How to create a string cleaning contraption using Denatured alcohol

addylewis · #1 06-06-2006, 08:01 AM

Just wondering - for those of you that clean your strings with this method...did you make a "string cleaning thing"? - and if so, HOW did you make it and what with? (do you use some hosepipe with a cork glued with waterproof glue in the end for example...)

Turock · #2 06-06-2006, 08:16 AM

I haven't done it, but I remember a thread with people using PVC pipe.

Diego · #3 06-06-2006, 08:17 AM

there are many threads covering the topic.

addylewis · #4 06-06-2006, 08:51 AM

I know...but i remember someone saying they made something using a length of pipe and theres SO much stuff on "Denatured Alcohol" it takes AGES to look through them...someone said it worked better if they arent coiled up or touching each other and they'd made some tube to put them in - just wondering what stuff they used to seal off the end of it...SURELY the alcohol would just eat through superglue and go all over the floor wouldn't it?

Diego · #5 06-06-2006, 08:58 AM

OK, this is how I've done it and works well: Get a big tupperware dish. (make surte it is hermetic). Place the strings colied and fill with alcohol. Cover, let simmer overnight, air dry your strings and re-strung your bass.

Alternatively, get a 1 inch diameter PVC tube that is at least 36 inches long. In the same hardware satore, ask someone to place a PVC plug at one end and a threaded adapter (male) on the other end so you can screw-on a female cap. Buy a tiny screw-on hook and screw it on a cork. Glue the cork to the inside of the female PVC cap without obstructing the threads. Hang the strings' ball ends in the hook and fill the tube with alcohol. Inmerse the strings and securely cap the tube. Simmer overnight again...and well you know the rest.

addylewis · #6 06-06-2006, 09:02 AM

Cool - Cheers dude!

JJBACOOMBA · #7 06-06-2006, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diego

OK, this is how I've done it and works well: Get a big tupperware dish. (make surte it is hermetic). Place the strings colied and fill with alcohol. Cover, let simmer overnight, air dry your strings and re-strung your bass.

Alternatively, get a 1 inch diameter PVC tube that is at least 36 inches long. In the same hardware satore, ask someone to place a PVC plug at one end and a threaded adapter (male) on the other end so you can screw-on a female cap. Buy a tiny screw-on hook and screw it on a cork. Glue the cork to the inside of the female PVC cap without obstructing the threads. Hang the strings' ball ends in the hook and fill the tube with alcohol. Inmerse the strings and securely cap the tube. Simmer overnight again...and well you know the rest.

I've done it similar to Diego. I used a round tupperware bowl ,with top. I coiled the strings and filled to just above the strings and let sit overnight or even two days at times. I then take them out and individualy run them through a clean towel. Amazing all the gunk and such that comes off. Then I just restring and put the other set in the bowl. I can usually get by with doing each set aprrox 4 or 5 times. Sometimes I change my srtings each night. But after a while they will only last a couple of sets before you can hear the difference.Then I buy a new set.

fenderx55 · #8 06-06-2006, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diego

Alternatively, get a 1 inch diameter PVC tube that is at least 36 inches long. In the same hardware satore, ask someone to place a PVC plug at one end and a threaded adapter (male) on the other end so you can screw-on a female cap. Buy a tiny screw-on hook and screw it on a cork. Glue the cork to the inside of the female PVC cap without obstructing the threads. Hang the strings' ball ends in the hook and fill the tube with alcohol. Inmerse the strings and securely cap the tube. Simmer overnight again...and well you know the rest.

That's how I do it, kinda. I didn't bother with the threaded stuff. I found some plumber's helper lying around (I think that's what it's called... the purple stuff that bonds pvc) so I got 2 end caps, I bonded one onto the PVC then I keep the other one free and it pops on and off.

for the record, I haven't seen any difference between soaking them overnight or for just a couple hours.

NJL · #9 06-06-2006, 12:10 PM

I use an unused paint can (1 gallon) instead of the tupperware (my wife was getting pissed).

anonymous278347457 · #10 06-06-2006, 12:15 PM

I use a empty tin for baby powder milk.

Im planning on having a smaller tin with holes in that i can dunk into the bigger tin.

this way i can hang up the smaller tin and wait for the alcohol to evapourate, rather than get the strings out induvidually and hang them up

Diego · #11 06-06-2006, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJL

[I use an unused paint can (1 gallon)]... instead of the tupperware [b](my wife was getting pissed)[B/].

LOL, been there!!! NOw I have my own exclusive tupperware dish appropriately labeled "for string cleaning only, not for human consumption"

NJL · #12 06-06-2006, 12:45 PM

Yeah, my wife was getting too drunk while eating leftovers..she couldn't figure it out.

Diego · #13 06-06-2006, 12:47 PM

Alan U · #14 06-06-2006, 04:49 PM

What? No sticky-backed plastic?
You'll never get your 'Blue Peter' badge like that

addylewis · #15 06-06-2006, 06:26 PM

Right - I've just bought a length of hosepipe...any tips on how to securely seal the end?

BuffaloBass · #16 06-06-2006, 06:42 PM

I simply used a wallpaper tray. You know its around 3 1/2'" long X 6" x 6". Simply laid the strings in the alcohol and covered with alum foil so the stuf didnt evaporate. Too easy.

dcr · #17 06-06-2006, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderx55@yahoo

That's how I do it, kinda. I didn't bother with the threaded stuff. I found some plumber's helper lying around (I think that's what it's called... the purple stuff that bonds pvc) so I got 2 end caps, I bonded one onto the PVC then I keep the other one free and it pops on and off.

This is exactly what I did as well. Worked great!

My question is this: where do I get denatured alcohol in bigger containers? My local Wally-World doesn't sell it -- all they have is paint thinners, lacquer thinner, and mineral spirits. No alky. I found high-quality stuff at a drugstore once, but it was EXPENSIVE! I used that till it was gone, but I'd like to get something in a quart/half-gallon size.

Thanks in advance!

dcr

Scalestein · #18 06-06-2006, 07:39 PM

I have found a gallon of denatured alcohol at my local home depot, check there or other large hardware stores

addylewis · #19 06-07-2006, 08:26 AM

...is it worth trying to put a rubber bung in the end of it?? - just I don't know what to use...it'll probably be something covered in glue - maybe blue-tack? what you reckon, would bluetack work?

Dkerwood · #20 06-07-2006, 08:33 AM

String... cleaning you say?

What a novel idea. I just change my strings when they get dull enough to annoy me. Usually happens about once a year.

I tried cleaning an old set once, just to see what would happen. Stuck them in vinegar overnight. Didn't do much.