Boiling bass strings

[Tupac]

Bass strings are expensive and I am poor. Some questions about it:

1. Is it true that it ruins the pot they are boiled in?
2. Are they really EXACTLY like they were before the grim got piled on?
3. Do the strings warp or expand?

 

[paulears]

1. Is it true that it ruins the pot they are boiled in? Only if the pot has a rough surface that the grime can sit in - so it leaves a dark tidemark.
2. Are they really EXACTLY like they were before the grim got piled on? Nope, they're just as old, and the boiling can have an impact on the core. On wound strings, they need careful drying, because any moisture left within the string starts to oxidise, and that's not good.
3. Do the strings warp or expand? They shouldn't warp or get larger of you dry them properly. A friend claims better results with dry cleaning chemicals that evaporate quickly, and these chemicals are also great at removing grease and sweat.Nasty stuff, though.

 

[Joe Louvar]

FWIW: I’ve tried boiling bass strings a few times - and every time it was just a waste of time!!!

I know - I wish it worked, but it don't, so don't waste your time.

 

[scotch]

When I was younger I did this a few times. Ended up with strings that were a little brighter for a few days. So, yeah it will partially clean your strings, but don't expect miracles.

Soaking your strings in denatured alcohol is arguably a better idea. It dries better than water. Still, you aren't getting a "new" string out of the deal.

In the time it takes to boil, soak and dry your old strings you could probably mow your neighbors yard and be able to buy a brand new fresh set.

I'm not sure it's worth the time. Unless $20 to $30 is gonna bust the budget, in which case we do what we gotta do!

 

[metalstorm]

I do it all the time. It works well. Not as good as new strings, but much more resonant that dead strings.

 

[Berkowitzum]

Ive boiled the strings of my 6, 5 and 4 string bass, they really feel and sound like new. were all eballs and rotosound. still a bit rusty but sounding really new!!! what i see is that the low register frequencies are a little weak. in comparison to the new ones. but the treble is awesomw, like new ones. and the string once you prees it and play it really vibrates.. like new ones.

 

[ArvindJayaram]

This is a perfectly acceptable way to keep a set of strings going for a while. It gives them a bit of zing for a while, which could be very useful if you're playing a gig a few hours before you restring them.

Cheap? I guess that depends who you talk to about it.

 

[topo morto]

I boil strings all the time. Throw the strings out after but keep the stock for use in soups.

 

[mmbongo]

Complete waste of time. Spend the $12 for a new set.

 

[petrus61]

Complete waste of time. Spend the $12 for a new set.

Yep. No amount of boiling will improve intonation, a stressed core and worn outer windings...old strings are old strings.

 

[bass12]

Complete waste of time. Spend the $12 for a new set.

$12? Please let us in on your string source!

I boil strings all the time. For me it works fantastically. I kill strings quickly so one way or the other the "zing" in my strings isn't going to last very long (new or boiled, I'm only good for a couple of gigs before my strings start to sound dead). I usually get two or three boils out of my strings before I replace them.

 

[Jensby design]

1.no
2.no
3.no
But use alcohol instead.

 

[Ewo]

1.no
2.no
3.no
But use alcohol instead.

Yup. IME, boiling strings accomplishes little. The alcohol soak (search for TB threads on it) brings 'em back almost like new.

I routinely get three uses (new, soaked once, soaked a second time) out a set of roundwound strings.

 

[Projectile]

I've done it many times with success. It's a good idea to scrub them with dish soap and a tooth brush first to loosen up all of the grime. I can't see any reason why it would ruin a pot. After a good cleaning and boiling the strings come back to life. I wouldn't say they sound exactly new, but definitely a lot better than before boiling. Unfortunately they also tend to go dead faster. And you get diminishing returns each time you boil, so I never boil the same set of strings more than twice. I think it's worth the effort, though. It's quick and easy to do, extends the usable life of the strings, and saves some money. Go for it.

 

[Stone Soup]

I used to boil my strings, once in a while, years ago, to try and get more life from them. It isn't a good way to do things.

Save up and buy a new set, then take care of them. Wipe them down with a clean flannel cloth, when you're done playing. Get under them and all around. They should last you a good long time, if you keep them clean.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I only boiled my strings 1 time in my life. I only broke a string 1 time in my life. It was when I boiled my strings.

Suggestion:

1. Put $2 a week in an envelope.
2. Subscribe to this thread http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f171/updated-amazon-deals-part-ii-943750/.
3. Search yourself at amazon for deals on strings.
4. When a deal comes up, use the money you've been saving and buy a few sets.

That, or get a lot of great gigs and ask a string company for an endorsement.

 

[fourstringdrums]

$12? Please let us in on your string source!

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If you don't like those there are plenty of other brands for around $20 for a 4 string set.

 

[runmikeyrun]

I've boiled strings, I boiled them in 70% isopropyl alcohol. It was a very stupid thing to do. I did it because I had one more day of tracking to do in the studio, and I was so broke I could not afford to go buy a new pack of strings. I filled a small pot with the alcohol, put the strings in, and boiled for 15-20 mins. They sounded like brand new... for about an hour. Then they died again. It was just enough for me to get the last few takes on that one track.

It's basically a waste of time doing something that could potentially burn down your house. Just get a new pack and take good care of them.

 

[Right_Butterscotch64]

Rotos are only like 20-23$.

20-23$ every 1-2 months isn't that outrageous.

 

[Cycho]

1.no
2.no
3.no
But use alcohol instead.

Good point. When I'm drunk enough I don't notice that my strings are dead.

I remember an old thread on this topic where the poster tried to convince us all to boil the strings while there were still on the bass. He had me going for a while..