In a recent blog entry we addressed the JET Method of stringing.  We explained that there are 3 major components of the method that must be implemented in unison to achieve optimal results.

1.  Selection of L-TEC Premium string or hybrid to match playing style.
2.  Identifying and stringing to a specific overall string bed tension.
3. A precise methodology for installing the strings.

The JET method of installation is the most recent version of what is know on some internet message boards as the "JayCee Method."  This is the method of installation has been developed by John Elliot who is also the designer of L-TEC Premium strings.  Through the years John Elliot has continued to refine his stringing practice.  He teaches this method at his office in Paris, France and has discussed it previously on internet message boards.  He has freely demonstrated and explained the method at the GSS Symposiums.  As the method has evolved and John has curtailed his involvement in message board discussions, the boards have grown cluttered with well-intentioned posters attempting to share with others the steps involved with JayCee's Method.  The intent is all very good, but many of the refined steps have been intermingled with with older processes and unfortunately confusion has emerged.  This post will attempt to provide some clarity in regard to the JayCee Method of stringing.

First, it needs to be understood that the JayCee Method and the JET methodology are both designed to be used by stringers who are using Stringway equipment.  (Specifically the most recent JET Method makes use of Stringway machines, Stringway flying clamps, and Stringway Cross Stringing Tools.)  Since the majority of stringers are not using this exact equipment, there are some aspects that may need to be altered for constant pull electronic machines.  This blog entry provides the full details of the JayCee Method for those who are curious and want to try it for themselves. The JayCee Method  is extremely effective when installing L-TEC Premium strings which are specifically designed to excel at lower tensions strung with either the JayCee Method or the further refined JET Method.  (Note:  The full JET Method, as detailed in the opening paragraph, will be made available to L-TEC distributors in early 2012.)

RACQUET PREPARATION:

Open up holes on #6 main (16 main pattern) or #7 main (18 main pattern) for tie-off. (This will be either top or bottom depending on where main strings end.)

Open up hole on third cross from bottom of frame for tie-off. (Depending on pattern, this can sometimes vary.  The objective is to tie-off as close to the 2^nd to last cross as possible.)

MAIN STRINGS: (16 main detailed)

1.  String first three mains on each side at reference tension. (R1 – R3 & L1 – L3)|

2.  Next 3 mains reduce tension by 4 pounds. (R4 – R6 & L4 – L6)

3.  On a 16 main pattern after clamping off main #6 skip over to #8.  Do NOT pull tension.  Fill in #7.  Increase tension to reference plus 4 pounds.  You will then pull tension on #7 which will tension both #7 and #8 simultaneously.  (Yes, this is a double pull.)  While under tension strum #6, #7, #8 with your finger.  The tonal response should get higher with each string as you progress to the frame.  You will likely find #8 is a lower tone than #7.  Push down firmly in the middle of #7 to raise the tension on #8.  Clamp off.

4.  Tie off on hole you opened…#6 on racquet with 16 mains.

5.  Tune strings.  Again #6, 7 & 8 should grow progressively higher in tone when strummed.  It is probable that #7 will be too low. Fortunately you placed some reserve tension on string #8.  You can now press down on the center of string #8 to manually shift some of that tension to string #7.  Your tonal response should now be perfect.  Also you will find when complete that all your mains will measure the same tension according to a String Meter.

CROSS STRINGS:

1.   Start first two cross strings and tension at same tension as final mains. (+4 pounds over reference tension)

2.  After installing the 2nd cross string, reduce tension 4 pounds and install the next several cross strings. Keep this tension through the 3rd cross from the bottom of the frame.   (This will be the original reference tension)

3.  After tensioning and clamping off the 3^rd last cross, loop over and weave bottom cross.

4.  For final cross string fill in second from bottom.  Increase tension to +8 over reference.  Pull tension, (this is another double pull), and clamp.  Tie off on 3^rd from bottom.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. ALWAYS PULL ON SLOWEST PULL SPEED!!!
2. Do Not Prestretch Polys with electronic machine settings!!!
3. The JayCee Method is NOT the same as a full JET installation, but it does contain many of the elements and will provide EXCELLENT results.

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Tension Illustration (16 x 19 pattern)

Reference Tension= 44 lbs.

Mains:
L1 – L3 & R1 – R3 = 44 lbs.
L4 – L6 & R4 – R6 = 40 lbs.
L8 – L7 & R8 – R7 = 48 lbs. (Note order of stringing)

Crosses:
1 & 2 = 48 lbs.
3 – 17 = 44 lbs.
19 – 18 = 52lbs. (Note order of stringing)

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Dense pattern example (18 x 20)

(Select tension 2 lbs less than same size frame with a less dense pattern)

1.  String first 4 mains on each side of center at reference tension. (R1 > R4 & L1 > L4)|

2.  Next 3 mains reduce tension by 4 pounds = 38lbs. (R5 > R7 & L5 > L7)

3.  Last 2 mains increase tension by 8 pounds
L9 > L8 & R9 > R8 = 46 lbs. (note in the order of stringing)

Tension Illustration (18 x 20 pattern)

Mains:
L1 – L4 & R1 – R4 = 42 lbs.
L5 – L7 & R5 – R7 = 38 lbs.
L9 > L8 & R9 > R8 = 46 lbs  (note the order of stringing)
- Tie-offs mains on L7 & R7.

Crosses:
1 & 2 = 46 lbs.
3 – 18 = 42 lbs.
20 – 19 = 50lbs. (note in the order of stringing)

Read original blog post

We use flying clamps so the issue of drawback is not one that we encounter. 

Pushing to remove drawback could work, but also has the potential to increase the overall stringbed stiffness.  There is also an issue of consistency…you'd have to push with the same pressure.  The only way to know how/if it would be effective is to string a racquet on your machine without tuning every string and then string one and tune every string.  You would have to have a string meter so that you could measure the tension on the individual strings.  With the JayCee Method, properly done, all main strings will read the same uniform tension across stringbed.