Squeaky and Squeekier

[dvdbrwn]

Probably been asked many times before. So here I go....
Any cure for squeeky strings, or at least any way of dampening them?

[wcap]

There was a thread not long ago that had lots of good discussion. See if it comes up in a search.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by dvdbrwn

Probably been asked many times before. So here I go....
Any cure for squeeky strings, or at least any way of dampening them?

Hi db...
Not a simple answer because strings squeak for different reasons, and in differing amounts.

They can squeak if your fretting hand callus are in need of smoothing (with an emery board).

Some brands of strings just squeak more than others.

Some chirp but will benefit if you practice your technique, but there are valid techniques like slides, slide hammers, slurs, and pull offs which just produce more chirping.

Often if the callus plants on the winding of a string and is ''seated,'' so when you shift that finger to a new fret, the tip will break free of the slightly embedded windings and chirp unless you lift straight up (which is not always practical).

Hope you discover some answers...

[Oridiun]

Elixir nanowebs...

I hear poliwebs help more with the squeaks though...

[mmmaak]

Here you go:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f....php?p=1976855

[random works]

If string noise is really getting to you, and it does to some more than others, Elixir Polywebs do seem to quiet things down. Somehow, the polys seem to cut down on friction significantly; to me this is really evident when sliding from position to position, slides are smoother and quieter. Have you tried Elixir Polywebs? Some folks think they feel soapy and don't like them.

[pitts8rh]

The really bad squeaks occur because your finger takes on the impression of the wound string that you are pressing. If you tend to maintain the exact finger angle when you slide the finger up or down the string, the noise is created by the "ratcheting" of the string windings with the finger's matching impression of the windings. To minimize squeaks you need to change your motion so you are moving smooth skin over the string's windings.

Try this:

Hold the 6th string down hard for a couple seconds and then slide up or down while holding the finger rigidly at the same angle, and note the (loud) squeak.

Next, fret the string the same way for the same duration, except roll or rotate the finger very slightly just before make the slide. This changes the string contact area on the finger to some fresh meat that hasn't molded to the string shape and the transition will be MUCH quieter.

This is no doubt well known to many, even if they never consciously think about the mechanics. I discovered it by accident while trying to deal with horrendous squeaks in slow, quiet passages.

[BigRed51]

Elixir Polywebs