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Best bass string cleaner?
- Thread starter BenWhoPlaysBass
- Start date
I will have to try this. Doesn't leave any residue at all? And does it make them zing like a new set?
makes a huge improvement.. it was there in an old bass player magazine issue
That sounds good, but if i'm not sure then i would just use that on an old pair that isn't at all good, dead.
I find that just wiping my strings down with a cloth after playing gives me the best results. Most string cleaners don't seem to do much for me.... Gibson, EBMM Wonder Wipes, etc.
Actually, I think the Wonder Wipes actually deaden my tone on brand new strings.
If I wipe them down, I get 4-6 weeks out of a set. I generally buy in bulk (10 sets at a time), so it isn't that much $$$$ over a year. I couldn't b bothered with boiling or D.A.
Actually, I think the Wonder Wipes actually deaden my tone on brand new strings.
If I wipe them down, I get 4-6 weeks out of a set. I generally buy in bulk (10 sets at a time), so it isn't that much $$$$ over a year. I couldn't b bothered with boiling or D.A.
One square for all 4 strings - as long as there isn't any visible dirt on the cloth. If both my basses are out I'll do them both with the one square. I like to wrap the entire string to make sure it gets a good coat. Then a quick wipe with a clean t-shirt. I even use them on new strings for lube and preservation.
Cool, thanks. That's what I've been doing but wasn't sure if I should've been using more.
I left a set in the metho for a few days & that set did break one string.
Since then I've only left strings in for 24hrs & had no probs at all
I would think if it can have that effect on metal, wouldn't it eventually eat through the can it's in?
In any event, I've been doing it for 10 years and never had it result in a broken string. But I have never tried it on strings I've been using for more than a couple months.
In any event, I've been doing it for 10 years and never had it result in a broken string. But I have never tried it on strings I've been using for more than a couple months.
I've never had a problem with breaking strings after soaking them in meths, it works really well for bringing back the zing too.
I also use fast fret regularly, and I can go for at least 8 weeks before I feel the need to clean my strings again
I also use fast fret regularly, and I can go for at least 8 weeks before I feel the need to clean my strings again
I've been using Bass Brites but feel like trying something new. I'm thinking of trying out GHS Fast Fret since they are cheaper and looks faster to apply. I really like a deep, mellow tone so getting a bright new string sound is not really what I'm going for. I just want something that will clean my strings. Is there any major differences between fast fret and Brites?
The critical part of boiling strings is they have to be wiped dry after boiling and then complete the drying process by putting them in an oven on Low for 15 minutes. If they aren't dried thoroughly, the residual moisture causes them to oxidize rather quickly and they don't sound 'new' for very long.
And WD-40 will Instantly kill the sound of your strings. You're just loading the windings with light weight oil.
And WD-40 will Instantly kill the sound of your strings. You're just loading the windings with light weight oil.
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By my experience Bass Brites work brilliantly for cleaning on flatwounds and to a lesser extent on rounds.
IMO, the fabric doesn't get right down between the windings on rounds. This is less of an issue with flatwounds.
+1 for GHS Fast Fret for preserving bass strings. I use it after every time I play.
Clean hands before starting to play is a big plus for string life too.
Occasionally I'll boil strings when they are reaching the limit of their lifespan. It works fine.
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By my experience Bass Brites work brilliantly for cleaning on flatwounds and to a lesser extent on rounds.
IMO, the fabric doesn't get right down between the windings on rounds. This is less of an issue with flatwounds.
+1 for GHS Fast Fret for preserving bass strings. I use it after every time I play.
Clean hands before starting to play is a big plus for string life too.
Occasionally I'll boil strings when they are reaching the limit of their lifespan. It works fine.
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Its a solvent for certain materials. Not for nickel and stainless steel. Its not a 'universal' solvent.
Water is also a solvent.
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Tone Finger Ease spray is good too, but I don't like the fact that most of it is wasted (in my opinion) on the fretboard when you spray the strings.
Yeah, ok, they claim it preserves the fretboard, blah blah blah.....
But here's another little "tip" for GHS Fast Fret users:
Buy yourself a can of Tone Finger Ease spray.
Once the Fast Fret pad is almost dry give it a spray with the Finger Ease and use that to wipe the strings over.
You get the benefits of Finger Ease without the waste.
I've been doing this now for a couple of years with no side effects whatsoever!
Tone Finger Ease spray is good too, but I don't like the fact that most of it is wasted (in my opinion) on the fretboard when you spray the strings.
Yeah, ok, they claim it preserves the fretboard, blah blah blah.....
But here's another little "tip" for GHS Fast Fret users:
Buy yourself a can of Tone Finger Ease spray.
Once the Fast Fret pad is almost dry give it a spray with the Finger Ease and use that to wipe the strings over.
You get the benefits of Finger Ease without the waste.
I've been doing this now for a couple of years with no side effects whatsoever!
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