Sponging Strings

dragoon419 · #1 12-17-2007, 11:30 AM

I've recently been considering building some tubes for a denatured alcohol soaking. The thing is, right now I don't have the time to buy the supplies and build the tubes.

I was wondering if, as a temporary solution, I could sponge my strings with denatured alcohol. Would it work at all?

Thanks.

DavePlaysBass · #2 12-18-2007, 02:51 AM

All you need is a bucket and a funnel. The funnel to get the alcohol back into its container when done.

dragoon419 · #3 12-18-2007, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

All you need is a bucket and a funnel. The funnel to get the alcohol back into its container when done.

You mean I just need to toss the strings into a bucket full of denatured alcohol? For how long?

Spfairchild · #4 12-18-2007, 04:50 PM

I use the tube method myself. That denatured alcohol evaporates amazingly quickly, and, you know, smells bad, so I wouldn't go the bucket route. But it really couldn't be easier to but the 3 pieces for and build the tube. All you need is some 1/2" or 3/4" diameter PVC that's about 42" or so long, and two endcaps that fit the pipe. That's it. Other than the alcohol, of course. Just permanently affix/seal one of the caps (the bottom one), and use the other one to cap the tube when you're storing alcohol/strings in there. Pretty cheap, pretty easy, and I think it actually works somewhat also!

dragoon419 · #5 12-18-2007, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spfairchild

I use the tube method myself. That denatured alcohol evaporates amazingly quickly, and, you know, smells bad, so I wouldn't go the bucket route. But it really couldn't be easier to but the 3 pieces for and build the tube. All you need is some 1/2" or 3/4" diameter PVC that's about 42" or so long, and two endcaps that fit the pipe. That's it. Other than the alcohol, of course. Just permanently affix/seal one of the caps (the bottom one), and use the other one to cap the tube when you're storing alcohol/strings in there. Pretty cheap, pretty easy, and I think it actually works somewhat also!

First, thanks. Second, how long should I keep them soaking? Third, do I use one tube for all of the strings, or one for each string?

Spfairchild · #6 12-18-2007, 11:59 PM

I keep 'em in for anywhere between 16 and 32 hours, and I have no idea whether that's a good thing or not, and I let 'em dry out for a couple hours before I put them back on. I use one tube for all the strings at the same time. I think as long as the alcohol can get in between all the strings, it's all good.

Basshole · #7 12-19-2007, 12:11 AM

I might be stating the obvious here, but what about a big coffee can?

They have plastic lids.

Coil up your strings (they come that way, after all) and toss em in to soak 'em in a covered large (properly cleaned) coffee can with some alcohol.

Take 'em out after a soak, and wipe 'em off. You can reuse the can - toss in more.

CElton · #8 12-19-2007, 08:21 AM

I actually use a mason jar and it works fine. The tubes may be better since the string is not coiled up, but I'm just speculating.

I read that some people have two sets of strings. One set on the bass and one set soaking. When it's time for a change, you swap them out. I've never tried this, but it sounds like it would work.