Josh Vanjani
Josh Vanjani
  • Видео 297
  • Просмотров 388 796
Martin Magnifico M265 - Polygut Classical Guitar Strings - Review & Sound Test
The Martin Magnifico strings are made in collaboration between Aquila in Italy and C.F. Martin in the USA. They have synthetic “polygut” trebles which are intended to imitate the tonality of gut strings. They have a grittier texture to them, which is meant to mimic the grip of gut, but while this polygut material is closer in tactile feel to gut, it does not offer the same comfort level, being closer to carbon in feel. Similarly to carbon, they have a higher tension and do require more strength in both the left and right hand than traditional nylon or gut. With that in mind, I wouldn’t recommend these strings for vintage or Romantic Era guitars; while the traditional treble tone is there,...
Просмотров: 377

Видео

Quick Update - Upcoming Videos & Where I've Been
Просмотров 1403 месяца назад
A quick, unedited update to let everyone know of videos coming up and where I've been this summer. Thanks for your continued support and looking forward to the fall. I will either keep this video up for one week or may leave it as a sort of digital diary. 🙏 Thank you for 1k subscribers; let’s keep it going! If you enjoyed today’s video, you can support my channel by hitting “like” and subscribe...
How I Cook Omaha Steaks Butcher's Cut Top Sirloin
Просмотров 4514 месяца назад
How I cook Omaha Steaks Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloin in a cast iron pan. The steaks: www.omahasteaks.com/product/Butcher's-Cut-Top-Sirloins-4-5-oz-03218 🙏 Thank you for 1k subscribers; let’s keep it going! If you enjoyed today’s video, you can support my channel by hitting “like” and subscribe! ☕ Also, you can Buy Me a Coffee: ko-fi.com/josh_vanjani My channel is an inclusive space where people of...
Mauro Giuliani - Op. 92 No. 1 - Duet With Justin Hatt
Просмотров 6585 месяцев назад
This pleasant landler comes from Mauro Giuliani’s Opus 92. I performed this duet with Justin Hatt outside the Middleburg, Virginia library. 🖋️ The Sheet Music: vmirror.imslp.org/files/imglnks/usimg/0/02/IMSLP40351-PMLP88381-Giuliani_-_12_Landler_duets_Op.92.pdf 🙏 Thank you for 1k subscribers; let’s keep it going! If you enjoyed today’s video, you can support my channel by hitting “like” and sub...
Bose L1 Review for Classical Guitar
Просмотров 4286 месяцев назад
Is the Bose L1 the best portable amp for classical guitar? Take a listen to decide for yourself. I find that it preserves the rich, vibrant and warm tone of a classical guitar. Today’s modern classical guitarist frequently finds themselves in an environment that requires amplification. The purist Segovia days of performing on a stage in a quiet auditorium have gone by the board. Now, classical ...
Jose Vinas - Pasa Calle - Op. 40 No. 1 - Capullos de Abril - Gut & Silk Strings
Просмотров 5226 месяцев назад
This pleasant pasa-calle is part of Jose Vinas’ opus 40, entitled “Capullos de Abril” or “April Buds”. With this title in mind, I chose to record in front of flowers at the Brambleton Town Center. Played with gut & silk strings tuned to 432Hz, which would have been a common pitch used at the time of this piece’s publication in the 19th century. The sheet music: ks15.imslp.org/files/imglnks/usim...
Dionisio Aguado - Lesson No. 19 (Arr. Pujol) - Gut & Silk Strings - Classical Guitar
Просмотров 7627 месяцев назад
