| Author | Message | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 495 Registered: 11-2004 |
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 | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2769 Registered: 5-2002 |
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
Junior Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 17 Registered: 11-2005 |
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
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 517 Registered: 9-2002 |
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
Junior Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 35 Registered: 11-2005 |
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
Intermediate Member Username: harald_rost Post Number: 110 Registered: 6-2002 |
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
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2005 |
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
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1512 Registered: 9-2003 |
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
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 690 Registered: 6-2002 |
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
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 280 Registered: 2-2005 |
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
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 16 Registered: 11-2005 |
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
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 281 Registered: 2-2005 |
Well Simon I actually think it's worth a try just to see the look on her face. :-) Keith | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 819 Registered: 7-2004 |
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
Advanced Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 241 Registered: 10-2002 |
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. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2848 Registered: 5-2002 |
The StringLife stuff certainly looks interesting. | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 17 Registered: 11-2005 |
Bill, Salmon in a dishwasher??,now that's just plain strange! :o) Thanks for posting that,now I don't feel like such a weirdo.I know the potential for fish jokes is enormous but I shall rise above it. Dave Of The Purple Heart Rogue, Thanks for the link,they have a UK outlet too so I might give StringLife a try,possibly with a set of their strings.Good call Brother. Keith, Please coil those strings carefully if you decide to try it.I'd hate to be implicated in any marital dis-harmony,especially at this time of year! :o) Rich, I bet when you originally posted this you had no idea that one day soon,and in a little over 2 hours,we'd have covered polymer based technology AND new and exciting ways to cook a big fish!!.Can't wait to see where this topic goes next.I hope at least one suggestion will work for you,and I can imagine a lot of Bassists benefitting from reading your posting.Nice one. Best Wishes guys, Simon. | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 503 Registered: 11-2004 |
This thread certainly has taken some interesting turns. I thought it was dead, then all of a sudden it raised its head, talked about screaming strings, enzymes, fish, denture scrub, etc. Next I expect medical marijuana and dark beer to appear. Seriously, thank you all for the ideas. Grease and grime are not the issue. These strings have never been played before. I wonder about the nickel oxidizing or something. Any chemists out there that know about something that will deoxidize nickel without putting on some sort of solid that will get jammed down around the string windings? Or am I asking a question that will bring forth stories of blowing up the kitchen and really ticking off the spousal unit? With the history of this thread, who knows? Rich | ||
| lembic76450
Member Username: lembic76450 Post Number: 85 Registered: 5-2002 |
Did someone mention dark beer? | ||
| tom_z
Advanced Member Username: tom_z Post Number: 250 Registered: 7-2004 |
Ahhh . . . now this is a full-blown Alembic thread. I was wondering when someone would mention beer. Perhaps you could refresh your strings with beer - it always refreshes me. =) (Message edited by tom_z on December 20, 2005) | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 504 Registered: 6-2002 |
Give your strings some fresh air. Put them in a knap sack and take them for a ride on your motorbike.... ...There... Now we've got all our favorite thread topics working together.  Mike | ||
| bob
Senior Member Username: bob Post Number: 553 Registered: 11-2002 |
After being reminded that these strings are unused, yet supposedly appear tarnished, something didn't sound right. Not being a materials expert, I did a quick google, and found the following statement in WikiPedia: "On account of its permanence in air and inertness to oxidation..." (link) While WikiPedia has taken some flack recently for a few deliberately misleading entries, I also read that a recent study showed them to be slightly more accurate than Encyclopedia Britannica (though based on a very small sample). As with anything you read, use your own judgement. I would suggest that the term "pure nickel", used for marketing purposes on strings, is not quite as tightly regulated as some of the wording we see on food packaging these days. Some are more pure than others, and if they have truly tarnished/oxidized, then they aren't. Even so, as long as they are unused, I would start by simply wiping them down with alcohol or something, before resorting to more drastic measures. Maybe what you're seeing is residual manufacturing oil or something. And since you paid only about $1 per string, I would personally just throw out the ones that sound bad to start with (especially since it's your dollar...). Oh, and I think I'll continue to broil my salmon, at least until I get a new dishwasher (I hear those Miele's are pretty sophisticated). -Bob | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 821 Registered: 7-2004 |
Simon: As I recall, the recipe calls for placing a whole salmon, well wrapped in aluminum foil, into a dishwasher and running the wash cycle twice (without any soap, of course). You wind up with a poached salmon! IIRC, this recipe came out of Canada or Alaska. Rich: You can always get my attention with a medical cannabis reference! LOL Bill, tgo | ||
| alembic76407
Senior Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 413 Registered: 5-2002 |
