Strings die with sweating hands...

BSL · #1 07-19-2011, 12:33 PM

Guys! I am having almost a serious problem with my sweating hands. My strings won't last longer than 3 weeks because of sweats. Any good suggestions arround?

stflbn · #2 07-19-2011, 12:35 PM

Clean them well afterwards. Alcohol soak for a day helps also. I keep several sets of strings in a rotation.

IconBasser · #3 07-19-2011, 12:37 PM

get rid of the source of the problem. In this case, the source of your problem is your hands. Therefore, you must get rid of your hands. Chop them off and replace them with some spiffy prosthetics.

that's the only solution I could come up with

JustDavid · #4 07-19-2011, 07:09 PM

I don't think that strings die unless they break. 'Objectionable treble loss from oxidation' I can accept.

I'd guess Flats or Tapes aren't really your sound. Perhaps a coated string like Elixirs?

paganjack · #5 07-19-2011, 07:11 PM

Coated strings are a nice solution, although it's still not perfect. It happens to a lot of us, i kill normal strings after like 3 hours. If you can get used to flats, you will at least have a consistent tone.

XtheDeadPawn · #6 07-19-2011, 07:15 PM

Dean Markley Blue Steels.

I got sweaty hands too unlike you though I can't afford to change them but, once every couple of months.

lowendgenerator · #7 07-19-2011, 07:23 PM

Denatured alcohol for 24 hours, 95% of your zing returns.

Lucky Strike · #8 07-19-2011, 07:24 PM

I do the denatured alcohol too.. it works

funknasty · #9 07-19-2011, 07:35 PM

Denatured works!!!!!!!!!

MN_Bass · #10 07-19-2011, 07:40 PM

I have the same problem, I've had excellent luck with Dunlop nickels, I've had a set on for two months and still sound great.

Melik · #11 07-19-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

get rid of the source of the problem. In this case, the source of your problem is your hands. Therefore, you must get rid of your hands. Chop them off and replace them with some spiffy prosthetics.

that's the only solution I could come up with

Yeah, I'm sorry dude but this is the way you should proceed

kander · #12 07-19-2011, 08:02 PM

As mentioned already, soak in denatured alcohol. I have hyperhidrosis and this trick works wonders.

Al3x · #13 07-19-2011, 08:24 PM

My personal suggestion is to wear wristbands. I do it, and it helps somewhat. I personally think you should do it in conjunction with the alcohol thing.

But that's just me.

David1234 · #14 07-19-2011, 08:34 PM

Okay this's going to sound weird but I trained my hands not to sweat.

Okay ... not to sweat very much.

I found that greasy hands sweat more, and that 'clean' sweat is less evil to the strings than greasy sweat.

So I always start with a really really clean bass, since if the bass is already a bit oily, I'll start sweating. Also if I've just had coffee or alcohol or greasy food I wash my hands with soap and wipe them dry.

Eliminating any grease/alcohol/sweat from my hands before touching the bass, and keeping the bass clean, extended my string life massively.

All the above suggestions can help too (except chopping the hands off!). I haven't found a set of coated strings that sound quite as good as uncoated although DR black beauties and Warwick EMP strings do come close, and they resist sweat really well.

Dubista · #15 07-19-2011, 08:37 PM

Washing your hands before you start playing. (: it works for me.

iiipopes · #16 07-19-2011, 08:46 PM

Three weeks? Ha! When I was gigging regularly and rehearsing almost every weekend not gigging, I'd change the E string once per weekend and the rest of the set every other weekend. Count yourself lucky they last as long as they do.

HMZ · #17 07-20-2011, 04:05 AM

I have the same problem with my sweaty mits. I started using D'Addario EXP coated strings. They seem to last a lot longer and sound great.

tabdog · #18 07-20-2011, 06:01 AM

Sweat bands and keeping your hands clean
won't help much when sweat is pouring out
of every pour like a faucet. I mean it runs
off my head, neck chest, shoulders and
elbows.

No way a wrist band can cope with that.

The bass is gonna get coated with body fluid.

I'm old now and don't do it like I used to.

But when we played, we gave it all we knew
how to.

I bought lots of strings back then. Now they
last for a long time,

Tabdog

staindbass · #19 07-20-2011, 06:20 AM

alcohol leaves a residue, boil in water to get 97% zing back

Epidrake · #20 07-20-2011, 07:05 AM

Denatured alcohol can not leave a residue. It's pure alcohol.

With all due respect, if you are sweating that much, you should see a doctor. They have new treatments today for hyperhidrosis that really work.