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Is it a good idea to sand down your strings?
- Thread starter mastershake
- Start date
That's awesome.
Seriously, didn't Rocco mentioned somewhere that he used hand lotion before playing the bass? Maybe the answer to the OPs problem is hand lotion.
That idea isn't just stupid. When someone does or says something stupid, one can usually visualize the thought process that led to whatever they did or said, and spot the errors within.
But seriously, I can't even imagine the thought process behind sanding your strings down. The idea is just so 'out there.' It's unbelievable. I can't even think of a way to correct it. It's fundamentally insane.
But seriously, I can't even imagine the thought process behind sanding your strings down. The idea is just so 'out there.' It's unbelievable. I can't even think of a way to correct it. It's fundamentally insane.
Both of these ideas are beyond stupid.
1. 400 grit sandpaper - unless you have fingers that are exactly the diameter of each string you wish to sand, you will create flat spots on the string creating the aforementioned harmonic nightmare. you will also embed the shavings and pieces of grit into the windings of the string thereby muting the sound of them.
2. SOS Pad - probably a worse idea than 1 due to the fact that the SOS pad uses a lower grade steel than the strings so they will do nothing to change the profile of the string but will do a wonderful job of squashing harsh detergent into the winding of the string, creating that previously mentioned muted sound.
I personally like the finger noise, and use it as an accentuation of my playing. If you don't like it, buy flatwounds. less work, more time to play...
I get it sanding you strings is a bad idea, I think that point got across a few pages ago along with the abundance of sarcastic replies this thread has received. If its something I thought would be deemed a 'good idea' I wouldn't be asking in the fist place, I would of just gone right ahead and done it if there was no doubt in my mind that it would be a good idea.
Unless you need a roundwound sound, i would recommend the TI jazz flats option.
Due to the nature of design, you're always going to get some noise from shifting around on rounds. This is because of gaps between the windings of the strings. To really understand, Google in bass guitar string design, and look at the drawings.
Naturally with flats, the gaps are so tight, this isn't an issue.
The TI flats IMHO are very versatile. Thick sound, very flexible-you could slap on these if that's your thing, they just won't be sizzly. If that, nor the cost isn't important, try the TI's.
If the cost is too much, the GHS light gauge flats, and new Fender light gauge flats would work very well too. Of course, there are other brands, but the ones mentioned are the ones I have experience with.
I think sanding your strings would be a bad idea for two reasons;
It's probably going to be very messy
It's very likely to be extremely frustrating!
Try the TI's, and enjoy!
Due to the nature of design, you're always going to get some noise from shifting around on rounds. This is because of gaps between the windings of the strings. To really understand, Google in bass guitar string design, and look at the drawings.
Naturally with flats, the gaps are so tight, this isn't an issue.
The TI flats IMHO are very versatile. Thick sound, very flexible-you could slap on these if that's your thing, they just won't be sizzly. If that, nor the cost isn't important, try the TI's.
If the cost is too much, the GHS light gauge flats, and new Fender light gauge flats would work very well too. Of course, there are other brands, but the ones mentioned are the ones I have experience with.
I think sanding your strings would be a bad idea for two reasons;
It's probably going to be very messy
It's very likely to be extremely frustrating!
Try the TI's, and enjoy!
I'm aware of the structural differences between different types of strings weather they're round, flat, ground or pressure windings and how they attribute to sound. As I said before its not finger noise I'm concerned with. Iv just been looking for a string with a dominant fundamental, good sustain (comparable or close to rounds) and have at least a decent slap ability/tone. but this may be asking for too much, as I'm not sure if such a string exist. as i said TI flats may be my best option and the closest if not exactly what im looking for. that or DR flats. I thank you for your response though.
sounds like you mighty be in the market for an "in-between" string, groundwounds, half-rounds, or pressure wounds.
something where the factory pressed or ground off the ridges of roundwound strings.
straight-up flats might be too thumpy and not sustain-y enough for you, since they're less flexible.
something where the factory pressed or ground off the ridges of roundwound strings.
straight-up flats might be too thumpy and not sustain-y enough for you, since they're less flexible.
You asked, you were answered.
Don't be so thin-skinned. This is the internet after all. Fundamentally stupid ideas will always garner a ton of sarcastic remarks.
So yeah, heavy duty sanding to alter the inherent character of the strings seems pretty silly. But what about a couple swipes with emery cloth just to remove some of the roughness from the manufacturing process? The last time I put on a set of Rotosound Swing 66, my first thought was "these are a lot more abrasive than I expected them to be." While I dig the tone, I don't care too much for my fingers feeling chewed up. It seems like a couple passes with extra fine emery cloth might speed up the process of playing them in.
You're basically asking the OP's question, again...changing the degree.
Don't sand your strings. Unless you want to. If you want to, then do it.
There's nobody here who'll try and stop you.
Roto 66's are an aquired taste, both in tone and in feel. They WILL help you maintain your callouses, tho.
I've found that soaking my strings in freshly killed beaver grease really cuts down on string noise.
Applying my flame suite right now...
I have a good friend, guitar player who uses WD40 on his guitars. Yup, I said it!
He sprays a small amount on a cloth and wipes it down on both the neck and the finger board. He claims that it reduces drag on his hand as he slides up and down the neck and also, reduces string noise.
He's been doing this for years, with some pretty high end guitars, with no evidence what so ever of damage to his finger board or neck finishes.
Fishheadjoe
I have a good friend, guitar player who uses WD40 on his guitars. Yup, I said it!
He sprays a small amount on a cloth and wipes it down on both the neck and the finger board. He claims that it reduces drag on his hand as he slides up and down the neck and also, reduces string noise.
He's been doing this for years, with some pretty high end guitars, with no evidence what so ever of damage to his finger board or neck finishes.
Fishheadjoe
