Recyling Bass Strings?

[JazznFunk]

I've been wondering about this for a while and wanted to get some input. I have a large amount of old string sets lying around that I have been hesitant to just throw out. I am wondering if there is any way to recycle them, or if a scrap metal place might take them. I'd be willing to just give them to someone if they're going to be recycled/reused, but I hate just throwing them out. Any thoughts/suggestions?

 

[Rob Webber]

Here in the UK we have a recycle bin that is put out for collection every week. I always put my old strings in there with the empty food cans etc.

 

[kebbs]

Good question Jazznfunk. Here in Ottawa, Canada, I put them in the metal recycling box, just like Rob in UK. Although, I am not sure how exactly they go about recuperating them.

 

[Liist]

I'd be happy to reuse them, if they aren't very old.

You see, I'm just a teenager and the person who previously owned my bass probably haven't changed them in years. I'll take any strings that aren't old.

 

[BenitoBassolini]

Same here... especially if they're flats!

Edit: I've also heard of old strings being used to file out nut slots... Might be worth a try if you do that sort of thing.

 

[ctufankjian]

boil them suckers in vinegar!

 

[selfblessed]

boil them suckers in vinegar!

...Really?

 

[doktorfeelgood]

I came across this awhile ago and have given it some serious thought although I haven't done it yet.
I use roundwounds and wipe them down with an old cotton face cloth soaked in naptha (lighter fluid) when I get home from a gig. Seems to keep them from getting too much oil and dirt build up and keeps the strings reasonably fresh longer.
)-( http://www.tunemybass.com/strings/bass_string_cleaning_tube.html

 

[JazznFunk]

I appreciate the responses... The core of my question was whether or not bass strings could be recycled and the metal reclaimed the way aluminum cans, etc. are recycled. Looks like the jury is still out?

 

[MultiScaleMale]

It's really a question for your local recycling center. I would be surprised if they didn't recycle the high quality steel that is found in bass/guitar strings.

 

[Fine Cut]

my guitar player's father builds custom hot rods. whenever i replace/break a string, i give it to him, and he uses them to remove weatherstripping resedue, as well as breaking the seal around a windshield prior to removing it.

 

[saxofunk]

Similar to Rob & Kebbs, but I take them to a recycling center rather than get pick-up. They have a roll-off dumpster and accept everything from appliances to gas yard lamps to curb-damaged aluminum wheels. I throw the strings in there and let the scrappers figure it out.

 

[lowbass68]

If your town does not have a recycle program, call any scrap yard, private recycler or even a small machine shop. Most any machine shop sells their metal shavings and drops to metal recycling companies.

 

[jaymonds]

I too have the same problem, but not with the old strings. I've collection of used mobiles in my drawer, looking for Invalid Link Removed companies to trade my phones for cash within a week. Any personal experience?

 

[Mingus Addict]

I think there is actually a program where you can donate your old strings to poor musicians in South America. I know that may sound a little odd but I think that is the best possible way to "recycle" them. I'll try and find a link.

Edit: Here is one link - Link Removed

I think there are a lot of programs like this for different parts of the world. Some of our fellow musicians in third world countries are pretty desperate and would probably love even your worst worn out old strings. You can also donate them to music camps and schools in the US. I would do a search and try to find a good home for them.

 

[wizay]

A time back, i read that you could send them to a guy, that sent them to Madagascar or something. So the people there could use them or something. Maybe that is an idea

 

[Robin UK]

I know a couple of girls in the U.K. who make jewellery and ornaments specifically out of old strings (from all string instruments), i send all of my unusuables to them.

 

[stewart8980]

I too have the same problem, but not with the old strings. I've collection of used mobiles in my drawer, looking for Invalid Link Removed companies to trade my phones for cash within a week. Any personal experience?

theres a program in the US I saw at OfficeMax called Cellphones for Troops or something. I'll let you figure out the rest. That's what I did with my last phone.

 

[ctufankjian]

yes, I was serious about boiling them in vinegar.

 

[rarbass]

The only time I throw out strings is if they're broken. I always keep the strings when I change them, in case one breaks them I'll always have an extra one to throw on.

Mind you, they will tend to pile up on me...