What happens to old guitar strings once they are replaced? Quite often, they end up in the landfill.
Rick Hanson and SM Hanson Music, Inc., want to do something about that. The longtime Salina music store is publicly kicking off its instrument string recycling program with a free recycle and restring event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the store, 335 South Clark Street.
The event is sponsored by D’Addario® and international recycling company TerraCycle®. Old strings collected during the event will be recycled through Playback, D’Addario’s free, national recycling program. Playback is the world’s first instrument string recycling program, launched through a partnership between D’Addario and TerraCycle, a global leader in recycling typically non-recyclable waste.
During Saturday’s event, musicians can have their electric or acoustic guitars restrung with new D’Addario XT Electric or XT Phospher Bronze Acoustic strings at no charge. With new strings and labor, that’s a value of more than $25 per guitar, Hanson said.
Additionally, people can bring in any old instrument strings for recycling.
Hanson, who has served as president of SM Hanson Music, Inc., for the past three months, said that while the free restringing event is only on Saturday, the recycling effort will continue at no charge for any instrument strings. The store will even accept strings that are shipped to it from outside Salina, he said.
“We’ve been searching for a solution for old string reuse after installing a new set on a guitar, so it’s great that D’Addario and TerraCycle are helping dealers confront this issue,” Hanson said. “Recycling these strings, regardless of brand-name, will help to greatly minimize our store’s landfill contribution.”
Hanson said the Salina music store is one of three in Kansas that offers instrument string recycling services.
SM Hanson Music, Inc., boasts a 47-year history of providing quality service and products for every musician – from beginner to expert. For all levels and ages, the full-service music store helps musicians find the right gear based on any budget, music taste, or experience level. With friendly and knowledgeable staff channeling more than 80 years of combined music teaching experience, S.M. Hanson Music, Inc., is a one-stop shop for instruments, gear, musical expertise, and even sound and video systems via their Sound Solutions Department.
For more information about the guitar restringing and instrument string recycling event or other events offered by SM Hanson Music, Inc., check out the store’s Facebook page or website.