Aguado’s 19th lesson comes from his method book. Emilio Pujol arranged this theme and several variation on it as part of his own method book. I’m playing gut strings tuned to 435Hz and using nails, like Aguado advocated. The sheet music (page 209): www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/escuela-razonada-de-la-guitarra-4-21129643.html 🙏 Thank you for 1k subscribers; let’s keep it going! If you enjoye...
Johann Kaspar Mertz - Exercise on the E String - Nos. 1 - 3 - Classical Guitar
Просмотров 2897 месяцев назад
Johann Kaspar Mertz - Exercise on the E String - Nos. 1 - 3 - Classical Guitar
The More We Get Together Beginner Ukulele Tutorial
Просмотров 3859 месяцев назад
The More We Get Together Beginner Ukulele Tutorial
Aranjuez Classic Silver 300 Strings - Review
Просмотров 3859 месяцев назад
Aranjuez Classic Silver 300 Strings - Review
Ernie Ball Ernesto Palla Black & Gold Ball End - Classical Guitar Strings Review
Просмотров 3,3 тыс.9 месяцев назад
Ernie Ball Ernesto Palla Black & Gold Ball End - Classical Guitar Strings Review
Gaspar Sanz - Torneo - Classical Guitar
Просмотров 6269 месяцев назад
Gaspar Sanz - Torneo - Classical Guitar
Carulli - Op. 114 No. 1 - Prelude - Classical Guitar
Просмотров 65110 месяцев назад
Carulli - Op. 114 No. 1 - Prelude - Classical Guitar
Nature's Promise Beard Oil Review
Просмотров 31710 месяцев назад
Nature's Promise Beard Oil Review
Update on my Inactivity - In Maine
Просмотров 20210 месяцев назад
Update on my Inactivity - In Maine
Ferdinando Carulli - Op. 241 - Arpèges de Huit Notes - Classical Guitar
Просмотров 50511 месяцев назад
Ferdinando Carulli - Op. 241 - Arpèges de Huit Notes - Classical Guitar
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Christmas Classical Guitar
Просмотров 27411 месяцев назад
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Christmas Classical Guitar
Silent Night - Christmas Ukulele - Gut Strings
Просмотров 22611 месяцев назад
Silent Night - Christmas Ukulele - Gut Strings
John Dowland - Orlando Sleepeth - Baritone Ukulele - Gut Strings
Просмотров 49611 месяцев назад
John Dowland - Orlando Sleepeth - Baritone Ukulele - Gut Strings
Roland E-X10 Costco Keyboard - Unboxing & Sound Test
Просмотров 14 тыс.Год назад
Roland E-X10 Costco Keyboard - Unboxing & Sound Test
Fernando Sor - Op. 60 No. 1 - Classical Guitar
Просмотров 464Год назад
Fernando Sor - Op. 60 No. 1 - Classical Guitar
John Carpenter - Halloween Theme (arr. Berger) - Classical Guitar
Просмотров 687Год назад
John Carpenter - Halloween Theme (arr. Berger) - Classical Guitar
Quick Update: I Was Not in Maine for Recent Events
Просмотров 188Год назад
Quick Update: I Was Not in Maine for Recent Events
Francesco Molino - Variation 14 - Classical Guitar
Просмотров 297Год назад
Francesco Molino - Variation 14 - Classical Guitar
Francesco Molino - Variation 13 - Classical Guitar & Maine Botanical Gardens
Просмотров 304Год назад
Francesco Molino - Variation 13 - Classical Guitar & Maine Botanical Gardens
Martin M600 Carbon Ukulele Strings Review & Sound Test
Просмотров 1,2 тыс.Год назад
Martin M600 Carbon Ukulele Strings Review & Sound Test
D'Addario EJ27N Classical Guitar Strings - Review & Sound Test
Просмотров 4,3 тыс.Год назад
D'Addario EJ27N Classical Guitar Strings - Review & Sound Test
Frédéric Chopin - Prelude Op. 28 No. 7 - Baritone Ukulele - Gut Strings
Просмотров 477Год назад
Frédéric Chopin - Prelude Op. 28 No. 7 - Baritone Ukulele - Gut Strings
Adrian Le Roy - Bransle de Poictou - Baritone Ukulele - Gut Strings
Просмотров 355Год назад
Adrian Le Roy - Bransle de Poictou - Baritone Ukulele - Gut Strings
Savarez Corum New Cristal 500CR - Review and Sound Test
Просмотров 3,2 тыс.Год назад
Savarez Corum New Cristal 500CR - Review and Sound Test

Комментарии

  • @DG-mv6zw
    @DG-mv6zw 2 дня назад

    Beautiful interpretation.

