I just ordered some Lenzer guts (g and d). Do I need to oil them? If so, do I need to soak them or just wipe them down? And what is the best oil to use? Also, they said I would have to tie a knot on one end, is there a trick to that, or just tie a regular knot? Thanks for any answers.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Double Bass Gut question????
- Thread starter WarEagle
- Start date
some stuff that might help:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f17/gut-string-oil-855930/
)
6. gut and gut strings are living strings: tuning over the pitch and back down into pitch lowers tension between peg and upper nut. Lower tension ¼ tone when on tour or not playing. The gut will recreate and be fresh again for the next audience.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f17/gut-string-oil-855930/
)
6. gut and gut strings are living strings: tuning over the pitch and back down into pitch lowers tension between peg and upper nut. Lower tension ¼ tone when on tour or not playing. The gut will recreate and be fresh again for the next audience.
Not meaning to quibble, but they're not actually "living". They are made from a dead sheep's intestines and aren't on life support or anything like that.
But yes, they are an organic material, like leather or wood, and are affected by temperature and humidity in ways that steel and synthetic strings are not.
Thanks Bobby for clearing up any misperceptions. Here are a couple other sites that might help in maintaining ones gut strings.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
http://www.damianstrings.com/faq.shtml
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
http://www.damianstrings.com/faq.shtml
My pleasure. I didn't want him thinking that his gut strings might get up and walk away or something.
Maybe you could make strings out of actual living marine life. Sea worms, squid or clams. They'd have to be good sports about being stretched up to pitch though.
Maybe you could make strings out of actual living marine life. Sea worms, squid or clams. They'd have to be good sports about being stretched up to pitch though.
I believe they are horse gut, not sheep, but I may be wrong. I use Lenzners, and I just give them a light wipe with neatsfoot oil occasionally. A regular knot will do, but I think from memory mine came already knotted. They've been on about 8 years, so my recollection is not that good.
The string should have an ever so slight translucent quality...that is the best indicator of whether or not you may need to oil them.
Don't go crazy and over saturate them. As far as I know, this will not actually hurt the string, but it will make a MESS!!!
When my strings need attention, I put a little almond oil in a cloth or folded up paper towel and run it up and down the string a few times- wipe down with a clean cloth to remove the excess. If you do any arco work you will want to get some rubbing alcohol and wipe the area where the bow hair will contact the string- very important!!! Oh, and don't let any excess alcohol get on your bass- it could damage the finish (depending on what kind of finish you have).
Joe
Don't go crazy and over saturate them. As far as I know, this will not actually hurt the string, but it will make a MESS!!!
When my strings need attention, I put a little almond oil in a cloth or folded up paper towel and run it up and down the string a few times- wipe down with a clean cloth to remove the excess. If you do any arco work you will want to get some rubbing alcohol and wipe the area where the bow hair will contact the string- very important!!! Oh, and don't let any excess alcohol get on your bass- it could damage the finish (depending on what kind of finish you have).
Joe
Wow! I suppose it's crucial to detune when not using them, if only for the sake of humane treatment. And periodically return them to La Mer so they can be fresh and recreate too!
If they're not knotted already, you might need to soak the ends in warm water before tying a knot. These strings are pretty hard.
I believe I did this, but I also got the plain A, which was more of an issue to knot than the others.
George
Check out the thread: "Plain Gut E"; I went through a plain gut phase and posted a whole stack of my experiences & experiments on preparing them/breaking them in.
Also check out the post: "Global Gut Strings from the Emerson Corporation"; some useful contributions from people there.
Also check out the post: "Global Gut Strings from the Emerson Corporation"; some useful contributions from people there.
I wouldn't oil those Lenzners right away. They are a little brighter before the first oiling, at least IME, so it seems a shame to me to go there before needed.
moles said:
Yes, the oiling does mellow them out a bit initially as it damps out some of the higher frequencies as the strings soften up, although conversely I found that overall they gain a broader range of overtones & complexity as they gain suppleness and dry out on the surface a bit. I guess it also depends on what condition they are in when you receive them; if they're too dry, they you could risk them breaking strands when they stretch under tension. I think the trick is to get them 'moisturised' throughout but dry enough on the surface to not be too slippery to play or act/sound like a wet noodle.
