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Get the most out of your strings
- Thread starter BobaFret
- Start date
I probably did about 40 to 50 on each string. May sound like a lot but it really isn't. I didn't count though. I guesstimate I spent about 30 seconds on each string plucking away. The most important part IMO is the loosening of the string. This gives it a lot more room to move and flex.
it works, but I recommend using this technique only on practice instruments!
The strings would be clean but old and they could break suddenly!
The strings would be clean but old and they could break suddenly!
I tried this last night on my Warwick. There's definitely a noticeable improvement, but not enough to sound like new strings. I guess it's better than nothing, but it didn't do all that much for mine.
I couldn't hear any significant difference, but from what I heard, I liked the sound of BEFORE better.
The man needs a nice set of flats that he can play for the next 15-20 years.
The man needs a nice set of flats that he can play for the next 15-20 years.
vision
It's all about the groove!
- Feb 25, 2005
- 3,988
- 618
- 47
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: MTD Basses, La Bella Strings, and 64 Audio IEMs
Okay I've been using this for the last week or so and it definitely works. Like others have mentioned, it's great to get rid of the dead string sound caused by dirty stings, but wouldn't have an effect on stings that are actually dead from wear and tear on the metal. So basically it works like the denatured alcohol method that I have been using regularly for five or six years.
It's a big deal if you're someone like me who's hands produce a lot of sweat while playing...if I'm on a gig I can put new strings on and by the end of the second set they will sound like they are dead because my hands sweat so much while playing. So for the last five or six years I literally rotate strings on EVERY gig...up to 4-5 times per week on busier weeks for me. There is NO way I could afford buying new strings that often. So I rotate three sets or strings - one one the bass, one in a PVC tube with denatured alcohol, and one clean set in the case ready to swap. Eventually (maybe after 6 months or so) the strings will be actually dead from use and cleaning won't work, so I'll buy a new set at that point and work it in the rotation.
So this new method is going to at a minimum reduce how often I need to rotate my strings with denatured alcohol, and MAY eliminate me needing to soak them at all...the only issue would be fret wear from snapping them a few times per week. I'll have to see how that part works out over time...
It's a big deal if you're someone like me who's hands produce a lot of sweat while playing...if I'm on a gig I can put new strings on and by the end of the second set they will sound like they are dead because my hands sweat so much while playing. So for the last five or six years I literally rotate strings on EVERY gig...up to 4-5 times per week on busier weeks for me. There is NO way I could afford buying new strings that often. So I rotate three sets or strings - one one the bass, one in a PVC tube with denatured alcohol, and one clean set in the case ready to swap. Eventually (maybe after 6 months or so) the strings will be actually dead from use and cleaning won't work, so I'll buy a new set at that point and work it in the rotation.
So this new method is going to at a minimum reduce how often I need to rotate my strings with denatured alcohol, and MAY eliminate me needing to soak them at all...the only issue would be fret wear from snapping them a few times per week. I'll have to see how that part works out over time...
I did this on two basses before my last rehearsal. Both strung with Ernie Ball strings.
I think I was able to notice a small bump in treble on one of the basses (the one with the newest stings). However not nearly as much difference as with a boil or soak.
I think this might have some effect on fresh sets, but I don´t know if t will be "slappin´the **** out of" my strings on a regular basis. Got some worried looks from my bandmates, though -that was fun
I think I was able to notice a small bump in treble on one of the basses (the one with the newest stings). However not nearly as much difference as with a boil or soak.
I think this might have some effect on fresh sets, but I don´t know if t will be "slappin´the **** out of" my strings on a regular basis. Got some worried looks from my bandmates, though -that was fun
I'd imagine it would if you sat there and did each string hundreds of times. I don't think it would be substantial enough when properly done. It also defends on the type of strings and bass as well I'd IMO.
When I did this I did it about 20 times per string and that seemed to give good results.
I think of this as something you do in a pinch or right before a show. Not a way to keep strings on for years and years.
Of course I always have a beater bass somewhere in my collection so I imagine I'll be using this gag to keep from funding strings for a bass I use as an exercise machine.
I think of this as something you do in a pinch or right before a show. Not a way to keep strings on for years and years.
Of course I always have a beater bass somewhere in my collection so I imagine I'll be using this gag to keep from funding strings for a bass I use as an exercise machine.
I subscribe to Marlowe and saw it the other night. Yup, definitely works on my two year old Hibeams. Tried just the E - growl factor went back up significantly - yay.
Then I just detuned and did all the rest simultaneously - made a percussion solo out of it.
Doesn't replace other methods or just changing strings since we all know other factors influence string changes. But another tool in the bag.
Then I just detuned and did all the rest simultaneously - made a percussion solo out of it.
Doesn't replace other methods or just changing strings since we all know other factors influence string changes. But another tool in the bag.
A friend of mine in Nashville had sweaty, oily hands and would kill strings quickly, but he loved bright rounds.
He started keeping a clean towel and a spray bottle with 91% denatured alcohol in it. Between songs when the leader was talking to the audience, he would spray his left palm and fingers with the alcohol, wipe his hand with the towel, then wipe his strings with the slightly wet towel.
In a few weeks, the chemistry of his hand changed, and the oily sweat diminished. It could be the frequent cleaning with alcohol, or his body maturing (he was in his early 20's) or a combination. Whatever, his hands killing the strings stopped.
He started keeping a clean towel and a spray bottle with 91% denatured alcohol in it. Between songs when the leader was talking to the audience, he would spray his left palm and fingers with the alcohol, wipe his hand with the towel, then wipe his strings with the slightly wet towel.
In a few weeks, the chemistry of his hand changed, and the oily sweat diminished. It could be the frequent cleaning with alcohol, or his body maturing (he was in his early 20's) or a combination. Whatever, his hands killing the strings stopped.
this worked for me. I put a pen underneath the strings to stop the strings from finger-bangi I mean fret banging. Nice improvement
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
I use the same flats for years and years. I suppose it helps that I have more than one bass and rotate them a bit, but I prefer the thump of older strings anyway.
- Oct 18, 2012
- 6,683
- 5,538
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Fender, Spector, Ampeg, Curt Mangan, Nordstrand Pickups, Korg , Conquest Sound
I heard a difference but I would be concerned about the frets wearing more quickly. I prefer the sound of my strings after they have about 15 hours on them. I change them about once per month, sometimes more or less depending on how much I play. I might try this technique though. The guy is a riot!