  • @siamaksamuel
    @siamaksamuel 4 дня назад

    thank you.

  • @Sioreji
    @Sioreji 6 дней назад

    Big big thanks for review!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 6 дней назад

      Thanks, Sioreji! I appreciate it!

  • @TheGuitarrr
    @TheGuitarrr 7 дней назад

    I always enjoy your channel Josh. I enjoy your music.

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 6 дней назад

      Thanks for the longstanding support, David!

  • @TheGuitarrr
    @TheGuitarrr 7 дней назад

    I love this! Great job! I wish I could join in with you and play Piano. It would be a fun duet.

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 6 дней назад

      Thanks, David! I'm down if you're in the are sometime. Hopefully I can make it out to CA someday.

  • @TheGuitarrr
    @TheGuitarrr 7 дней назад

    Excellent Josh! I love your interpretation on the classic piece! I enjoyed it very much.

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 6 дней назад

      Thanks, David! I'll learn some more of it soon, but meanwhile this is basically the part most people know so I figured I'd go for it, ha ha.

  • @TheGuitarrr
    @TheGuitarrr 7 дней назад

    Hi Josh! I love your tone and touch on the guitar. Your play is beautiful! Thank you for being a good friend. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 6 дней назад

      Thanks, David! I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving too! Happy you've stuck around over the years.

  • @Demo12345
    @Demo12345 9 дней назад

    I would suggest trying out Wood Silk instead, the polish you used might have silicone in it and that tends to build up and leave a residue from everything I've read. Wood Silk just has pure beeswax and some oils from the research I've done so it might help to lubricate as well as clean.

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 7 дней назад

      Thanks for the recommendation! I'm also planning to try out "Super Record Wash" sometime, I just haven't had as much time to film, or even listen to 78s, as I used to. Glad to see these older videos still get some attention on occasion.

  • @EllySpace
    @EllySpace 12 дней назад

    Great review and sound test! Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Elly ❤🎧🎶🎵

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 10 дней назад

      Thanks, Elly! Happy to see you on my channel again; hope you're well.

  • @eagertoeatasmr
    @eagertoeatasmr 13 дней назад

    Cozy Christmas decorations! It's this time of the year again 🎅🏻

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 10 дней назад

      Thanks, Mette! I might do this again this year too.

  • @tedprodrig7679
    @tedprodrig7679 13 дней назад

    im planning to change from light to extra light, do i need to change the nut? from 11-52 into 10- 50

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 13 дней назад

      Thanks for watching, Ted! In certain instances, you may have to change the nut. But in my experience going from light to extra light, it doesn’t require any alteration, except sometimes a truss adjustment because of the difference in tension. If you feel a difference afterwards take it to a luthier and they’ll determine what’s going on. Good luck!

    • @tedprodrig7679
      @tedprodrig7679 12 дней назад

      @Josh.Vanjani Thank you

  • @eagertoeatasmr
    @eagertoeatasmr 15 дней назад

    Really nice setup 👍🏻

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 14 дней назад

      Thanks, Mette! That's mostly my mom's decorations.

  • @usetalentwisely
    @usetalentwisely 19 дней назад

    I have 100s of singers from 1900-1930. Looking to sell them or put them in a museum ? Suggestions

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 18 дней назад

      Thanks for watching! Well, that would depend on your personal preference. If you'd prefer to have the money, you can list them online. You can check with museums, or even music programs at local universities. My old University, Salve Regina, has an extensive record collection and might be interested in acquiring more. You could contact McKillop Library staff and see if they want something added to the "Whittaker Collection." Good luck!

