Cleaner Strings

[DanRJBrasil]

usually these kind of oily conditioner/cleaner dull the string sound, boiling is not that bad is you put in the oven for a 30 minutes at the minimum temp, to take the water out of your strings, as the alcohol rub does not really clean throughly on the windings

 

[Greevus]

I hate Fast Fret. Puts oil into the strings and deadens them. Get a microfiber cloth and a bottle of alcohol. If you are gumming up during playing that is. Just don't let grease n stuff stay on there long. I have boiled strings for years and rust has NEVER been a problem. Get the water boiling, then drop 'em in. Pull 'em out and dry them well. I will even wipe with alcohol after the bath and then dry them really well. Boiling is cheap and it seems to get the grease loosened and you can just wipe it off.

 

[EagleMoon]

I've used isopropyl alcohol on a rag for decades and it's worked great. Cleans out the gunk and only costs a buck a bottle.

 

[John Wentzien]

A few drops of ZIPPO lighter fluid on the corner of a bar-rag...Wrap it around the string and run it up and down a few times...really gets the "peanut-butter" off good!

 

[jkramer5]

What ever yo do don't boil them. Not only will the strings become damaged and immediately rust, but if the pot you boil them in happens to be made of stainless steel or nickel, it will break and rust too. shesh.

 

[EagleMoon]

A few drops of ZIPPO lighter fluid on the corner of a bar-rag...Wrap it around the string and run it up and down a few times...really gets the "peanut-butter" off good!

Doesn't that make your bass smell like a barbeque grill?

 

[John Wentzien]

"Aqua Velva" works in a pinch!

 

[PastorofMuppets]

I use denatured alcohol.

I swap out sets of strings in keep old sets in the bath.
dry them and swap. good as new for a couple swap outs then it doesnt work any more but hey bass strings are farking expensive.

 

[John Wentzien]

Doesn't that make your bass smell like a barbeque grill?

I wish it would!

 

[EagleMoon]

I wish it would!

Only if it comes with a fat, juicy steak.

 

[John Wentzien]

My bass smells like BBQ most of the time anyway....'Till I clean the strings with Aqua Velva!

 

[EagleMoon]

My bass smells like BBQ most of the time anyway....'Till I clean the strings with Aqua Velva!

Then you smell like the... ~sings~ Aqua Velva Man!!!

 

[John Wentzien]

Stanley Clarke uses "Skin-Bracer" on his Rotos!...Not Kidding!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52286 here's the thread.

 

[tjmdetroit]

I've used isopropyl alcohol on a rag for decades and it's worked great. Cleans out the gunk and only costs a buck a bottle.

and tastes gud toooo.

 

[treekiller]

If you do boil your strings DO NOT use a pot that you will cook with!!! I've heard of boiling them in white vinegar also.....

 

[oyobass]

When I used to boil strings, I would add dishwashing machine detergent to the water to help cut through the grease and crud.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

usually these kind of oily conditioner/cleaner dull the string sound, boiling is not that bad is you put in the oven for a 30 minutes at the minimum temp, to take the water out of your strings, as the alcohol rub does not really clean throughly on the windings

What? No.

Prolonged heat changes the structure of metal. This is why you can only do the boiling once or twice before the strings become brittle.

Water can get trapped inside the microscopic opening between coils and cores (your thicker strings have more than one wrap on them).

 

[fearceol]

A few drops of ZIPPO lighter fluid on the corner of a bar-rag...Wrap it around the string and run it up and down a few times...really gets the "peanut-butter" off good!

Yep, lighter fuel works well. Sometimes I use methylated spirit (denatured alcohol in the USA), being careful to protect the fret board. Then a quick wipe dry with a clean cloth. A lot cheaper than wipes and just as good IMO.

As for "Fast Fret" putting oil on strings : I thought the idea of cleaning them was to remove dirt and oil in order to maintain a brighter tone

Besides, are you not applying your own natural oil from your fingers as you play ??


On the subject of "your fingers", washing your hands before playing can go a long way towards helping strings last longer.

 

[wimpy]

I'v try everything, fast-fret, dipping strings in alcohol or other luquids, boiling (best way is water with little vinegar). Until today I was useing bicycle cleaner "cyclo-star" or "Pedro's" (hot shower than cyklo spray usualy-repeat three times)...Today I went to the shop with ultrasound cleaning machines...well they clean my strings in a couple of minutes. Surprising result!...strings are again in good condition ready for slap...realy happy with that

czech language only:
Link Removed

 

[guroove]

On the subject of "your fingers", washing your hands before playing can go a long way towards helping strings last longer.

Funny, I usually try to practice my bass immediately after eating some greasy chicken when I have new strings on it.

As for Fast Fret... It's interesting stuff. Immediately after using it, I definitely notice a little added brightness, but I also find that it can accelerate the break in process on brand new strings.