Conditioning new strings

[babsobass]

I just installed a new set of Fender 9050ML flatwound strings on a NBD precision. After setup I noticed that the strings seem a little bit sticky. Not goopy or anything like that. I find my right hand fingers (I mostly play finger style) don't slide off the new strings effortlessly, as if the strings are slightly tacky.

Was curious if there is an easy way to condition (or clean?) new flatwounds so that the fingers slide off the strings smoothly. I would prefer a solution that doesn't involve removing the strings.

Thanks.

 

[michael_t]

Fender 9050 and D'Addario Chromes are notorious for being sticky when new. That has to do with some of the polishing compound left on them from the factory.

The best way to get rid of the gunk is to use an isopropyl alcohol wipe to clean them BEFORE INSTALLATION.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Slide some kitchen plastic wrap under your strings to protect your fingerboard.

Then wipe the strings with a clean rag dampened with alcohol, changing your rag often enough to assure you're removing contaminants and not just smearing them around.

Wipe your strings dry with a clean rag, then remove the plastic wrap, and do a final clean up with a clean rag.

 

[Doner Designs]

I use a Dunlop product. Small bottle with felt applicator inside. Wipe a few times after install and wipe off with paper towel until clean and slippery.

 

[Killing Floor]

I’ve found the LaBella DTF a little grippy when new as well. I just noticed they clean up after a couple uses.

 

[michael_t]

I’ve found the LaBella DTF a little grippy when new as well. I just noticed they clean up after a couple uses.

Based on my experience, Fender 9050 and D'A Chromes are the worst for gunk from the factory, followed closely by Ernie Ball (stainless steel). La Bella and GHS are a lot cleaner when new.

 

[babsobass]

Great suggestions. Isopropyl alcohol sounds like an easy fix (I assume it leaves no residue of its own). I can unwind the strings from the tuner posts to move them away from the rest of the bass before wiping them down. Should be no need to remove from the bridge.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I just installed a new set of Fender 9050ML flatwound strings on a NBD precision. After setup I noticed that the strings seem a little bit sticky. Not goopy or anything like that. I find my right hand fingers (I mostly play finger style) don't slide off the new strings effortlessly, as if the strings are slightly tacky.

Was curious if there is an easy way to condition (or clean?) new flatwounds so that the fingers slide off the strings smoothly. I would prefer a solution that doesn't involve removing the strings.

Thanks.

Nope. You just play them. Fenders take a week or so.

Chromes, TIs, cobalts, and rb flats are smooth out the gate. Every other flatwound string is sticky when you open the pack. They break in over time.

It's different for every type.

Pyramids take months.

LA Bellas take weeks.

Etc

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Great suggestions. Isopropyl alcohol sounds like an easy fix (I assume it leaves no residue of its own). I can unwind the strings from the tuner posts to move them away from the rest of the bass before wiping them down. Should be no need to remove from the bridge.

There's no need to "protect" your board from rubbing alcohol. It's what you use to clean it anyway. With a rosewood/Pau ferro board, just rub some mineral oil on it afterwards. With a maple board, it's got a fat coat of clear on it already. Nothing is getting in there.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

Steve Stills uses BBQ sauce... Sorry, that was really not helpful. It's late. I'm feeling a little goofy.

The Bar Band Bassman

 

[Chop11777]

I dig fender flats !! They are by far my favorite flats .
I personally take a little simple green on a folded up paper towel to them
I also give them a light rub with scotch Brite pad once they are dry
Breaks them In nicely , silky smooth
The set on my #1 I bought new in the mid 90s and they are just now starting to sound perfect!!
Enjoy !!!!

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

Great suggestions. Isopropyl alcohol sounds like an easy fix (I assume it leaves no residue of its own). I can unwind the strings from the tuner posts to move them away from the rest of the bass before wiping them down. Should be no need to remove from the bridge.

I use vodka. Helluva lot cheaper, plus it’s always laying around somewhere if I look for it.

 

[Dave Leighton]

Dean Markley Blue Steel Stainless Rounds are the same way. When I've used them I played them several hours and the stickiness goes away. Vodka idea would be my go to now...

 

[Stinga1990]

I dig fender flats !! They are by far my favorite flats .
I personally take a little simple green on a folded up paper towel to them
I also give them a light rub with scotch Brite pad once they are dry
Breaks them In nicely , silky smooth
The set on my #1 I bought new in the mid 90s and they are just now starting to sound perfect!!
Enjoy !!!!

That's one hell of a break in time!

 

[Basspaolo]

If I have no time, to speed up the process I use the Dunlop 65 String Cleaner and Conditioner

 

[el murdoque]

Nope. You just play them. Fenders take a week or so.

Chromes, TIs, cobalts, and rb flats are smooth out the gate. Every other flatwound string is sticky when you open the pack. They break in over time.

It's different for every type.

Pyramids take months.

LA Bellas take weeks.

Etc

It's also highly subjective, depending on your play style and I guess on the chemical composition of your hand sweat, plus the amount and brand of hand product you use (if any).

In my personal charts, Chromes are bad as well as Pyramids (months), but Pyramids break in a little quicker.
LaBellas are good after a week or so, Optimas take about three weeks.
TI's are great out of the box.

Does anyone here feel a certain kind of satisfaction when they managed to wrestle a particular unwieldy set of flats into submission?
When you touch a bass that has fresh flats of that particular make installed and they feel terrible - then you play your own bass where those strings have been on for a long time and they feel perfect.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Based on my experience, Fender 9050 and D'A Chromes are the worst for gunk from the factory, followed closely by Ernie Ball (stainless steel). La Bella and GHS are a lot cleaner when new.

Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats will give those 2 a run for their money. Not only sticky but will turn your hand Black and leave goop all over Bass.

 

[themickster]

There's no need to "protect" your board from rubbing alcohol. It's what you use to clean it anyway.

Um, no. You need to watch a few tutorials by luthiers. None I've watched says to use rubbing alcohol (isopropanol) on fingerboards. At least one stresses not to use it on fingerboards. Alcohol on strings, lemon oil on bare fingerboards. And no, guitar lemon oil is not made from lemons.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

Since I know from experience that a set of Chromes can be put on, taken off, put away many times before things get problematic, a couple of days ago, I took my latest set of Chromes off the tuners one by one, and lifted them far away from the bass to clean them with an alcohol wipe. I then made sure they were dry with a clean cloth. The sole problem was that the alcohol wipe had begun to dry out by the time I was onto the 4th string.

The amount of gunk removed made the performance worthwhile

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Um, no. You need to watch a few tutorials by luthiers. None I've watched says to use rubbing alcohol (isopropanol) on fingerboards. At least one stresses not to use it on fingerboards. Alcohol on strings, lemon oil on bare fingerboards. And no, guitar lemon oil is not made from lemons.

No, I don’t.

I already said to condition it again after wards, if he's got an open wood board.