Author Topic: Refreshing Strings? (Read 632 times)

richbass939 · « **on:** December 10, 2005, 09:02:17 AM »

Does anyone have any advise about refreshing strings? Several weeks ago I got a great deal on e-bay. I got 14 4-string sets of D'Addario half rounds (my current string of choice), age unknown, 3 different gauges, pure nickel, for about $55. They were unused but some seem a bit tarnished. Some sound great, some sound kind of dead.
I recall Stanley stories about cleaning strings with Aqua Velva but I think that was to remove finger oil and gunk. Does anyone have any ideas about how I could liven them up.
Thanks,
Rich

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** December 10, 2005, 09:20:04 AM »

Well I don't know, but you might try boiling them in a mixture of water and alcohol. I've never tried it but I think it's generally used to clean used strings and give them a little life back. I don't know what the ratio is supposed to be; but you do have to keep a very close eye on it as I believe I've read that boiling alcohol is not an exceedingly safe thing to do.

2400wattman · « **Reply #2 on:** December 10, 2005, 09:21:51 AM »

Try the tried and true old trick, boil the damn things! I use Stainless Steel roundwounds and I generally can get about two shows out of them. However, I don't know how this will affect those halfrounds tonally. My experience w/getting a dead string is that there is almost nothing you can do for them, but try boiling them (the dead strings)anyway, even try the aqua velva or cheap vodka!(no kidding). If i've had a sweaty night playing I'll get a shot of cheap,bad,nasty vodka to wipe the strings down. It's the pure alcohol that cleans them and gives them more life. Take care

bigredbass · « **Reply #3 on:** December 10, 2005, 09:30:41 AM »

Take good care of your strings . . . . and they'll go dead anyway.

I've tried everything and never been able to disprove this. I'd thank God for such a deal, use 'em up fast since you stole them, then go on from there.

And after all these years, I'm convinced (strictly from an intuitive sense) that it's not contamination from bodily contact, environment, etc. I think it's a mechanical deformation of the different windings against each other, the core, maybe a metal fatigue sort of thing. On the other hand, I gave up on RotoSounds as I'd get sets that were just honkin' bright, then the next set was dead right out of the bag. Then I remembered that they surely spent time at sea on container ships, salt air, etc.

Then the most aggravating thing: They sound dead to me, somebody picks up my bass and plays, and they sound completely new with a different touch ! !

J o e y

2400wattman · « **Reply #4 on:** December 19, 2005, 10:25:17 PM »

Hey Joey, I happened to speak w/the rep from Rotosound a couple of months ago about the ad collage of all their endorsers that showed J.P.J the disrespect of putting him in the bottom left hand corner! Well from that conversation I did tell him that I stopped using Roto's for the same reason you & anybody else that was using them did. He apologised and stated that they have their quality control back up & are better than ever. I'd try them myself but I have a deal w/Dean Markley for the past 5 years that I'm happy with and it's a loyalty thing as well. Good luck & Happy Holidays!

harald_rost · « **Reply #5 on:** December 20, 2005, 01:14:46 AM »

I had the experience that better than boiling is to use Corega Tabs. I don't know if this brand is available in the USA. It is for cleaning artificial tooth - no I'm not kidding! And it works also for cleaning strings. But I also think that refreshed strings will never sound like new ones.

Harald

bassfingers · « **Reply #6 on:** December 20, 2005, 05:58:48 AM »

Hey Rich,
Here's a new one for you.Do you have a dishwasher?.If so put your strings in next time you use it.Be sure to coil the strings up so there's no stray lengths to snag on anything.
The powder or tablets you put in the dishwasher contain ingredients to break down and remove grease,right?.Not only that but if you have time to leave the strings in there,Hey Presto!!,within the hour it'll have dried 'em for you too.I s*** you not!!.
Yes it's definately December and not April 1st,so coil up a spare set (carefully!!) and give it a try.This has worked for me for years and can make all the difference in an emergency.
Season's Greetings and Best Wishes,
Simon.

(Message edited by bassfingers on December 20, 2005)

kmh364 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 20, 2005, 07:18:28 AM »

Just my $0.02:

Personally, I've never been happy with the various methods of attempting to revive strings, and I've tried most of them.

I have found if you keep your strings religiously clean (wipe them constantly...and never put the instrument away before cleaning it) and use stuff like Fast Fret, it does help to extend string life...but that's about the extent of it, in my experience. I'm currently using Gibson String Cleaner/Lubricant which seems to do a half-a**ed job at keeping the strings clean between re-strings. It has alcohol and some kind of citrus-scented cleaner/lube in it. Caution: hold your ears while using it, the shreik emitted by your strings as you wipe them will make you cringe (think really loud nails on a blackboard!), LOL! I also wouldn't let it get on the fingerboard as it'll dry it out and/or discolor it due to the alcohol.

Between clean strings and Fast Fret, finger noise is reduced and the strings just plain feel smoother and play a little faster...not unlike the feeling of new strings.

Cheers,

Kevin

adriaan · « **Reply #8 on:** December 20, 2005, 07:37:05 AM »

I think I'll try the dishwasher routine on some worn-out TI Jazz Flats (they DO wear out in the end, and I'm neither a heavy player, nor an overly sweaty fingered person).

keith_h · « **Reply #9 on:** December 20, 2005, 09:14:08 AM »

I can hear my wife now, I don't care that you go out and play and even encourage it but when you start putting your stuff in the diswasher to clean it, I'll have to insist you seek therapy. LOL

Keith

bassfingers · « **Reply #10 on:** December 20, 2005, 09:39:34 AM »

Keith,
It sounds weird for sure,you're right.I've been doing it so long that,when asked,I never even consider how odd it sounds.Maybe you could offer to load the dishwasher last thing at night and do 'em on a 'stealth wash'.
When all's said and done,it's only a temporary measure.Or,if like me you're of Irish descent,a Tipperary measure.I'd agree 100% with Kevin.Good string maintenance is the best way to extend string life.But if you're in a tight spot,head for the kitchen.
Just don't tell the wife!!
Simon

keith_h · « **Reply #11 on:** December 20, 2005, 09:50:03 AM »

Well Simon I actually think it's worth a try just to see the look on her face. :-)

Keith

lbpesq · « **Reply #12 on:** December 20, 2005, 10:04:55 AM »

I've heard of cooking salmon in the dishwasher, so why not strings? Which detergent works best? Enzymes or no enzymes? Boy, am I glad I'm a guitar player. New strings - $3-$5 a set. LOL

Bill, tgo

smokin_dave · « **Reply #13 on:** December 20, 2005, 11:04:02 AM »

I use on occasion a product called StringLife that I found on DR's web site a while back.Don't know if they still offer it or not but this liquid polymer stuff seems to extend the life of my strings a good deal longer than if I didn't use it.
http://www.stringlife.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=5
If you look around,you can find it cheaper than in the link I've provided.

David Houck · « **Reply #14 on:** December 20, 2005, 01:34:57 PM »

The StringLife stuff certainly looks interesting.