String problem - is there a resolution?

Niskamies · #1 11-21-2005, 01:24 PM

I use a Sadowsky MS5 as my main bass, and I am having some major difficulties with the strings: the strings loose all of their brightness and clarity after about a week of playing. I have tried several sets of Sadowsky Stainless steel strings, and one set of EBS steel strings. They both lost the clarity and brightness in about a week.

I thought that the problem was caused by me putting the strings on wrond. I changes a couple of sets with advice from pro-players, but it didn't help.

I try to wash my hands everytime I play, but it is not possible everytime. My bass teacher has had a set of DRs on his Fender for a long time, and they still have the clarity.

So, is the problem in:

a) the bass
b) the strings
c) the player

Should I try a set of coated strings, eg. Elixirs?

Slater · #2 11-21-2005, 01:32 PM

Why not try the same DRs that your teacher is using and see how long they last for you?...

NJL · #3 11-21-2005, 01:56 PM

You may have a high acid content from your oils in your hands - it's OK, many of us do.

Seach on TB "denatured alcohol" - works for me.

Niskamies · #4 11-21-2005, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slater

Why not try the same DRs that your teacher is using and see how long they last for you?...

He uses EBS strings on his other basses, and they seem to also last for long periods of time. I'm eventually probably going to test some DRs.

Niskamies · #5 11-21-2005, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJL

You may have a high acid content from your oils in your hands - it's OK, many of us do.

Seach on TB "denatured alcohol" - works for me.

I did a search, but I'm not totally certain what to do.

Do I have to take the set out of the bass and soak in denatured alcohol, or is it effective enough to rub the strings with a cloth soaked in alcohol?

NJL · #6 11-21-2005, 02:51 PM

You could wipe the strings with the DA, but I wouldn't - I wouldn't want to get any on the fretboard...

What I do is rotate my strings...I keep a set in the DA while using another set. I use a paint can (not paint in there

- you can find these at Home Depot or Lowes - they are just unused 1 gallon paint cans with no labels) and fill it with DA. The whole set up shouldn't cost you more than $15.

wcmatn01 · #7 11-21-2005, 03:23 PM

You may want to carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in your gig bag and use some before you play. These products tend to be alcohol based, so it will help to dry up the oils in your hands.

Niskamies · #8 11-22-2005, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcmatn01

You may want to carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in your gig bag and use some before you play. These products tend to be alcohol based, so it will help to dry up the oils in your hands.

Thansk! Gotta try that one, also.

If I really have high acid content in the oils in my hands, will Elixiris be able to last?

maurilio · #9 11-22-2005, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJL

You could wipe the strings with the DA, but I wouldn't - I wouldn't want to get any on the fretboard...

What I do is rotate my strings...I keep a set in the DA while using another set. I use a paint can (not paint in there

- you can find these at Home Depot or Lowes - they are just unused 1 gallon paint cans with no labels) and fill it with DA. The whole set up shouldn't cost you more than $15.

+1

...and... if you like stainless steel, Sadowsky SS are the strings for your Sadowsky... at least this is my experience after trying several different kind of strings! And they last... (I think the "problem" is indeed on the chemical of your sweat)

'nice week

Mo'

Niskamies · #10 11-24-2005, 04:03 AM

I went 'shopping' today, and bought 1 liter of Sinol. I'm going to soak my strings in it during the next night. I have high hopes on the effect.

I also bought a 250 ml bottle of hand sanitizer (Neo-Amisept) and I'll wash my hands with it before playing.

I really hope that this resolves my problem. But only time will tell.