Cleaner Strings

BIG CHEETO · #1 05-08-2010, 11:18 AM

I would like to know if anyone has any tips on maintaining bass strings clean after playing the bass. Ive seen stuff on the market like Fast Frett, and a a few spray can type deals.

Does anyone have any recommendations or tips on cleaning bass strings after use?

JDJen · #2 05-08-2010, 11:30 AM

I use Fast Fret for easier playing, especially in sticky humid conditions. Fingers roll over the strings easier. As for cleaning I just wipe them down with a polish cloth.

**lowendfriend** · #3 05-08-2010, 11:39 AM

if they are kinda gummed up I use those individual wrapped alcohol pads you can buy in drugstore.

snyderz · #4 05-08-2010, 11:43 AM

Man, your avatar is freaking me out.

BIG CHEETO · #5 05-08-2010, 11:49 AM

I did like using Fast Frett the couple times i tried it. It make playing the bass so much easier if your hands happen to get clammy.

I really like the alcohol wipes idea! I'm definitely going to buy some of those.

Great ideas!

BIG CHEETO · #6 05-08-2010, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snyderz

Man, your avatar is freaking me out.

HAHA, naice

Essen · #7 05-08-2010, 11:53 AM

I've used fast fret before, but now I use Dunlop string cleaner & conditioner. Works just like the fast fret, but the dunlop is more like a deoderant, and lasts a lot longer. I always have a towel with me when I'm playing!

whatitstrue · #8 05-08-2010, 11:59 AM

I've always just used a cotton cloth every time I'm finished playing and wipe down the strings fret board and back of the neck...

A while back I started using the Dunlop65 Ultra glide String cleaner and conditioner and it works great you can see all the dirt and grime that comes off on the rag. They feel smother and the strings seem to last at least twice as long as just wiping them down with a clean cloth. I only ues it after every couple of sessions and i just use a cotton cloth in between.

PunkSweeper · #9 05-08-2010, 01:12 PM

Boil the strings.

Lync · #10 05-08-2010, 01:25 PM

These Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes work okay:

http://www.shopatron.com/products/pr...r=P04267/574.0

**TXLawDawg** · #11 05-08-2010, 02:11 PM

I used FF a looooong time ago and swore that it made my strings go dull a LOT quicker. Probably in my head. I just wipe my down with a cloth now. My main bass is dressed in flats now too so it's not as big of deal with gunk getting built up.

PunkSweeper · #12 05-08-2010, 04:48 PM

Boil the strings? It actually works.

tomwilliams1983 · #13 05-08-2010, 05:29 PM

Dont boil the strings, water can cause them to rust.
Leaving them in methylated spirits/denatured alcohol overnight will clean out all the gunk and leave them good as new.

paulygonemad · #14 05-08-2010, 05:38 PM

I use to boil, switched to the denatured alcohol bath. Now I just use the Fast Fret stuff. It works well for me.

BIG CHEETO · #15 05-08-2010, 05:45 PM

I'm going to get the Ernie ball wipes. Just for the cleaning, then I'm wipping the strings down with a T-shirt. Thanks guys.

tjmdetroit · #16 05-23-2010, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG CHEETO

I would like to know if anyone has any tips on maintaining bass strings clean after playing the bass. Ive seen stuff on the market like Fast Frett, and a a few spray can type deals.

Does anyone have any recommendations or tips on cleaning bass strings after use?

This works great...I just use the tube not that hooky thingy....fill the tube with denatured alcohol...slide the dirty strings in (I put em in eye first so I can grab with something) let em sit for a bit....(I left a set in for a month one time....) then restring em. On the other hand I heard that James Jamerson had a real funky bass....He liked the sound of dirty strings!!!!
tjm

http://www.tunemybass.com/strings/ba...ning_tube.html

blr2 · #17 05-24-2010, 07:13 AM

Boiling does work, but I use soaking in ispropyl alcohol. The rerason I use this instead of ethyl alcohol is that it is cheaper (no excise duty on it) and because it contains almost no water. Ethyl alcohol sold at drugstores tipically contains 5-30% water. It has been reported that the core of some strings is not made of stainless steel and is prone to rusting after boiling.
Be careful, alcohols are extremely flammable! NEVER heat the stuff. I just leave the strings in alcohol, for several hours, at room temperature away from sources of heat and flame, then wipe them and let them dry for another 2-3 hours. Forks for me.

oyobass · #18 05-24-2010, 12:49 PM

I have used Fast Fret - twice. Once a long time ago, and the second a couple months ago. That made me remember why I don't use the stuff! I couldn't wait to trash the dead remains of my once wonderful sounding strings.

**TXLawDawg** · #19 05-24-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oyobass

I have used Fast Fret - twice. Once a long time ago, and the second a couple months ago. That made me remember why I don't use the stuff! I couldn't wait to trash the dead remains of my once wonderful sounding strings.

Glad I'm not the only one with the same experience...

oyobass · #20 05-25-2010, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXLawDawg

Glad I'm not the only one with the same experience...

I'm halfway tempted to try the Dunlop stuff, but having to buy a new set of strings for my 6-er would make that an expensive experiment!