sweaty finger/string problems

[herb vibes]

yo peoples

well after 2 weeks my strings are always dirty and doesn't sound that tight as is should. do somebody got the same probs? and how y'all prevent this problem.... using ghs fast fret or cookin' the strings out?

i usually play dr hi-beams but for the moment i play d'addarios on my thumbs since i get them for free at gc lately, but i can't see/feel any differences:s
on first thought i asked myself if it would be the emg-pu but it seems that they bring good sound out and doesn't sound the same in any other basses. so it must be the strings and i don't think that i'm willing to buy 4sets of strings per month:s

another question:
do the strings get used when they hang in the room when they're not used? humidity?

any experiences?

 

[Callum]

Mmmm i have had the same problem tbh the best solution is to get some EMPs they have lasted the longest out of every string i've tried. They don't ever have the bright sound of a new steel set but have tonnes of growl and last ages.

IF you have to have that zing of new strings the only way is to get new strings. I recently tried out some elites staduim set which are sold by the bass centre. I picked up a set for £13 and they lasted the longest with that ultra bright zing...which was about 3 1/2 weeks. had a very nice bright growl bit like dr hi-beams but way cheaper.

As for string care get a cloth an wipe the strings after playing, also get a 'swipe card' its this thing that helps clean under the string it works far better than fast fret.

The other thing you can do is soak the strings in methalated spirits over night then leave to dry this pretty much makes the strings like new but they don't stay bright as long.

 

[Florin]

The solution: Coated strings For most of us, EMP's are great and last a few months. Some of us though have acidic sweat, and EMP's are not that good in this case, but they can use Elixirs.
If you are saying your sound is dying after 2 weeks, it means you don't have problems, so I suggest you to try the EMP's

The other question, yes, the strings can worn even if not used, due to humidity.

 

[IncX]

dang... my roto nikels have been on for more than a month and they still have that growl and new string twang ... i wanna change them but i cant find any reason to. in my experience, they far outlast the ironically roto stainless LDs and warwick black labels....

i sweat a lot too ... maybe its just not as acidic...

 

[sethsbase]

Everyone sweats in different amounts when they play (due to body chemestry and also due to differences in playing situation... every night under hot lights or once a week in a dark club...)

Everyone also has a different body pH (level of acidity) in their sweat, and highly acidic sweat will deaden strings more quickly.

Florin also raises a good point about humidity: I used to live in Miami, Florida, and after awhile I just gave UP on the idea of having my strings sound bright for longer than one gig.

(...then again, EMPs hadn't been invented back then...)

Super-sweaty professional guys who are out there every night in arenas have all the strings they can eat and bass techs who re-string the instruments for them every night.... the rest of us have to find some kind of compromise.

So let's make a list... ways to keep strings brighter longer:

-remember to wipe them down after EVERY time you play (sounds simple, but it can be a hard habit to stick to)

-boil your strings every few weeks (this is not a myth; it does work to an extent)

-consider shelling out the extra money for EMPs... they really are fantastic, and actually SAVE you money in the long run...

...anyone else?

 

[herb vibes]

hey guys thanks a lot!
allright i'm going next weekend to bc and get myself 2 sets of emp.
haha good that i have a kitchen in our bandroom, so i can clean and cook out the strings after practicing
one more times thanks a lot!

 

[Mike]

+1 On the always clean your strings after playing them, this will wipe away left over sweat and dirt. Another good idea is to put your bass back into its case or gig bag directly after playing and cleaning. I think this is because of oxidization, so if your strings are sweaty and left out in the open air they will get dead sounding a lot quicker. EMPs do seem to last along time though and they also have a great sound!