I just bought this bass and it's really not too bad, but I can feel there's drag on the strings which are dusty and dirty. Does dust and dirt cause drag on a string? What's the solution to get this set of strings fresh, clean, and smooth to play?
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Do dirty strings cause drag? What's the solution outside of new strings?
- Thread starter BusyFingers
- Start date
Dust and dirt, along with body oils, perspiration, etc. settle between the windings of roundcore and compression-wound strings, inhibiting free excursion of the strings, muffling the tone, and deadening the response. The best solution is to prevent the build-up from occurring in the first place. That means wipe the strings down regularly with a clean cloth and a little rubbing alcohol, and make sure to wash your hands every time you play. There are also over-the-counter solutions available, such as Bass Brites, that essentially do the same thing.
As for this one particular bass that you've just purchased, worst-case scenario is that you just might have to shell out for a new set of strings. Unless you happen to know how old the current strings are, it would be better to just start fresh with fresh strings. I know, right?
MM
As for this one particular bass that you've just purchased, worst-case scenario is that you just might have to shell out for a new set of strings. Unless you happen to know how old the current strings are, it would be better to just start fresh with fresh strings. I know, right?
MM
Should I boil them? Saw another thread that suggested freezing them for an hour, then boiling them, as that would make the steel contract more and get more junk out from the windings.
Boiling the strings will loosen up much of the gunk that's built up on the string surface. It will also loosen up the windings, hastening the point at which the strings begin to fall apart, and die outright. It's a fair short-term remedy at best.
Again, the best solution is to buy new strings for your new bass. You can get a set of bargain-priced strings (Dunlop Super Brights, Dean Markley Helix or NickelSteels, La Bella RX series, Rotosound Rotobass, etc.) for $20 or less. So much better than futzing around with used strings that are likely not worth the effort.
MM
Again, the best solution is to buy new strings for your new bass. You can get a set of bargain-priced strings (Dunlop Super Brights, Dean Markley Helix or NickelSteels, La Bella RX series, Rotosound Rotobass, etc.) for $20 or less. So much better than futzing around with used strings that are likely not worth the effort.
MM
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Try wiping the strings down with some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. That should remove some of the gunk and its super easy to do.
Well, they're in the freezer right now next to the pork chops. In a bit I will boil a pot of water and partake in a bassist rite of passage: Boiling your first set of strings.
Another tip I found in another thread about boiling strings. Instead of pulling your strings out through the top layer of filth on the water, you can simply add cold water to displace the water in the pot before taking the strings out.
Boiling will destroy the strings, wash out the silk windings and they will quickly die after putting them back on. Sorry, that's just the truth.
Rubbing alcohol will remove the dirt, but use 90% because if not you are just putting more water on the strings.
Naphtha is a great cleaner, evaporates quickly, and doesn't leave a residue. That would be my first choice.
Rubbing alcohol will remove the dirt, but use 90% because if not you are just putting more water on the strings.
Naphtha is a great cleaner, evaporates quickly, and doesn't leave a residue. That would be my first choice.
After freezing and boiling my strings, I put them into a big ziplock and ran my hairdryer on high into it for about 5 minutes to dry off any moisture still on the strings.
I have to say, freezing then boiling these strings was a smashing success. No more drag.
These strings sound more lively, too. I will eventually buy a fresh set of strings, but until I absolutely have to these will do.
Do not hesitate to boil your strings, just make sure to freeze them first.
I have to say, freezing then boiling these strings was a smashing success. No more drag.
These strings sound more lively, too. I will eventually buy a fresh set of strings, but until I absolutely have to these will do.
Do not hesitate to boil your strings, just make sure to freeze them first.
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Sorry; I refuse to slave over a hot stove, for something I can't eat... I'm happy it worked for you, though ...
Besides, my usual procedure with a new/used bass is; after the function check the strings get yanked off, and filed in the circular file under S for s..t; and after cleaning, new ones go on as part of the set up...
Besides, my usual procedure with a new/used bass is; after the function check the strings get yanked off, and filed in the circular file under S for s..t; and after cleaning, new ones go on as part of the set up...
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Sorry; I refuse to slave over a hot stove, for something I can't eat... I'm happy it worked for you, though ...
I see.
I boiled my Rotosounds back in the 80s because Geddy Lee recommended it in a Guitar Player interview. They would sound great at first, and then fade pretty fast.
That's a whole lotta work to save $20......
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
So you opened a thread to ask a question, and utterly ignored everyone said.
And yes, a set of sub twenty dollar strings will do the same thing, sound and intonate better, and last longer.
And yes, a set of sub twenty dollar strings will do the same thing, sound and intonate better, and last longer.
In a couple days they're going to sound like crap again. I've boiled strings before mostly because it was really hard to find double ball end strings in the middle of nowhere in the early nineties.
This sounds like someone trying to convince a group of carpenters of how awesome it is to straighten out a bunch of used nails instead of buying a new box.
Dunlop Super Brights probably cost less than those pork chops in your freezer. 
"This sounds like someone trying to convince a group of carpenters of how awesome it is to straighten out a bunch of used nails instead of buying a new box."
HA! Exactly. Just buy a new set of strings. Boiled or not, a set of someone else's dirty strings is like a wearing someone else's dirty underwear. No thanks.
HA! Exactly. Just buy a new set of strings. Boiled or not, a set of someone else's dirty strings is like a wearing someone else's dirty underwear. No thanks.
The string contingent is pretty aggressive around here. I will report back my findings as I continue to use this set of strings.