  • @eagertoeatasmr
    @eagertoeatasmr 20 дней назад

    Well played there!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 18 дней назад

      Thanks, Mette! Glad you enjoyed!

  • @eagertoeatasmr
    @eagertoeatasmr 20 дней назад

    What a great mental journey diary!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 18 дней назад

      Thanks, Mette! I appreciate you supporting these older videos too!

  • @eagertoeatasmr
    @eagertoeatasmr 21 день назад

    Very nice 🍃👌🏻

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 21 день назад

      Thanks, Mette! I appreciate it!

  • @violaoquetoca
    @violaoquetoca 21 день назад

    Muito bom 👍👍

  • @tateharmann3057
    @tateharmann3057 21 день назад

    Very nice! I love these Sagreras lessons. Is that a new guitar?

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 21 день назад

      Thanks, Tate! No, it’s not new, it’s the Giannini I’ve had for 2 years. Just trying to get it into the rotation again.

    • @tateharmann3057
      @tateharmann3057 21 день назад

      @@Josh.Vanjani Cool - well it's sounding great!

  • @StevenWatsonMusic
    @StevenWatsonMusic 21 день назад

    Sounding good Josh

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 21 день назад

      Thanks, Steven! This was just with the iPhone audio and sitting on the front step of the garage, but somehow it worked out.

  • @gardengit
    @gardengit 22 дня назад

    Looking forward to all these projects. It's great to have this snapshots with your plans from time to time...Best wishes my friend🍀

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 18 дней назад

      Thanks, Daniel! I appreciate the support!

  • @marciagrahn982
    @marciagrahn982 23 дня назад

    I have this same guitar, bought as a teen back in the 60's, it was 40.00 new. I just dug it out of the closet earlier today first time in 50 yrs! I really enjoyed your playing, WOW, I wish I could play like that, thanks for the uplifting concert!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 23 дня назад

      Thanks, Marcia! If you ever have a chance to upload yours, I'd be interested in hearing it. I traded my Harmony last year to my friend who helped me load the moving POD, so at least I know it's in good hands.

    • @marciagrahn982
      @marciagrahn982 22 дня назад

      @@Josh.Vanjani I'm 74 now, haven't played in 50 yrs, call me crazy, am but I am picking up the guitar and starting all over! Relearning some chords and hoping to play some simple songs at some point, wow, I'd LOVE to be able to play like you do! Don't think I'll live long enough at this point, haha!

  • @tomasericsson8720
    @tomasericsson8720 23 дня назад

    👏 Sounds great, Josh! Which guitar is it? I notice a different tuning? (No classical guitar playing for me for a while. Broke a nail some time ago) 😱

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 23 дня назад

      Thanks, Tomas! This is the Giannini. I'm using Knobloch carbon strings. I'm tuned a half step down. Interestingly enough, that put's it in the original key for the piano in standard tuning. Tarrega transposed it to D from C, so tuning down puts it back to sounding "familiar".

  • @violaoquetoca
    @violaoquetoca 24 дня назад

    Linda musica 👍👍👍

  • @wyattturnerguitar
    @wyattturnerguitar 24 дня назад

    Nice Josh! Great to see some guitar from you once again!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 23 дня назад

      Thanks, Wyatt! I appreciate you sticking around; you've been here since nearly the beginning.

  • @Toddlane43
    @Toddlane43 24 дня назад

    Clean clear performance sounds good Josh well done 👏🏼

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 23 дня назад

      Thanks, Todd! I appreciate it!

  • @eagertoeatasmr
    @eagertoeatasmr 24 дня назад

    I like this calm piece ❤

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 23 дня назад

      Thanks, Mette! I tried to pick a tempo that felt like moonlight.

  • @eagertoeatasmr
    @eagertoeatasmr Месяц назад

    Looked really stylish 👌🏻

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani Месяц назад

      Thanks, Mette! I appreciate it! I might grow the mustache back over the winter.

