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wd-40 for cleaning strings? probably dumb question i know

SIT for $8.
SIT .130 SINGLE BASS STRING ONE ONLY POWER WOUND NICKEL LONG SCALE #5 | eBay

Elixir for $10.
Elixir Nanoweb .130 Taper Wound Extra Long Bass String | eBay

Hartke set for $15 (didn't know you needed 5 string when I said $12...but you'll save that $3 by not buying a can of WD-40)
http://www.amazon.com/SB545-Light-E...al-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1320418392&sr=1-20

D'Addario $15 per set
Amazon.com: D'Addario EXL170-5TP Bass Guitar Strings, Light, 45-103, 2 Sets, Long Scale: Musical Instruments

OEM set for $10
http://www.amazon.com/Musicians-Gea...cal-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1320418502&sr=1-3


Even the cheapest of these will sound better than an old worn out set that has been soaked in grease or hard boiled.


And add Carvin strings to this list (made by LaBella) $14.99

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And add Carvin strings to this list (made by LaBella) $14.99

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Here's the only problem I have with Carvin strings....$10 for shipping on one set. That brings them to $25 for one set. You can get DR's for that.
I'm not sure how many sets you can get shipped for $10 though. It's not bad if you buy multiple sets at one time.

All the prices I listed include shipping.
 
wd40 is good stuff but I wouldn't bother on strings. I worry about residue, what it might do the finish of the instrument and being on your skin.

I get the results I like from boiling them, it takes 10 minutes and no chemicals involved, its free. Sure, after 5 or 6 months they start to get rust spots as well as small dents were they lay on the frets. When that happens it's time to buy new ones:crying:

Sticking them in the dishwasher next to my cereal bowl and salad forks works fine too.

Lots of good information on this forum on what to do. Of course, some basses sound great with zingy strings, some sound great with old crusty strings.

time to rock! :bassist:
 
If you boil your strings in water, there's a very easy way to ensure they get completely dry so they won't rust.

Wipe them dry, then stick them on a baking sheet and put them in the oven at about 250 for a little while... maybe 10 minutes?

My dad (who's a metallurgical engineer and knows a thing or two about corrosion) taught me this many moons ago when I was concerned that I was going to rust a cast iron griddle by washing it and letting it air dry.

Now I can't guarantee that low oven heat WON'T do anything to your strings, but it will definitely dry them off. NEVER put a string that's been in alcohol / WD-40 / acetone / etc. in the oven. Water's not flammable... those are.

EDIT: That's 250F not C - just in case you're one of our metric-minded friends. :)
 
Here's the only problem I have with Carvin strings....$10 for shipping on one set. That brings them to $25 for one set. You can get DR's for that.
I'm not sure how many sets you can get shipped for $10 though. It's not bad if you buy multiple sets at one time.

All the prices I listed include shipping.

This is a better deal but you have to buy 3 sets. 3 sets for 39$ plus $10 shipping = around $16 per set for Labella's.

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I'm not sure how many sets you can get shipped for $10 though. It's not bad if you buy multiple sets at one time.
That is true. You can buy as many sets as you want for the flat $9.99 fee, though. Buying them two at a time, like I tend to, brings the effective price just under $20, which is still a nice price for a really good set of strings.

Big fan of the 5011 and 6011 medium light guage sets.
 
WD-40 seems to be quite similar to kerosene in many respects. I'm not use of the safety of long-term use on something like strings. Remember, whatever you put on your strings could be absorbed through your skin. Granted, we're not talking about large quantities; however, chronic exposure might be something to consider. I don't have (and haven't seen) the MSDS sheet for WD-40. Just another bit of food for thought.
 
96tbird said:
Denatured alcohol is moonshine with a poison substance added. Which poison is dependant on the manufacturer. For the others their websites have msds info. Deoxit is made by Caig. WD-....?? Google! ;)

Hehe! It was late, and I was posting from my phone, google was far from my mind. :D