bass got here. Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt 50-105's. So now I will go and change my strings but not because you told me to! lol

I’ve been using Ernie Ball strings for about 20 years. It’s great to know some of the history behind the brand. If feel even more connected to the brand now.

Great interview! Very informative. I bought my first pack of Super Slinkies when I was around 13 years old (1975), and I still use their 9s and 10s on my electric guitars. Great quality, bendability (if that’s a word), and virtually never break. Thanks for this behind the scenes look at a great company; much like JHS….

It's great to see people with passion, who love what they do. It goes a long way when the manufacturer of the gear I choose to use sees their contribution as more than just making money and growing a company but understands the impact of their products.

I started playing Ernie Ball because that's what my dad always played, but in the last few years every pack I get has had rust spots and the high-e always seems to unwind. Literally 10/10 Paradigm packs I bought last year was rusty - after the tenth pack I switched to D'Addarios.

Ernie ball has such incredible packaging, I only buy slinky’s because it’s so nostalgic from seeing them as a kid. That and they’re adorable.

Very rad piece, and I am very glad they chose JHS to give some insight into the Ernie Ball company. Good job!

I was very thankful the day I got my first set of Super Slinkies. I've tried other sets over the years and always came back to Ernie Ball strings. I gig out about 70 - 80 times a year and they hold up well. I go through about 50 sets a year. Great video!

I could watch this a hundred more times... and I probably will. Amazing history lesson here!

Josh this video just made me aware of why I've only ever tried a different company of strings twice in 13 years of guitar playing great video thanks

Thanks for doing this episode!

Thanks. A great story and detail about EBs. Ball's are Best! (Nice seeing you back Josh!)

I’ve played Ernie Ball slinky 5 string sets and straps since 1993! Got them because they were the only 5 string set I could get and the straps were the longest I could find when I wanted to be a low slung guitar playing gangster!

Every new pack of regular slinkies I have purchased over the last 3 years has came with free RUST on the solid core strings. I switched brands because of this.

I got my very first set of light gauge strings from none other than Ted Nugent in the summer of 1970. I was working for a short-lived music tabloid and was sent to interview Ted the day after a music festival in town, where the Amboy Dukes had played a set (unfortunately shortened because Grand Funk went on longer than scheduled). We talked for a bit in his hotel room, and Ted let me try his blonde Byrdland. I was astounded at how easy it was to bend strings on it. When I asked Ted how it was possible, he said it was light gauge strings (the topic of the Byrdland's much shorter scale never came up). Since the only strings I had ever bought were the ones sold at the local department store (either La Bella or Black Diamond, but medium gauge at best, in any event), the very existence of lighter gauges was unknown to me. Ted said "Here. let me make you up a set". He grabbed an attaché case he had, flipped it open, and inside was every single guitar-related gauge of Ernie Ball string, from the very lightest unwound (.008) to the heaviest wound (something in the .060s), all in order from left to right, like the record rack in a store, with little cardboard separators sticking up. He poked around, selecting gauges for me that he felt would result in a "balanced" tension, and made me two sets. We may not agree on a lot of things, but Ted was generous and enthusiastic in the presence of another guitar player. I had to search all around town for others when those two sets wore out, but I stuck with those gauges.

Been rocking EB strings for decades and will continue for decades more! Great video

Wow... Great rich family history video, and must appreciate the work and effort to deliver a great product to us all for what we love a great sound guitar. QC is so important, myself been in the manufacturing for 27 yrs. I know what it takes, and so is true with every JHS Pedal. Truly enjoyed.

I think we all get drawn to the Ernie's because of the package, not knowing that much about strings but just knowing that those were the right ones.

I go back and forth. Just try stuff. Ernie Ball strings were available at my hometown music shop, they were in bright packages, list of rock gods printed on the back, and a buck cheaper than every other pack of strings! SOLD! I’ve tried a few other brands, some great, some just okay. Ernies are my go-to. I buy/get other strings because they come as a deal or sale, like “2 packs of Dadario and a cable for 20$”, or “buy a strap, get some strings” or whatever.