  • @eagertoeatasmr
    @eagertoeatasmr Месяц назад

    Omg this is totally nostalgia! Even though it's in 2006!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 29 дней назад

      Thanks for watching this one, Mette! It was so far back that I had a Mini-DV tape camera and had to transfer it to the computer; quite a process! Now one can do it right from a cell phone. I wonder what these guys are doing nowadays.

    • @eagertoeatasmr
      @eagertoeatasmr 29 дней назад

      @ Those good days... A lot happened with technology since then! Yeah I thought about that too. I hope they are doing well.

  • @stevebeeney9022
    @stevebeeney9022 Месяц назад

    And in WW2, silk was required for parachutes and other military uses. It was not available for stockings until late in the war, maybe!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 29 дней назад

      Yes, that's very true, Steve! Interestingly enough I didn't see this comment in the "bell", but it was visible in Studio.

  • @stevebeeney9022
    @stevebeeney9022 Месяц назад

    Yes, all good. Thank you. Questions: How old/played are the strings? What about your guitar? On my screen, it looks cedar, which is bright sounding. Or a stained spruce? Fine-grained spruce or middling? Lastly, how old is it?

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 29 дней назад

      Thanks, Steve! So I usually do my string reviews no later than 1 - 2 weeks after restringing, which allows for enough time to form a judgement on them but still demonstrate how they sound when they're fresh. In this case it was about a week after, if I remember correctly. I assume the top of this guitar is cedar. As for it's age, I think it was at least 50 years old, but likely not a pre-WWII guitar. I bought it secondhand, and I couldn't find any extra info on it. I made a few posts about it, and even contacted the Zalapa Luna family (no response) and didn't get an answer. It's on a long term loan to my buddy Justin Hatt currently.

  • @Starlord12322
    @Starlord12322 Месяц назад

    ❤❤❤❤❤good job!

  • @apprendrelebalafon9819
    @apprendrelebalafon9819 Месяц назад

    Trés belle présentation de ces cordes de guitares, bonne sonorité mon ami. Phil

  • @briansmith611
    @briansmith611 Месяц назад

    It sounds horrible, tinny, vibrating, muffled, muddy. Personally I would have left it RIGHT where it was

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 23 дня назад

      That's surprising, Brian; since your ears are accustomed to hearing chainsaws, I'd have thought you couldn't get enough of something with sound qualities like what you described.

  • @RobertGrayMusic
    @RobertGrayMusic Месяц назад

    Beautiful playing once again, Josh. I really like the fact that your channel promotes good composition and tasteful playing. We need more of that in this world. Keep up the good work.

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani Месяц назад

      Thanks, Robert! I appreciate the longstanding support.

  • @DanielLongoBraga
    @DanielLongoBraga Месяц назад

    Hahaha that thumb omg

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani Месяц назад

      I'm a bit confused, Daniel; are you commenting about the thumbnail?

  • @OlivierBillaut
    @OlivierBillaut Месяц назад

    Exceptionnal interpretation of both. Unique brighting style. So beautiful, sweet and smooth. Incredible guitar players with a lot of feeling. Much inspired and talented musical production. A real peaceful and relaxing pleasure to listen. Full of poetry and spirit.Good for the mind and the ears. Big big big like for this fantastic perform and brighting sharing. Splendid and luminous.

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani Месяц назад

      Thanks, Olivier! I appreciate your kind words!

  • @TheBlavid
    @TheBlavid Месяц назад

    Thanks for the great review. You helped me decide I don't want to try these as they're not really the sound or feel I'm generally going for. I was intrigued though!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani Месяц назад

      Thanks for watching! That's exactly the reason I do these reviews, not just so people can find strings they like, but also to avoid buying sets that they may not like.

  • @florentintise
    @florentintise Месяц назад

    Never tried these before. The strings sound good. Thanks for the review.

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani Месяц назад

      Thanks, Florentin! I appreciate it!

