Rusty Genes
Ah summer in Oz.... the heat, the beach, the skimpy chicks, the flies, the beer, the sunburn, the skin cancer! Makes me glad I'm alive...for the meantime. 
Oh, and the sweat!!
I'm sitting here in shame after realising my string bill so far this year has crossed the $1000.00 mark - yet again. :shock:
Seriously, this is getting ridiculous....The music shop I deal with reckon I'm their best string customer - I actually used more strings than some schools around here - not good!
OK, fair enough, I play a lot but I can't make a set of strings last more than 2 nights before they're completely stuffed. But mates of mine can have a set of strings for 3 months and they're still fine. What gives?!!
A doctor mate of mine thinks that diet and what you drink largely dictates how corrosive a persons sweat is. :? Apparantly beer is one of the worst things to have!!
So, does anyone have any theories (short of being a temple of perfect health) that prolongs string life ... at least to a week?? I've tried long-life strings - I'm not real fussed on their sound eg Elixirs. I've tried all the string care products and wipes out there - thats the reason I get 2 nights out of a set!!
Please share your wisdom!
Oh, and the sweat!!I'm sitting here in shame after realising my string bill so far this year has crossed the $1000.00 mark - yet again. :shock:
Seriously, this is getting ridiculous....The music shop I deal with reckon I'm their best string customer - I actually used more strings than some schools around here - not good!
OK, fair enough, I play a lot but I can't make a set of strings last more than 2 nights before they're completely stuffed. But mates of mine can have a set of strings for 3 months and they're still fine. What gives?!!
A doctor mate of mine thinks that diet and what you drink largely dictates how corrosive a persons sweat is. :? Apparantly beer is one of the worst things to have!!
So, does anyone have any theories (short of being a temple of perfect health) that prolongs string life ... at least to a week?? I've tried long-life strings - I'm not real fussed on their sound eg Elixirs. I've tried all the string care products and wipes out there - thats the reason I get 2 nights out of a set!!
Please share your wisdom!
Comments
If that doesn't work (works for me!!! 8) ) than I'd consider cleaning your strings, deeply and often. Wipe them down after every playing, and not just the tops.
I've also heard that some people get very long life out of strings by taking them off the git'r and boiling them, or even soaking them in vinegar.
Another thing you can do is stop buying them from your local shop, and buy them in large packages from one of the American online retailers that'll ship to Oz.
I can't believe I found this clip - its so sad I nearly p*ssed myself laughing!!
But I'm absolutely positive you will enjoy it.
My Karma should be pristine now!
Enjoy Buddy!
Boiling strings?? Never heard of that before.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dunlop-System-65-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit?sku=425269
I use the spray wax cleaner over the guitar each time I'm done playing & I use the blue string cleaner conditioner after I play each time. When I pick my guitar up the next time it feels like new and is ready to go!! I would also keep it in the case when not being used as well. I get about 3 months as well as some of your friends do before there dead sounding & unstable. I would add what strings do you use?? May want to try D'Addario?? I've tried a few different kinds not lots BUT I have deffinetly had the best overall performance on all aspects from Addario strings!! 8) Just a few thoughts man. String Changes Stink!! I hope you have a fixed bridge? Or at least block your trem!!
You put a dab on one palm, and just rub your hands like you normally wash, and it cleans away all the bacteria, sweat, oils, etc. and dissolves and evaporates in less than a minute. As a guitarist...the BEST advantage, is it won't soften your callouses like soap washing will, so you can clean more often even.
The sweat, and oils are mainly killing your string so quickly. But remember...string life is not as long as some people think. We all gauge what we feel is acceptable...and I tend to accept dull strings far longer than most. I only play guitar for my own amusement.
But I do enjoy the sound and feel of new strings, as much as the next guy. You generally will get anywhere from 6 to 12 hours of use from your strings. You mentioned you play a lot. If you are playing say, 4 to 6 hours in a day...you will likely be right in changing your strings every couple days. I at best play 12 hours of guitar in two weeks. :oops: :P ...and slack off from that high estimate.
(one set strings = one pint ...to put it in Aussie exchange rate)
But the other dudes make good points...basically it's two things: first, the gunk from your skin that deadens the strings...'tou's suggestion is a good one.
The other thing is that all strings only sound new when they're new...so you haveta decide about that for yourself. If you want new-sounding strings all the time, then you need new strings all the time. I'd heard that strings can last up to 30 hours or playing time (I know I'M getting that much out of them :oops: ) but your actual mileage will vary.
