Cleaning Acoustic Strings

[Spinal Tapper]

Hey all!
I just got a Dean Playmate Acoustic bass for a super low price. Anyways, its used and has old strings. I don't really want to go out and buy new ones, because I like the dull sound I'm getting out of the strings that are on there currently - sounds just like an upright (w/ frets LOL).

My question - maybe a dumb one: Can I just clean the ones that are on there instead of buying new ones so I don't have to put new ones on since I already love how it sounds?

[Thor]

Soak them in rubbing alcohol for a few hours. Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Then let them dry. Reinstall.

[Spinal Tapper]

Sweet

[Buskman]

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

Hey all!
I just got a Dean Playmate Acoustic bass for a super low price. Anyways, its used and has old strings. I don't really want to go out and buy new ones, because I like the dull sound I'm getting out of the strings that are on there currently - sounds just like an upright (w/ frets LOL).

My question - maybe a dumb one: Can I just clean the ones that are on there instead of buying new ones so I don't have to put new ones on since I already love how it sounds?

If you love how it currently sounds, why mess with the formula (cleaning the strings)? You'll pretty much be eliminating the dull, upright-esque tone you have right now if you clean the strings. Like flats, some players like the tone that an old, dirty set of roundwound strings provides & the older they get the better they sound (to some, anyway).

Just my opinion...

[ehque]

Well i'm going to say that the dull upright sound has more to do with it being an acoustic bass rather than the dead strings. So go ahead and clean them, or better yet, change them. Old strings are icky.

[Spinal Tapper]

Originally Posted by Buskman

If you love how it currently sounds, why mess with the formula (cleaning the strings)? You'll pretty much be eliminating the dull, upright-esque tone you have right now if you clean the strings. Like flats, some players like the tone that an old, dirty set of roundwound strings provides & the older they get the better they sound (to some, anyway).

Just my opinion...

They basically make my fingers smell like an old oil can. That's pretty much my only complaint - I just have to wash my hands after every use...