Chicago Brand Turns Used Guitar Strings Into Collectible Figurines

FRET12's String Thing allows musicians to upcycle old strings into a unique desktop decoration.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:22pm

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An extreme close-up of the coiled, textured surface of used guitar strings, captured in dramatic studio lighting to create a luxurious, high-fashion aesthetic.The intricate, textured coils of used guitar strings take on a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic when captured in extreme close-up.Chicago Today

FRET12, a music-focused brand based in Chicago, has created String Thing, a customizable DIY figurine that allows guitarists to upcycle their old strings by wrapping them around a mannequin-like form. The product was inspired by FRET12 founder Dan Tremonti's discovery of a 007 action figure wrapped in used guitar strings, and it aims to provide a more sustainable alternative to simply discarding worn strings.

Why it matters

As guitarists frequently change their strings, the issue of what to do with the old ones has been an ongoing challenge. String Thing offers a solution that not only keeps the strings out of landfills, but also allows musicians to turn them into a unique collectible that celebrates their musical journey.

The details

To create a String Thing, users start with an 8.75-inch mannequin-like form and gradually wrap their used guitar strings around it, building up layers to create a mummified effect. The final product can be customized and displayed as a desktop or shelf decoration. FRET12 emphasizes the storytelling aspect of the String Thing, encouraging musicians to view their old strings as a 'memento' and 'testament to their hard work' rather than just waste.

  • FRET12 founder Dan Tremonti came up with the idea for String Thing while backstage at a show, when a guitar tech showed him a drawer full of coiled-up used strings.
  • FRET12 is planning to launch a guitar string recycling program in the coming days to complement the String Thing product.

The players

Dan Tremonti

The founder of FRET12, a music-focused brand based in Chicago that creates the String Thing guitar string upcycling figurine.

FRET12

A Chicago-based brand that focuses on providing insider access and analog experiences for music enthusiasts, including the creation of the String Thing guitar string upcycling figurine.

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What they’re saying

“I was sidestage at a show, and I was talking to a tech who was changing strings. When he opened up the drawer, he had a bunch of these coiled up strings with gaff tape on 'em. It was cool that he held on to em. If I could have those strings off of my favorite guitar player's guitar, that'd be an amazing collectible.”

— Dan Tremonti, FRET12 Founder

“We're very big into upcycling. In our shop, everything is repurposed. We're aligned with our friends at D'Addario—the Playback program, recycling. We're trying to sit in that gap between them—full recycling—and change the mindset on strings to thinking about them differently. Think about them as this memento, a testament to your hard work. And if you gotta pitch 'em, recycle 'em through Playback.”

— Dan Tremonti, FRET12 Founder

What’s next

FRET12 is planning to launch a guitar string recycling program in the coming days to complement the String Thing product, and is also exploring the possibility of offering pre-wrapped String Thing figurines for customers.

The takeaway

String Thing provides a creative and sustainable solution for guitarists to upcycle their used strings, turning them into a unique collectible that celebrates their musical journey and helps reduce waste.