here's how to do it!!! 1st: remove strings from bass 2nd: coil strings up and place them in a good size pot 3rd: bring to a boil, and let boil for 22 minutes (no longer) 4th: remove the strings from pan (be careful, strings will be hot) 5th: let Strings cool 6th: put strings in the trash can and don't be such a tightwad, go buy a new set of strings!!!! David T | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 20 Registered: 11-2005 |
Bill, "Why,it's so crazy it just might work" That's excellent info,thanks.Quirky and odd things like that really brighten the day. For the record I did believe you,given the temperatures involved,but now you've posted the method I've gotta give it a go.I'll give you a shout when it's ready,call over!! You want Fries or DR's with that? All the best Bill, Simon | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 21 Registered: 11-2005 |
David, Tightwad eh?."Bah,Humbug!!". I did say earlier that this is only a temporary and/or emergency measure - eg; the last minute call to do a gig when the shops are closed.Now I just feel cheap. ;o) However,I'm with you 100% on the point you made.New strings as often as possible is the way to go.No amount of cleaning will prevent the intonation issues that go with a played out set.I neglected to mention that.Good point. Best wishes Simon | ||
| alembic76407
Senior Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 414 Registered: 5-2002 |
Simon, don't feel bad, I'm just turning into an old crotchity fart. and full of s..t most the time old strings on an Alembic is alot like changing the oil in my Porsche by changing the filter and adding a quart, its just not right David T | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 22 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hey David, I hope the opening of my message didn't come across as abrupt.Reading it back,I fear it may have.If it did please accept my apologies,it wasn't meant to. And if I was the owner of your gorgeous Series 1,I would never cheapen her with anything less than new strings.Ain't nothin' crotchity in that. Rehearsals beckon,so if I don't get chance before,Happy Christmas to you and yours.(And everybody else and theirs!). Simon. | ||
| alembic76407
Senior Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 415 Registered: 5-2002 |
Simon, no apologies needed, were all just having fun here, and by the way, I buy $3.00 a set bass string and change them every gig, they sound great for one night have a great Christmas to you and yours David T | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2005 |
David, I'm stunned.Bass strings at $3.00 a set?.Oy!,I gotta emigrate. Simon | ||
| mpisanek
Intermediate Member Username: mpisanek Post Number: 125 Registered: 1-2005 |
This thread sounds a bit like a country song! Cook your salmon in the dishwasher, pack it up with some cold beer, get on your motorcycle and go for a ride with your Alembic! This could be something! By the way, salmon cooked in the dishwasher is great. As long as you seal the foil properly. Another way to "cook" salmon is by just soaking it in something like grapefruit juice (al a gravalux). If the water in your house is hot enough, (140 degrees or so) you can even cook salmon under the hot water tap! Where did you say we could get $3.00 sets of bass strings to last one night? | ||
| alembic76407
Senior Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 416 Registered: 5-2002 |
I think I got them at Brook/Mays in Norman Okla, I bought 10 sets a year or so ago, and they do last more than 1 night, more like 4 nights, but they sound just like new strings when I first put them on. David T | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 504 Registered: 11-2004 |
Okay, David T., your point is well made and well taken. You are right, I am a bit of a tightwad. BTW, the 6 steps leading up to the punchline really got me going for a minute. I agree, you don't buy a Porche and then get the cheapest tires you can find. Okay, here goes. 1) Think of and write down all the reasons why I bought the strings. 2) Organize them from most persuasive to least. 3) Pick the best 5. 4) Check grammar and spelling. 5) Admit I am a tightwad, shut up, and sit down. 6) Put on some good music. 7) Pick up an Alembic. 8) Play until satisfied. 9) Repeat 6, 7, 8. Happy Holidays to all. Rich | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 564 Registered: 6-2002 |
I don't know anything about cleaning strings. I use flatwounds and actually like them on the dead side. But, on cooking salmon, that sounds like an interesting idea. I have actually considered putting a turkey in the diswasher to defrost it. I might try this if I have a backup turkey in case it ruins. Merry Christmas | ||
| alembic76407
Senior Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 417 Registered: 5-2002 |
Rich, I think I messed up, I guess I need to go tire shopping now!!! merry christmas to all David T | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 934 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bill, did you get that recipe from a client? Isn't all beer dark? Are there other beers than Guinness? Sam | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 832 Registered: 7-2004 |
I really forget where I first heard of the salmon/dishwasher recipe. After posting here I did a quick google, just to make sure I hadn't completely twisted this concept up in my head and sent fellow Alembicians off to a future of clean food poisoning! I found various entries on the net. I may have got the exact recipe wrong, though. The ones I found on the net called for one cycle of wash and dry for a total of about 50 minutes in the dishwasher. Apparently salmon is a very forgivable fish to cook, so fluctuations in the time/temp of different dishwashers doesn't make much difference! Gives a whole new meaning to "cleaning fish" though, doesn't it? LOL! Bill, tgo | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 37 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hi Bill,and any entrepreneur types who may read this. Trout cooks in a similar way to Salmon,and they share similarities in texture.How many Trout would fit in yer average dishwasher,d'ya reckon? 25-30?. Sooooo......... Why don't we all get our heads together to design a Trout cooking dishwasher type device.The world of catering would be changed forever,we'd be heroes to the smaller,independant fish restauranteur (think of the labour-saving!).Knighthoods and OBE's all round for our services to catering and I'd suggest it runs on white wine instead of water.The EU 'Wine Lake' and indeed ,surplus worldwide,would be gone in no time.And just think,an end to the social awkwardness that can sometimes accompany the mis-pronunciation of 'Bain Marie'. A winning idea,surely.Let me know what you think.(If printable). Now,more Sherry Trifle anyone? Simon. |
