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Boiled my strings for the first time....Holy Sh*t
- Thread starter SlapPopBass
- Start date
I know that people run vinegar through coffee pots to clean them so this may indeed work. The down side is the odor. When I clean my coffee pot like this, I take it outside to do it. Now if I were to put the coiled strings down in the pot to soak for four hours ( coffee pot turns off automatically after four hours) it may work. But, like I said, the strings may smell horrible after doing this.
As far as baking soda goes, it's just the way I was told to do it back 40 years ago. We would also use baking soda and water to clean battery terminals, it dissolves the corrosion immediately. I never had any problem doing it.
My preferences: 1) buy new strings 2) soak in denatured alcohol.
I used to do it before I realized that the "new string" sound doesn't work for me. Now I just leave my cruddy, dead strings alone.
It's not rocket science. Boiling strings will get rid of the gunk accumulation. So they will sound clearer, but you will notice as you put them back on, that they are flattened where they touched the frets and it is very hard to get them in the exact same position. So they will be a little more flattened around the circumference. So don't expect them to be like new, but they will sound much better for a while. About making them prone to breakage, I dought that boiling water can weaken brass or steel unless it's overdone. JMO
It seems reasonable boiling would weaken the strings. You're basically heat treating the metal. Without knowing the specific metallurgy of the strings, it's hard to say what a specific temperature would do, but several minutes above 212 degrees is bound to have an effect. What's not clear to me is whether it's the cleaning action or the heat treatment that revives the mids and highs. If cleaning alone would do it, I would think any good solvent could wake up the strings. I'd avoid vinegar because it's acidic and will encourage corrosion. Or at a minimum, follow vinegar with a baking soda solution to neutralize it. But when you get to that point, I'd rather just invest in a new set of strings.
I used to do this all the time back in the day. Never had a string break, but admittedly they lose a little bit of body.
I generally boiled them until I could see the water bubble up with grime which is all the sweat, dirt and skin that kills them in the first place - which only took a couple of minutes. Lay out a flannel towel to put the strings on, and get a hairdryer to dry them properly and also so they don't cool down to quick.
I generally boiled them until I could see the water bubble up with grime which is all the sweat, dirt and skin that kills them in the first place - which only took a couple of minutes. Lay out a flannel towel to put the strings on, and get a hairdryer to dry them properly and also so they don't cool down to quick.
Any more, I just keep my strings wiped down regularly when I'm playing. I also use Elixirs, which for me last longer than any other string I've ever used.
I'm not a fan of that real zingy sound, either. I like some brights, but the mids are more important. Many years ago, it seemed we needed that high end to get some cut in our sound. Better instruments and electronics now, I suppose.
I'm not a fan of that real zingy sound, either. I like some brights, but the mids are more important. Many years ago, it seemed we needed that high end to get some cut in our sound. Better instruments and electronics now, I suppose.
I never boiled strings
To increase string life I wipe down my strings (and neck) after each playing session and always put my bass back in the case.
If you play a lot you will need to change strings more frequently. It is what it is. I've been able to find great prices on new strings online.
To increase string life I wipe down my strings (and neck) after each playing session and always put my bass back in the case.
If you play a lot you will need to change strings more frequently. It is what it is. I've been able to find great prices on new strings online.
Yeah I'll just pony up the $7-$12 for a new set of strings before going through all this tomfoolery.
How is taking an extra five minutes (you only need to boil your strings for ninety seconds or so) "tomfoolery"? And do you throw out your old strings or do you at least recycle them (send them to guys who don't have a problem boiling their strings)?
You've got the strings off already, why not just put new ones on instead of the same old ones? They've already got fret divots in them, you can't fix that with boiling. Plus when you loosen the strings, all the gunk gets locked in the windings..boiling won't fix that. Plus does the term 'metal fatigue' mean anything to you? By constantly loosening and tightening the strings you are fatiguing the metal, boiling won't fix that.
So yes. Tomfoolery. Knock yourself out, though if you enjoy doing it. I'd rather just not eat out lunch one day and buy a new set of strings.
Heat causes metal to expand, thus helping release the gunk. It's not tomfoolery, it's science.
Metal fatigue? I haven't broken a string in probably ten years. Divots? Depends on the strings and how long they've been on. I kill strings quickly so I can get a couple of boils out of them without divots being an issue. And the strings I favour, unfortunately, are not available for a mere $7-$12. Well, I guess one man's tomfoolery is another man's cost-saving device.
- Jan 12, 2011
- 4,578
- 2,460
- Disclosures
- Artist, Trickfish Amplification Bartolini Emerging Artist, MTD Kingston Emerging Artist. Artist, Tsunami Cables
I've done it plenty of times and I'm an old azz bass player. Soon after the strings go right back to sounding dull again. There is nothing like putting on a new set of strings. I'm one who likes the zing and piano tone of a fresh set of new SS strings. I get my strings from bass strings online and can get a set of 5 for a decent price. I put a new set of D'addario Pro Steels on both of my Brutes for like $34.00 ($17 ea). And was a happy camper. I've tried baking soda, dawn, alcohol, windex with vinegar you name it and it works for just a day or two.
mmbongo, I am also curious as to what strings you use for $7-$12. The two cheapest I have seen are Hartke strings and the Musician's Friend strings.
3 words ... GHS fast fret ...... my d'addarrios stay bright for a long time and when they finally go dark its truly time for new strings.
Seems I have to post this every other week or so
$12.05/set
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$10.90/set
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Many sets starting at $7/set
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