strings 'maintaining'

miholc · #1 09-29-2009, 11:25 AM

Hi
I am kinda frustrated. I clean my strings every single time after I end with playing. In most of time I also use Dunlop65 which I find very helpful. I wash my hands before I start playing too.
But there's a problem because after time I start to get that 'boomy' sound out of my bass with no character etc. Sometimes I even boil them for short time so dirt go off (da chef of strings)
I've heard some ppl have more aggressive sweat, maybe I am one of those :|
Or maybe I'll just have to face it? But we all know how pricey strings are, ohhh

Aussie Mark · #2 09-30-2009, 11:26 PM

Or change to flats - no maintenance required.

MIJ-VI · #3 10-01-2009, 05:41 AM

How to Clean Bass Strings

Bass Guitar Strings FAQ

Meatrus · #4 10-01-2009, 05:47 AM

How about changing string brand? Or have you already tried that? Elites seem to last forever, if you want to stick with rounds they may be worth a go.

It could be that your sweat is corroding the Nickel (if you are using Nickel plated strings), so some Stainless steel strings may last you longer.

miholc · #5 10-01-2009, 07:31 AM

Yeah I've tried different brands and ended on TI JR's. Havent tried Elites yet, but I'll get em a chance

And thx for the link MIJ-VI, I guess I wont boil them again

. TY all!

Emmaemme · #6 10-01-2009, 03:22 PM

flats? they'll never boom.

One Bad Monkey · #7 10-01-2009, 03:25 PM

How long (or short) are they lasting? Are we talking a matter of hours, a handful of gigs, a month or so of shows?

Zombbg4 · #8 10-01-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by One Bad Monkey

How long (or short) are they lasting? Are we talking a matter of hours, a handful of gigs, a month or so of shows?

+1. If its hours or a single gig then its probably "acid hands". I kill strings in no time flat which sucks because I dig a zingy string. I finally got around to trying Elixirs and they've been on my bass for about 7 months and still sound great. That's insane for me!!! Don't try the DR coated strings, those died just like the rest but Elixirs are the real deal. Expensive but worth it.

One Bad Monkey · #9 10-01-2009, 03:36 PM

Depending on my show schedule, I'll kill strings within a week (that's with playing a three hour show every day). Right now, I can get through a set within a run (about 14 shows, scattered throughout a month).

miholc · #10 10-01-2009, 03:54 PM

Yeah it is indeed my aggressive sweat :s It takes 5 or so practice sessions and strings are dead. Not to mention rehersals with band

I am afraid at that point my sweat starts to chew frets too

**251** · #11 10-01-2009, 04:21 PM

I tried many kinds of bass strings over a 10 year period. Here's what I see;
- I find that strings don't like to be re-strung. The core wire seems to change once it has been tuned to pitch, released & stretched again.
- I put on new strings whenever my tuner says the string changes 5 cents in a few minutes. I find strings last 4 to 8 months depending on how much I play. I play with a light, finger touch.
- I put a dust cover on my bass(s) when they sit in a stand or I store them in a gig bag. I don't smoke (anymore) & things stay cleaner, longer. My wife's old panty hose work well after they've been washed and had one leg stuffed inside the other.
- I always clean new strings with glass cleaner before they go on. Factories can be messy places.
- I always wind the strings with the tuners. Winding by hand twists the core wire & it vibrates in strange ways. I wind the string from the top of the post down, 3 turns. That takes about 3 1/2 inches of wire (3x the diameter of the post + another 1/2 inch)
- Nickel strings make my fingers black. Stainless does not.
- I spend about $25 on a set of 4 strings + shipping. Buying more than 1 set at a time saves on shipping.

Zombbg4 · #12 10-01-2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 251

I tried many kinds of bass strings over a 10 year period. Here's what I see;
- I find that strings don't like to be re-strung. The core wire seems to change once it has been tuned to pitch, released & stretched again.
- I put on new strings whenever my tuner says the string changes 5 cents in a few minutes. I find strings last 4 to 8 months depending on how much I play. I play with a light, finger touch.
- I put a dust cover on my bass(s) when they sit in a stand or I store them in a gig bag. I don't smoke (anymore) & things stay cleaner, longer. My wife's old panty hose work well after they've been washed and had one leg stuffed inside the other.
- I always clean new strings with glass cleaner before they go on. Factories can be messy places.
- I always wind the strings with the tuners. Winding by hand twists the core wire & it vibrates in strange ways. I wind the string from the top of the post down, 3 turns. That takes about 3 1/2 inches of wire (3x the diameter of the post + another 1/2 inch)
- Nickel strings make my fingers black. Stainless does not.
- I spend about $25 on a set of 4 strings + shipping. Buying more than 1 set at a time saves on shipping.

Thanks for the info, good stuff. Very true about re-stringing. I've also found that of the many products I've used that claim to prolong and protect string life don't do anything if you've got "acid hands", so don't waste your money. Buy a set of Elixirs instead!