Double Bass Gut String lube

[MollyKay]

Finally all the repairs have been made to my Epiphone bass; we put Labella gut strings on it. The first jam was Friday night and boy...I have a few offers already (it is not for sale)...but I read some where about using a gut lube on real gut strings. This is the very first set of real gut string I have used (nice low tension and slapping is wayyyy easy) what should I use to lube the G and D strings? I know there is Clef gut lube that can be purchased but I also read on TB that olive oil can be used. What do other players use?

Thanks for the opinions.

 

[Bobby King]

Lemon oil. Any light oil will do. You really only need to do this once in a while. It will help keep little hairs from fraying on the plain gut.

 

[M Ramsey]

MollyKay,

You can also use the unscented mineral oil (baby oil) found in the laxative section in the drugstore. It's pretty cheap, too.

You may need some reasonable excuse when purchasing it though.

 

[BillMorrison]

I used to use olive oil, but I learned that it's slightly acidic and over time can degrade the string. Almond oil is a good alternative.

 

[AGCurry]

You may not need to oil. I have never done so and have had no problems. Others, with different skin chemistries, may benefit. Too, my house is humidified.

I suggest leaving them alone for a few months before you decide.

Welcome to the dark side!

 

[BarfanyShart]

Tibbets Almond Stick is good.