Love Ernie Ball strings, I've been using them since the second packet of strings I ever bought. First 8s then 10s & Skinny Top, Heavy Bottoms since they came out & doubt I'll ever change.

Been playing Ernie Ball strings for 15 years! Love them!

Having worked in London guitar shops since my early '20s, (and still doing so now), I must've sold, restrung and setup thousands upon thousands of sets of EBs..great episode 👍

My first job was at Dean markley in Vicksburg Michigan just south of Kalamazoo. I ran a Vinci machine much like the lathe for larger gauge wrapped electric and acoustic strings. Round wound=crappy day/ Hex wound=good day. This was from 2003-2005 and the strings were still wound by hand. Bonus...all the free strings I wanted☺️

This was so great. Thank you for the wonderful education!

truly enjoyed this episode. absolutely love ernie ball on acoustic. gonna get some fresh packs for electric now. been a d'addario guy since 2008 as far as electrics.

Thank you Josh, well done. I have been using Ernie Ball strings for 30+ years I use a custom set - 10, 14, 18w, 26w, 36w, 48w Never had a bad string

Been using Cobalts since their inception way back in the later 00’s. I’ve tried other brands but always go back to Ernie Ball. Kudos for a cool episode!

That was great. Ernie Balls have been my go to for as long as I can remember. Decades actually...

This is hilarious. I asked myself today "wait, are those coated strings actually the best tone? I should look up guitar strings", and I went down that rabbit hole. Five hours later, this vid drops.

Great documentary, thanks Josh! I think one of the advantages of family businesses is having a heart and integrity for the business. I switched to EB about 30 years ago after I found my Floyd equipped instrument couldn't handle the brand I was using at the time. They've always been reliable and consistent for me.

Díky!

Thanks again JHS for a marvelous historical interview like this. I learned so much about string manufacturing and that Ernie Ball has actually applied so many other industries's technologies. I knew Ernie Ball was a string I enjoyed that could trust, but I didn't know their philosophies that align well with mine. Knowing these things I wouldn't mind if they cost a bit more, but they're just as affordable as any other. I also think that it's important what he says about family business, that he's proud of it and they are the heartbeat. Family businesses tend to be proud of what they're doing, honored to be able to do what they do and hold it high to themselves to make quality. Unlike stock market businesses that have the leaders change on a whim, basing the decisions on stock owners's profits, while family businesses are stuck to their decisions, the leaders carry on with their decisions on their shoulders and respond to their employees and families about it. They simply can't afford to make short-vision decisions, they have to play the long game. And that leads to making good stuff with good heart.

Great history, and great interview. Well done, Josh! I find the technology and process of string-making fascinating. I've used Ernie Ball strings throughout the years, on acoustics, electrics, and basses. Good, solid product. I've tried a lot of different strings over the years. Currently I'm using Stringjoys. Also, no idea how many of the EB guitar straps I've burned through...

I wish all infomercials were this good.

Wow Josh!!! You're from Russellville! My family is from there and I went there all my life. I started going by that little music store on main street mid 90s when I started playing guitar. What a trip to think about all that. Ill always remember 80s and 90s Russellville AL. Great video too.

Fantastic Interview. Such a great insight into guitar stings and how they are manufactured. I never knew it was a family owned business. Thought it would have been brought out years ago by a major corporation. Can’t wait to put a fresh set of Ernie ball stings on my guitars.

I've tried lots of different strings over the years. Some I've really liked, some I've really disliked. I've used certain string brands for years, but I always comeback to Ernie Balls. They're consistent. You know exactly what you are getting and what they are going to feel like. For what you get, the price can't be beat either. I hope this company stays family owned and serves musicians for generations to come!

Superb interview!

To be honest, I already saw a visit to the D'addario factory before, but this interview with a great competitor was... Great.

