CONFESSIONS OF A STRING KILLER!!

Moosehead1966 · #1 09-30-2009, 06:17 PM

Any and all help & guidance will be welcomed..

I love the sound and feel of new strings on my Spector NS-2J. Unfortunately, this sound seems short-lived. One practice with diligent post-play wipe down does not impact the resulting deadness experienced the next time the case is opened.

Yes, I have researched the numerous threads resulting in my determination that I must be cursed with acidic sweat (I am a "perspiring-sweaty" bass player.

I boil, clean and pray to no avail.

What about the coated strings (Elixirs, new Slinkys'), My gauge used: 45-105.

Any help...Please..

IntrepidCellist · #2 09-30-2009, 08:14 PM

I use Elixirs on my 4s, they last forever and sound "new" for a long time.

Freez · #3 10-01-2009, 09:53 AM

If you are currently using nickle strings, switch to stainless. Made a world of difference in my string life, seriously the difference is unbelievable!

ransombass · #4 10-01-2009, 10:40 AM

My son is cursed with caustic sweat as well. He can kill a set of strings faster than anyone that I've ever known. He even kills stainless strings quickly. He started using coated strings and can now get 3-4 gigs and the associated rehearsals out of one set. I'm not sure what brand he's using but he's been pleased so far. I, on the other hand, can get the same out of my D'Addario Pro-Steels with no problem.

Double Agent · #5 10-01-2009, 11:47 AM

What strings are you using now? I have noticed that some strings die quicker than other. Ernie Balls and D'addario ProSteels, IME, tend to die pretty quickly. But, if you are using DR strings or D'addario XLs and they are still dying that fast, then is probably does have something to do with your body chemsitry.

There are many choices for coated strings now, Elixers, DR, Cleartone, and Ernie Ball seem to be the most popular. I have no personal experience with them, but I prefer DRs in general over other strings. If you find a solution, you should post it here.

TrevorOfDoom · #6 10-01-2009, 11:50 AM

DR coated FTW!!

Moosehead1966 · #7 10-01-2009, 02:10 PM

Thanks to all.. This is a great place for a bass player to hang!!

Regarding string type, I have only had my Spector bolt-on for a few months and had ordered the Spector nickels (3 sets). I probably should have investigated that first!?! I was so worried about changing anything (e.g. string type, tapered E string, impact on truss etc.). I think that, although I have always killed strings quickly, these might be duds (also the nickel playing a part).

I ended up having to have a set-up done anyways so..Might as well look at options leading to strings lasting longer that two practices + one gig.

I'm excited about the change to coated strings... REALLY intrigued about the DRs' and Elixirs.

Any opinions on "pros & cons" of each?

Also, I'm thinking of making that "string cleaning tube" that uses the denatured alcohol... Can these be used with coated strings..Common sense would indicate a big fat "No" on that one! Either way, I'm tired of taking them off, bioling them, putting back on, fine-tuning the intonation only to repeat the procedure ina couple of days..

Thanks to all,

Marc

Moosehead1966 · #8 10-02-2009, 04:56 PM

Follow up: I have purchased a set of Elixirs.. Going to re-string tonight.. Excited to determine over the course of the next few weeks how they last... I do have practices and a gig so we'll see.

As an aside... I live in Canada, in a boder city (Michigan--Soo). The Elixirs were in the music store (Canadian Soo). Both my kids take lessons there and I have a good relationship with the staff. I had to be honest and tell them that I could get the strings WAY cheaper by ordering (e.g. Musician's Friend) and having delivered "across the bridge.. $$ difference: U.S. : $39.99----Canadian @store: $62.00 ...... They lowered the price to $50 Canadian.. I don't mind supporting local in that case even knowing that with the exchange and free shipping I would still save over $10 with the other option.. I know this is off topic BUT.. I have saved a lot of cash buying U.S. and having shipped over the border...Especially with the dollar difference being fairly minimal...

Anyways, I have high hopes for the Elixirs..

Marc

tomwilliams1983 · #9 10-02-2009, 05:04 PM

leave the strings in denatured alcohol for 24 hours
works absolutely amazingly
you can keep doing it till they wear down from the frets

Moosehead1966 · #10 10-03-2009, 11:55 PM

Update: I have put on the Elixirs'..Wow.. I was able to intonate like a gem.. Consistent as all heck compared to the Spector "stock" strings I had purchased.. Makes you wonder why "top notch" guitar builders "pitch" 2nd rate strings....

Either way, the strings have thus far responded accurately and evenly through set-up..Next test: practice and gig.........

alembic5 · #11 10-05-2009, 09:22 PM

I'm an Elixir user as well, for exactly the same reason. I kill strings REALLY fast. The only non-coated strings that lasted a fair amount of time are the Dean Markley SR2000's. I've been playing Elixirs since back in the days of Polyweb being the only option! I can keep a set of Elixir's sounding great for 6-9 months, where any non-coated strings are unplayably dead (my opinion, of course!) in less than 3 weeks... usually 2 practices and 1 gig. The cost is a fair amount more, but I won't buy anything else. The DR coated strings didn't seem to work at all for me. I was really hoping they would, as they sounded great out of the package! Anyhow, hope you enjoy them!