Sticky strings

[twinjet]

Hey gang.

Just put on a set of DR Hi-beam .45s and noticed they were extraordinarily hard to play at tonight's concert. Is this a new string thing that is part of the break-in process or is that the nature of stainless steel rounds? It felt like I had no control over my playing and I'm kind of irritated, having just taken off a usable set of EXL170s. If there's a way past that, feel free to share.

Thanks...

 

[dreamadream99]

For me it boils down to the sound.

If a string had a great sound, but certain eccentricities in its physical handling, I’d learn to adapt to it, and overcome its tactile hurdles.

Whereas, if a string felt beautiful and perfect when played, but had no usable sound, I would have no interest in it.

I think strings are like cars: you can adapt to unfriendly interiors if you like the exterior enough.

 

[twinjet]

For me it boils down to the sound.

If a string had a great sound, but certain eccentricities in its physical handling, I’d learn to adapt to it, and overcome its tactile hurdles.

Whereas, if a string felt beautiful and perfect when played, but had no usable sound, I would have no interest in it.

I think strings are like cars: you can adapt to unfriendly interiors if you like the exterior enough.

Thanks for your post, but it doesn't really address my question. Is that stickiness a characteristic of new stainless steel rounds? This might be my first new set in close to eight years and just don't remember how new ones feel.

 

[dreamadream99]

Thanks for your post, but it doesn't really address my question. Is that stickiness a characteristic of new stainless steel rounds? This might be my first new set in close to eight years and just don't remember how new ones feel.

Ah, I reread. You are wondering about the texture and characteristics of one type only. I’ve never played that brand. Are they coated in any way?

I have, however, played on GHS stainless steel roundwounds for 30 years, and have never experienced stickiness once.

 

[biguglyman]

I had the same issue with a set of LaBella flats. I believe they are stainless. Felt/feel almost tacky. Not the slippery smooth experience I'm used to with flats. I have GHS Precision flats on 2 other basses and they don't feel tacky at all. ymmv

 

[sharkbait130]

When machining the wires for strings , various oils and lubricants are used. Some of this residue might still be on the strings. A good wipe down with an alcohol soaked rag will usually get this residue off and smooth the strings. I've had to do this with the sets of Chromes that I use and it worked quite well. I am not familiar with the strings you are using so I don't know if this is the case with them or not. If it is , a good wipe down will help. If it's just the inherent nature of that type of string , well I guess you are just stuck.

 

[forrestlaw]

Hey gang.

Just put on a set of DR Hi-beam .45s and noticed they were extraordinarily hard to play at tonight's concert. Is this a new string thing that is part of the break-in process or is that the nature of stainless steel rounds? It felt like I had no control over my playing and I'm kind of irritated, having just taken off a usable set of EXL170s. If there's a way past that, feel free to share.

Thanks...

I played Hi-Beams for a year or two before recently switching back to nickel strings and never came across this issue. I always found DR stainless strings (Hi Beams, Fat Beams, and Lo Riders) to be easy to play and easier on the fingertips compared to other stainless strings. I did run into this when I tried out a set of Black Beauties, though.

 

[Gorn]

Steels can be that way. Nose grease is your friend.

 

[BLDavis]

I wipe all new strings down with de-natured alcohol before putting them on for the first time. If I have time, I'll soak them in it over night. Rounds, flats and about anything in between, they all feel gunky to me when new. D'Addario Chromes seem to be the worst offender. Tape wounds are the only exception.
B.

 

[Paulabass]

I find new flats to be very sticky- D'addarios more than others. I wipe them with alcohol, or an Ernie Ball string wipe, then very lightly lube them with whatever you like for fingerboards, or lemon oil/mineral oil, yadda yadda.
They still have a bit of a breaking in till they're as slick as they'll get.

 

[toprekoms]

Wash your hands.

 

[FirewalZ]

I started wiping all the strings down before installing them...some brands quite a bit of grime comes off

 

[bikeplate]

SPray some finger ease on them before the set

 

[arbiterusa]

I have this issue with Rotosounds and big time with any flats. Little bit of fingerease or brow sweat takes care of it.

 

[michael_t]

I started wiping all the strings down before installing them...some brands quite a bit of grime comes off

I got into the habit of doing this a few years go after learning the hard way that "new strings" doesn't always mean "clean strings".

 

[elgranluis]

Use the grease from your nose and forehead. The strings will become slippery with time.

 

[Chrisk-K]

I love the feel and the tone of DR SS Hi-Beams. I use the 40-100 gauge.

 

[Koog]

My specific answer to your question is, no, I have not experieced stickyness in new string sets. However....

If you want to do a wipe down with some kind of solution, try Naphtha. It cleans well, evaporates more quickly than alcohol, leaves no residue, and won't damage any wooden components or finishes when used in moderation.

Have used it on many basses and guitars with a variety of finishes, hardware components, and strings with only good results.

Hope this is helpful.

Koog

 

[Paulabass]

SPray some finger ease on them before the set

Astroglide works well too.

 

[Kun2112]

I've played DR Hi-Beams for years. In that time, I have run across a couple of "sticky" sets.
Spray some De-Oxit on a clean rag and wipe them down. That has usually worked when I got a set that felt "off".
Don't know if it is related or not, but there was a store I used to buy from that had "sticky" more often than not. I figured it had to be environmental, and really haven't had an issue since that store.