  • @hawksilverdragon
    @hawksilverdragon 2 месяца назад

    How fun 😊

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 2 месяца назад

      Thanks, Hawk! Glad you enjoyed!

  • @eagertoeatasmr
    @eagertoeatasmr 2 месяца назад

    Gonna call it for tonight right here 🤗

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 2 месяца назад

      Thanks, Mette! I appreciate the support! I'm overdue to play one of your playlists too.

  • @eagertoeatasmr
    @eagertoeatasmr 2 месяца назад

    Just started playing your String review playlist. Have a good weekend!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 2 месяца назад

      Thanks, Mette! Hooray! According to my stats, this is my most popular playlist after the "Classical Guitar" one.

  • @Toddlane43
    @Toddlane43 2 месяца назад

    Oh wow it has a bottle of josh in this video from years ago

  • @Toddlane43
    @Toddlane43 2 месяца назад

    Changing my channel I think removed my comments RUclips is suggesting older stuff from you and this came up this was such a classic it’s really a great video production

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 2 месяца назад

      Thanks for watching again, Todd! You're right; if you close your channel or change it, then your comments get erased. Happy to have you checking out the back catalog. Interestingly enough a few other subscribers have been watching my older videos lately. Maybe RUclips is recommending my previous content since I haven't uploaded in a while.

    • @Toddlane43
      @Toddlane43 2 месяца назад

      @@Josh.Vanjani I’ll keep checking them out a review is always nice 😊

  • @Toddlane43
    @Toddlane43 2 месяца назад

    Well done Josh, reminds me of the Carcassi Etude no. 2 and 3 I was looking at earlier

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 2 месяца назад

      Thanks, Todd! Yes, it's a similar etude for sure. I can't remember if you've tried it, but I believe you'd like it.

    • @Toddlane43
      @Toddlane43 2 месяца назад

      @@Josh.Vanjani sure always down to tinker or noodle around on a new piece

  • @TheGuitarrr
    @TheGuitarrr 2 месяца назад

    I would love to join you for dinner. You look like an Excellent chief!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 2 месяца назад

      Thanks, David! If you're in the DC area sometime, we'll get together and have this. Hope some day I can make it out to LA too.

  • @NikhilPatil-vv3zz
    @NikhilPatil-vv3zz 2 месяца назад

    Was adapter provided in the box?

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 2 месяца назад

      Hi Nikhil, there was an adapter as far as I remember. At about 50 seconds into the video you can see it in the box on the right.

  • @WolfgangVedral
    @WolfgangVedral 2 месяца назад

    Very interesting. I use Aquila on my Guitalele. Also so well played. 👏🎸🎶

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 2 месяца назад

      Thanks, Wolfgang! Yes, Aquila seem to be even more well known for their Guitalele and Ukulele strings; good choice!

  • @Nylon_and_Gut-MatteoLaurenzi
    @Nylon_and_Gut-MatteoLaurenzi 2 месяца назад

    Thx so much Josh for this videos!

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 2 месяца назад

      Thanks, Matteo! I appreciate it!

  • @notyetskeletal4809
    @notyetskeletal4809 2 месяца назад

    I just bought a pack o' Ernie ball end nylons and nowhere on the pack did it say 'black and gold' but the turned out to be. Also they don't have a ball end. Issue at the factory perhaps? I didn't ask for black or ball end. The guy said half of them are a ball end but I didn't care. I didn't want black strings but they are. I don't really mind or care other than I want to know what I am getting is what I'm getting. Boohoo I feel specially selected.

    • @Josh.Vanjani
      @Josh.Vanjani 2 месяца назад

      How curious! Yes, that definitely sounds like it must have been a factory issue if only half had ball ends. Take a pair of wire cutters or sharp scissors and trim off the remaining ball ends and you'll have yourself a tie end set, ha ha. You're right about there being no color or material indication on the packaging; it's poor UX for sure. Feel free to let me know what you think of this set after trying them out. Good luck!