#1
|
|||
|
|||
What do you use to clean strings to extend their lifespan?
Please advise as per topic. Thanks!
|
#2
|
|||
|
|||
A clean cloth after playing.
__________________
"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best." Henry Van Dyke "It is in the world of slow time that truth and art are found as one" Norman Maclean, |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Clean handkerchief after playing, one string at a time, especially underneath the strings. Fast Fret now and again.
Keith |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Nothing ... but I have extremely dry hands. For awhile, I tried to remember to wipe down with a dry cloth (because I heard about it here), but most of the time I forgot ... and even uncoated strings last me 3-6 months.
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Big bends G-string wipes.
Must say giving them a wipe instantally improves tone, just taking some grime off, was suprised how much effect cleanign the strings had on tone and longevity.
__________________
The Big Fat Lady 02' Gibson J-150 The Squares 11' Hummingbird TV, 08' Dove The Slopeys 11' Gibson SJ (Aaron Lewis) The Pickers 43' Gibson LG-2, 09' Furch OM 32SM (custom) , 02' Martin J-40 The Beater 99' Cort Earth 100 What we do on weekends: http://www.reverbnation.com/doubleshotprague |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
In the winter months in PA, I don't use anything - but in the heat & sweat of the summer, John Pearse string swipes have enabled me to do 2 more gigs with strings I'd otherwise consider a bio-hazard
__________________
14-day Return Period -No restocking fee Maury's Music PODCASTS View actual pics of ALL in-stock guitars Martin Guitar Certified Online Dealer Martin Blueridge Martins & More Podcast |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
I wash my hands before playing, and I wipe down the strings with a soft cloth after playing. Once every week or ten days, I apply Fast Fret. I've recently changed strings, from Pearse Phosphor Bronze mediums (which I've used for years) to Newtone 80/20s, and I'm liking the results tonally. I don't know about the longevity of the Newtones, so I'm being careful about my cleaning procedures. YMMV.
__________________
Steve currently (and possibly permanently) guitarless |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Weather's humid here. And using only soft cloth before and after playing doesn't make my strings last more than a month. I play close to 2 hours daily.
|
#10
|
||||
|
||||
Hi ffs…
I have never tried any substance or chemical that extends the life of strings, other than the coatings applied by string makers at the factory on strings like Elixir or D'Addario EXP. But I have discovered that if I wash my hands before playing and wipe the strings with a soft rag (either cotton or microfiber), non-coated strings last about double just playing it and putting it away or setting it on a stand un-wiped. |
#11
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
I don't care what kind of strings I'm using, 2 hours a day for a month would exhaust any set or brand of strings I use. That's longer than my expected life expectancy for strings if you like the tone of fresh strings with their singing highs and ringing overtones, and if you appreciate sustain. I think you are just properly wearing them out! Are those coated or non-coated? |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#13
|
|||
|
|||
IF I clean them at all (Elixirs), then I loop a small piece of chamois leather around the string and run it up the fretboard and back.
Works a treat. If you pinch it together above the string, it cleans the top of the string too. Quite frankly, I really only clean the whole guitar when I replace the strings - lemon oil the fretboard etc. It's rare I wipe the strings as they last for months and still sound great (in UK climate).
__________________
NOT from Queen - he's much cleverer I am English, so are all my spellings Two guitars I'm happy with . . . |
#14
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
I get about 20-25 hrs of play from non-coated strings, and then change them. I get more than 40 hrs of play from Elixir. I have not found any specific make of non-coated string that lasts longer with my style of stress or play, and with coated strings, EXPs (D'Addario) don't last me as long as Elixir. If you are wiping them down, you are doing what you can/should. I've heard lots of myths and lore over the years, including removing and boiling strings. Strings are so inexpensive, and easy to change that I don't find a compelling reason to risk chemicals or sprays or other treatments. |