I also like the suggestion to find your brand - the ones that have the feel, sound, and durability you want - and buy them in bulk. Strings are cheaper here in the USA, maybe once you've found ones you like you could order a pile of them and save a lot of money, which you'll need to send me my Aussie cutie. 8)
By the way the vid is hilarious - and I don't even understand cricket! You think they need a referee?? 8)
Too bad about Oz's export policies. :evil: maybe she could come on an airplane??
ANYway, i cant afford to spend a lot on strings, so i learn to cope with crappy, rusty, disgusting, vomit-inducing.... old strings. Mine go horrible within a few days too, due to the fact that I mainly play shred.
I see more players wipe down the neck and not the bridge or saddles. That's where they rust , corrode and break more often.
My hands often sweat a lot from temp changes. It'll be 20 deg outside and then you walk back in to 85 and it's like a thawing action.
Shaking patrons hands are another way. Guy standing there with automotive grease all over his hands \"you rock man\" So, yeah the Purell bottle is another good suggestion. Now sweating bottles and glasses are another story. I'd say that's where most of the road damage comes from.
I would practice on average 1 1/2 hours a day thru the week then gig on weekends. I pretty much put up with the strings during the week but I need newbies on the weekend. I'm fairly perdantic about cleaning all my guitars - I wipe strings individually and rub and love the guitars after each use. Fretboards, frets, bridge etc etc. I guess we all do that if we have expensive guitars.
I rarely ever break a string unless I'm doing something stupid but my strings just go deader than the Spice Girls! I've tried every brand and seem to go back to Ernie Balls each time, I don't mind some of those stainless varieties though. Partch mentioned D'Addarios - I get more problems with those than other brands such as tuning and breakages. I used to use them all the time but I'm not fussed with their quality these days - but thats just me, I've had a lot of dodgy sets. :?
I think whammy use is another contributing factor to string dulling. All that tension change would have to do something to string life. In regards to changing strings on a Floyd guitar, I just shove one of those sticky pads in under the back of the trem. You know those ones you write on and tear away each little note? They keep the trem level, don't scratch your ax and fit in ya case no worries.
Plus they're good for getting chicks numbers too.
Yeah I have to keep my saddles and bridge clean otherwise they will rust and lock up - especially important for floyds with fine tuners. I remember a few years back I took the whammy off my Wolfgang and couldn't believe the amount of rust and crud underneath - the part you don't clean usually! Took ages to fix. :evil:
But I will experiment with all these ideas and see what happens - thanks for the suggestions. 8)
Buying a Brand name is not such a big deal...when you come to realize...
there are only a few companies that actually manufacture strings in the USA. Most of today's string labels have one of these string factories manufacture strings for them and they simply put their label on them.
Webstrings is doing the very same thing. Just putting there label on the very same strings which are quite likely out of the same batch as...Martins and/or D'Addario's.
I buy my Martins in bulk, and end up paying around $2.80/set. But then I am buying like a 12-pack set of strings at a time. I usually pay more for my D'Addario's, but have come to realize they sound and feel like the same strings, as the Martins. :?
I bet you could get hot chicks right there in Wyoming, if you'd be willing to polish your savoirfaire with the Ladies just a little.
Damn man I buy mine by the cartons too and they work out to be round about 12 bucks a set delivered- at the very best! Jeez I mean if I bought a single set at a shop I'd be paying between 15 and 24 bucks at the moment. :evil: :evil:
I know there's a difference in the dollar but that is a huge difference. Actually our dollar is pretty strong at the moment, over 90 US cents so now might be the time to buy direct from the states.
Shredd Wrote:
Its the licks OFF STAGE that get the babes Shredd - not the ones on stage! Guys that practice THOSE sort of licks are in a completely different line of work - the lucky sods!!
8) I average under $3.00 per set for my Martins, and slightly more for my D'Addario's.
I currently have 8 sets of Martin 9's and 3 sets of D'Addario 10's, and a D'Addario 12 string set waiting to be manhandled. Thats my preferences and sizes I buy. The 12 string sets are pricey, but as you'll see, I actually am getting 2 sets out of them.
I buy the 12 string sets, just for the smaller octave strings, to make a Nashville tuning, and the larger strings work great on a 6 string acoustic. I have found a \"true Nashville tuning\" is a 6 string electric with the smaller octave strings off a 12 string set. I like that much better than doing an alternate tuning using regular strings.
I'm not looking for strings right now, but when I am, I generally check whose got what on eBay, and who has any great deals going, with the online sites.
