Sticky strings

Hey everyone,
3 or 4 songs in a row with the band and my fingers are feeling pretty raw. I'm using DR Fatbeams on all basses right now. The med lite nickels I was using were less abrasive but still sticky after a few songs. I'm guessing my ph balance is a contributing factor, so, insted of altering my genetic makeup.....
Are you guys just toweling off and keeping it moving? I've tried Fast fret and String ease, I think it's called. I've also tried regular mineral oil. I have Ebony on the Warwick and Tung oiled maple on the jazz. I know I can't use just any old thing because of the potential to damage the wood, so, what say you people? Thanks in advance for help. I would like to get something before the gigs this weekend.

 

I can send you some old strings of mine you will not have this problem

 

I tried them a while back. These and a few others feel great at first. I guess I'll go back to flats for a while. I thought there may be some pro secret I didn't know about. I guess I can always chalk my fingertips like a pool stick or maybe have a bowl of talcum powder on stage like a power lifter.

 

Any of your "old stuff" is better than most people's new stuff! You can send your old car too

 

I cant play for extended period of time on strings other than Elixirs. Well, I can, but it gets sticky like you mention and it doesnt allow for a very consistent playing experience.

Elixir's are very slick and when you sweat they stay that way, maybe even more slippery. It might take a while to get used to them coming from other strings. Maybe they will work, maybe they wont. Other than that, I wouldnt be putting other chemicals on my strings, maybe just wipe them and go.

 

It's been a few years since I had Elixirs. I'm pretty sure I never gigged with them either and that's where the problem is. At home or in studio, I don't sweat like that. Last gig, I actually had to put on hand lotion after every song. I have a gig tomorrow night, so, I'll try to get some in the morning. That should give the basses a chance to get used to them.
Thanks again!!

 

Will do, Florin. I Didn't get to the store and sound check is in a few hours. I'll get these strings soon and check back in. Thanks!

 

I forgot to mention, YMMV since Elixir apparently changed the way they coated their strings, or changed the coating, or something. I noticed my SS ones werent as slippery as the old nickels, but I think even the nickels they changed which I havent tried yet. I wish they hadn't, I really liked the way they were.

 

A few years ago I went as far as polishing new EB flats before installing them. Here's footage.