Great episode!!!!

This was an enjoyable video. Thanks guys

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, as this channel always enlightens me, but....here I am, surprised to learn cool things about Ernie Ball strings, and the Ball family, and now I'm on the Ernie Ball website, looking at all their different string options. Brian Ball, nice work.

This was awesome. Great info. Thanks!

epic shirt! This was fantastic guys. Thanks so much

Well done! Josh is becoming the man for guitar knowledge. Is Brian Ball bringing back the pencil thin moustache?

Thanks for posting another informative video. Ernie Ball user here since the early 90s. Off-topic: cool shirt you're wearing there Josh, Tom rocks \m/

thanks for this, Josh.

That was truly amazing

Great episode, Josh. You are a really good interviewer!

I recently bought a set of slinkys in Uruguay, absolutely love them in my '93 Yamaha.

I find funny that the first strings Josh bought was decided because of the color of the package, I only use Super slinkys and honestly I chose them just because I love the intense pink of it haha

Great vid, loved this look at the story behind the name!

Huge Ernie Ball fan! My preferred choice for the last 10 years. I play regularly and change my electric strings every month. Acoustic every 3 months. Always Ernie Ball Paradigm strings for my guitars! Great video!

Another awesome historical exploration of a music icon

Josh is a great interviewer, purely because he asks questions he's interested in hearing the answers to. But, Josh, did you know your subordinate employees went direct last week!? You should for them.

Awesome episode, great research and production. I can really feel the effort and love for the instrument(s) technology come through.

I always come back to Ernie Ball, even if I didn’t win the case from trivia time I’d still be playing them.

The Ernie Ball straps are my favorite ones. They are so simple, reliable and just work. But most important - like said in the video - the adjustable range is awesome 👏 I like the strings too btw 👍🏼

Awesome video mate ty

As a kid, I remember pulling a bright pink package of new guitar strings out of my Christmas stocking. I had only been playing guitar for a few months. I've tried other brands and gimmicks, but I always come back to the standard Ernie Ball. I think the colorful packaging imprinted on my prepubescent brain!

Perfect video to watch while I sip some coffee, y'all have a good weekend

This is awesome!

love your videos thanks.

I've dabbled in GHS and DR Strings but I always come back to Ernie Balls. Didn't really know anything about their history though... and tomorrow is new string day.

Even in the 70s you had to live in a big city to get decent guitar stings. Folks in rural areas had to settle for Black Diamond brand. It's a wonder we even learned to play. We also didn't have cheap tuners and KZfaq. So even if you were doing it right it didn't sound good and that's why most folks gave up. I was lucky enough to have older brothers to teach me how to tune by ear and got a decent hand-me-down guitar (Yamaha FG-300) to learn on that was playable with good strings. I don't remember what kind they were but they were not Black Diamond. The next set were Guild phosphor bronze and I was amazed by the sound of them. When I got good enough I traded my Apollo brand drum set for a Kent LP copy and put super slinkys on and joined a garage band. I felt like a rock star from what I could do on that guitar. :-)

I started using EBs after my local guitar store stopped carrying my favorite brand. I thought the EBs were fine. Then, I tried the cobalts. LOVED THEM!!

Absolutely love Ernie Ball strings!!!

Excellent video. I've been using Ernie Ball strings since the 70's. They are superb strings at a fair price, plus, I know what set to get just by the color of the packaging. The newer foil envelopes definitely allow them to stay fresh a lot longer. I also have a Music Man Cutlass & Valentine which are awesome guitars.

Damn you, Josh! Now I have even more reason to love EB! 🎸👍

I love the Burly Slinkies for all of my electrics. Perfect balance and flexibility for low tunings

VERY COOL! I've learned a lot. Have a great weekend everyone!

Great show!!!

String instruments are actually even older than what you cite at 0:54. They are more like 5000 years old, or dating to 3000 BC. Which I think is super cool.