Just for grins...here is a hell-of-a-deal on eBay for 48 sets of 10's Light/Heavy's which average out to about $2.25/set with shipping included.
eBay strings click here This guy has lots of set combinations.
Elwood likes him..
I usually look for the 12 packs. Here is what I like on my JS1000 and my RG550 which both have Floyds. eBay strings click here
This deal comes out to $3.08/set shipping included...which still isn't bad, but if I sniffed around, I'd beat that. This is just eBay...I have a dozen online sites I'd visit too.
I average a couple sets per month, between my guitars. Sometimes I get in the mood to play more than I normally do, and I'll double that string changing order, until my index fret finger is killing me. I have permanently screwed up my index finger from years of construction work, and whacking the sheit out of it with a framing hammer. It always hurts (seriously...it does...every damn day), but sometimes when I play a lot, it feels like it's split in two, and I'm off the guitar for a month. That is the real high price I pay, to play guitar...strings are cheap.
So...you jumpin' any Sheep lately?
By the way - my licks off-stage are well-developed - but you can't practice those without a \"gig\". That's why I practice my git'r \"chops\" - you can do that playing alone... :shock:
BB - you clearly are in the wrong country for string purchase. No WAY should a set of strings cost 15-25, unless you're talking about yen. :?
I highly recommend buying in bulk and shipping from abroad...even after shipping and the exchange rate, you'll surely be doing better than what you're paying at home.
If it wasn't for all those cute Aussie babes, I'd say move to Canada.
If I was to buy 6 sets of Slinky's it would cost me $60. Everything is expensive in Australia.
I mean, what alliance could be built on a stronger circle of respect!
Just remember which country shot the movie Deliverance buddy, obviously based on real life events! Now hang your head in shame! :twisted:
In regards to strings - Yeah, Insane is one word you could use to describe the situation - I could think of many others! :x
I'll be getting them shipped in for sure next time. At least try just to see how much can be saved. 8)
I have 3 words for you Shredd - BLOW UP DOLL.
Then you would be able to practice ALL your 'chops'... when you're alone!
:? ...wudduhya mean by 'yanks' ...?
:shock: :shock: ......
Seems to me you have the idea!
What a classic! 8)
ok, ok... things are degenerating here.....and its all Tou's fault!
Hi...I'm Dr. Phil
BB…he Tou is just c-r-a-z-y.
Tou thinks he’s just doing a service, by keeping the thread bumped to the top. But we all know, it’s only because he’s run out of anything relevant to add to the topic. He often taunts people he really cares about…like how I taunt Oprah.
But now Shredd on the other hand is your really c-r-a-z-y character. Poo Pooing the fact he is disgusted by the idea of a Blow-up Doll. His Blow-up Doll…was just on our Show…”Dr. Phil”… last month…titled “Together They Fight Crime.”
He’s an oversexed time tossed chivalrous cowboy stage actor, looking for love in all the wrong places. She’s a European Aristocrat amnesiac with someone else’s memories, AWOL from FBI witness protection. “Together They Fight Crime.”
Shredd just thinks she’s a blow-up doll, because she is a sarcastic mute nymphomaniac, yet he still feels guilty for his behavior, so he pretends it’s all not real. She enjoys the anonymity of it all…but she can’t remember why. It’s c-r-a-z-y…but we don’t know for sure if she is real or just taunting us. That will be the topic of another show. “Do Blow-up Doll’s Have Feeling’s.” You won’t want to miss that episode.
In regards to Tou…no I didn’t stutter. I want to help you, help him, help you, help me, help him, help you, help him, help me. ….no wait….I want to help him, help him, help you, help him, help me, help you, help him.
By the way, Tou is an Elitist who misses Scratch & Sniff ads, and is an intellectual misfit gone rogue, who proudly dates several real Blow-up Dolls at the same time to give airs that he is a Rock Star. She/They are just Latex, one leaks a lot. “Together They Fight Crime.”
Quick bettyboo, us Aussies must join and fight the wave of \"Australian Assumptions\"!
Absolutely! Mind you, when you see some of the Oz exports such as Dame Edna, one can hardly blame them for being confused!
Actually, we should send them a copy of that movie Wolfcreek - maybe that'll cut out the smart a*rse remarks once they see what happens here to cocky foreigners. :twisted:
No, no....we are a gentle and kind people here.
\"I'm going to do something now they used to do in Vietnam. It's called making a head on a stick.\"... once you sever the spinal cord, your like a ragdoll\"...
Oh, and thanks a bunch for Steve Irwin...Rachael Hunter could not make up for him, ever!