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A History of Stringing Machines
The history of stringing machines follows the general growth of the game of tennis. In the 1960's tennis was in a
no-growth, stagnant pattern. A racquet was strung at your local club or store. Home stringers did not exist. Frame head sizes were about 75 sq in, so string breakage was not high. In the late 1960's and
into the 1970's the game took off, in part fueled by advancements in frame technology and higher string tensions. Newer, stronger materials were used in frames construction-wood was replaced by steel,
aluminum and, later, braided graphite. Millions of people took up the sport, spurring the growth of indoor clubs as well as commercial and private outdoor clubs. In or about 1973, the first oversize
racquet, measuring 110 sq in, was introduced. Not only was the game now easier to play, but the increase in head size resulted in extensive string breakage. The byproduct of this was the introduction of
new string technology as well as the production of home stringing machines for the serious string breaker.
AG introduced their first stringing machine in 1977. Pictured on the right, it was a very rugged, durable machine
with two part mounting and modified vice grips for clamps. It was the forerunner of the AG 602F machine, still one of our most popular models.
In the early 1980's stringing machine technology had expanded, so we then added to our line. We took technology
that was basically European- 6 point mounting and swivel clamps- and combined it with our American technology to create an extensive family of machines. In 1990, the first major change was the
introduction of electronic models. The technology had been around for some time, but never before at a price affordable to the consumer. In the last twelve years, there has been constant modification to
the design of our stringing machines, but the original line still remains.
Through the years, several thousand satisfied stringers have used our machines to service their stringing needs. We understand what it takes to sell and service stringing machines.
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