Dressing Strings

Landy67 · #1 12-18-2012, 07:28 PM

I've been using "Fast Fret" on my guitar and mandolin strings for the past year. It keeps the strings from tarnishing and they sound bright for months. I've also gotten used to the slick, lubricated feel of the strings.

One of my basses has very coarse strings, and it's a real hard bass to fit strings. I've tried the Fast Fret, but it's nowhere near the difference you get with the thinner strings on a guitar.

So does anyone use a dressing for bass strings, and if so what do you use? Is there a quick way to break in new bass strings?

KingRazor · #2 12-18-2012, 07:52 PM

Sweat.

Landy67 · #3 12-18-2012, 08:00 PM

Where do I buy it? Is there a specific brand I should look for?

Vincent P · #4 12-18-2012, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingRazor

Sweat.

Danno1985 · #5 12-18-2012, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landy67

Is there a quick way to break in new bass strings?

You can't really mess with the good old "eat a big ol' bucket of KFC before the gig and then don't wash your hands afterwards" technique.

4-string · #6 12-19-2012, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danno1985

You can't really mess with the good old "eat a big ol' bucket of KFC before the gig and then don't wash your hands afterwards" technique.

Can't really kill that old Jaco myth, either.

JTE · #7 12-19-2012, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4-string

Can't really kill that old Jaco myth, either.

Jaco!???! He liked bright new Rotosound stainless. Now.Stephen Stills did actually say he rubbed barbeque sauce into new bass strings to make them loose the new found. It was in Guitar Player magazine around 1973 or so.

I also recall an article in Bass Player about a session player (I want to say it was a Philadelphia based player) who did mention chicken grease. The book "Studio Bass Masters" has a mention of a Memphis player who kept petroleum jelly in the studio and used itbto lubricate his fingertips. That would have a similar effect.

But never heard any mention of Jaco wanting to kill strings.

John

Hobobob · #8 12-19-2012, 06:55 AM

Maybe he meant Jamerson...
Anyways, I also use Fast Fret. Bass strings are simply bigger and have thicker windings, and so will be inherently rougher. I actually use the Fast Fret on brand new strings to sort of break them in and help tame the super bright tone, and then continue using it to maintain that almost fresh tone. But unless you try something like Pressurewounds, Groundwounds, Half-wounds, or Flatwounds, you're gonna deal with that Roundwound roughness.

4-string · #9 12-19-2012, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE

But never heard any mention of Jaco wanting to kill strings.

John

Yes, I know Jaco played bright and fresh Rotos, and that is why I said myth. Never said anything about killing strings either, but the story about Jaco using chicken grease to lube his strings is well known. And incorrect.

Landy67 · #10 12-19-2012, 11:30 AM

So what am I supposed to do with this bucket of KFC?

Party at my place! I've got plenty of beer to go with the chicken.

Danno1985 · #11 12-19-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4-string

Can't really kill that old Jaco myth, either.

Nope, haha. Funny thing is I know people who have heard the story and tried it though. Gross.

kander · #12 12-19-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE

The book "Studio Bass Masters" has a mention of a Memphis player who kept petroleum jelly in the studio and used itbto lubricate his fingertips.

I gently rub my fingers on my nose/forehead for some natural grease.

Smilodon · #13 12-19-2012, 12:53 PM

I may be crazy, but:

Find a better set of strings.

Try elixirs (coated) or maybe some GHS Pressure wound. They aren't as bright as "normal" strings, though.

Kubicki440 · #14 12-19-2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smilodon

I may be crazy, but:

Find a better set of strings.

Try elixirs (coated) or maybe some GHS Pressure wound. They aren't as bright as "normal" strings, though.

I used to use Fast Fret years ago. Found I don't need it for the Elixir strings.

AwesomeWithAQ · #15 12-19-2012, 02:06 PM

I use XLR8 by Planet Waves. Excellent cleaner/lubricant.

Stone Soup · #16 12-19-2012, 06:48 PM

The best advice I can offer is to get used to playing without lubricant. Are you using stainless steel or nickel strings? Nickel are much smoother feeling.

Landy67 · #17 12-19-2012, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stone Soup

The best advice I can offer is to get used to playing without lubricant. Are you using stainless steel or nickel strings? Nickel are much smoother feeling.

Too late... I took the advice from above, but instead of KFC, I went with Lay's potato Chips (Classic.) I decided on the potato chips because the Trans fats are much healthier, and it doesn't go rancid as fast.

SBassman · #18 12-19-2012, 08:30 PM

Someday I'm going to wipe my strings down with some McDonald's
french fries. That lube should last a lifetime.

testing1two · #19 12-19-2012, 08:57 PM

Bassbrites http://www.bassstringsonline.com/Bas...es-_p_490.html

Stone Soup · #20 12-19-2012, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landy67

Too late... I took the advice from above, but instead of KFC, I went with Lay's potato Chips (Classic.) I decided on the potato chips because the Trans fats are much healthier, and it doesn't go rancid as fast.

In that case, I recommend a mixture of silicone spray, *bacon fat and Olestra. Slather it on liberally. Rub any excess on the fretboard and the back of the neck. *Tallow can be substituted for the bacon fat.