Why bass strings lose their sound
Have you noticed that your bass strings lose their sound quickly? Well, this is not an isolated case. Making bass strings is a precise process and although they appear robust, they are delicate tools. Factors such as sweat, deposits of skin particles and other dirt affect the sound as they influence the vibrations of the strings. Regular stress during playing causes the bass strings to lose their elasticity and therefore their fresh sound.
The cost of bass strings
Bass strings are anything but cheap. The exact production process, the use of high-quality materials such as nickel, steel or bronze, and the special effort required to precisely work the strings justify the price. Costs of over 20 euros per set are not uncommon. Careful care and cleaning can therefore help to increase the service life and reduce the cost of frequent new purchases.
Quick facts about reconditioning bass strings
Whether jazz, P or electric bass – the strings of these instruments suffer a considerable loss of sound if they are dirty or rusty. Here are a few quick facts about string cleaning:
- Regular cleaning can double the life of the strings. The cleaning process takes about half an hour.
- Complete drying of the strings is very important to prevent rust.
- In addition, there are various cleaning methods – from household remedies such as vinegar and washing-up liquid, special products to alternative methods such as ultrasonic baths.
Material wear and tear on bass strings
One of the main problems in maintaining the sound of your bass strings is material wear. Although string materials such as nickel, steel or bronze can withstand a lot, they are not insensitive to the effects of time, playing and the environment. The constant vibration caused by playing damages the strings. The salts contained in sweat can also damage the material of the strings and impair their sound.
Manual wear of bass strings
Apart from material wear and tear, there is also manual wear and tear on your bass strings. Every stroke and every finger press contributes to the general “wear and tear” of the strings. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable when slapping or picking – here the string can be hit with quite a lot of force, which leads to a deformation of the string.
But keeping your fingers clean before playing can also play a significant role in the durability of the strings.
What are string killers?
You’re probably wondering: What are string killers? The term refers to anything that shortens the life of your strings. Human sweat is probably the best known and most feared string killer. The salts and acids in sweat attack the material of the strings and reduce their lifespan. However, objects such as a particularly sharp pick or a metal pick can also damage the string when playing and are therefore also considered string killers.
Cleaning electric bass strings: With a detergent bath
A tried-and-tested cleaning method for your bass strings is a detergent bath. Take off your bass strings and leave them in a bowl of warm water with a little washing-up liquid for about 15 minutes. The detergent will help to loosen the dirt and grease on the strings. After soaking, you should rinse the strings thoroughly and then leave them to dry. It is best to leave the strings to dry overnight. Before you put the strings back on, make sure that there are no detergent residues left.
Cleaning electric bass strings: With a vinegar bath
Another cleaning option is the vinegar bath. Here, the strings are soaked in a solution of water and vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar will help to dissolve deposits and dirt and disinfect the strings. After the bath, rinse the strings well and let them dry again.
This method is particularly effective for older, more heavily soiled strings.
Cleaning electric bass strings: With boiling
Yes, you read that right, boiling your bass strings is also a cleaning method. You place the strings in boiling water for around five minutes. The hot steam helps to clean the strings and remove any stuck deposits. Again, a thorough drying phase after the process is important to prevent rust from forming.
Cleaning electric bass strings: With bit cleaner
You can also use denture cleaner for quick cleaning in between. Simply dissolve a tablet in warm water and place the strings in it for a few minutes. Then rinse them well and let them dry thoroughly. The bit cleaner helps to loosen the dirt and keep the strings refreshingly clean.
Cleaning electric bass strings: With shock therapy
Another tip for cleaning strings is shock therapy. This involves tightening the strings very tightly and then loosening them again. This “fitness program” for your strings can help to restore the original sound. This method can be carried out with both the strings taken off and strung on. But be careful – too much tension can cause the strings to break.
Other cleaning methods: Ultrasonic baths, dishwashers and alcohol
In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are other ways to clean your bass strings. An ultrasonic bath, which is normally used to clean watches or jewelry, can also be used to clean strings. Another tip is to clean the strings in the dishwasher – but make sure that they don’t disappear into the chaos of the dishwasher. The last tip is to use alcohol to clean the strings – simply place the strings in alcohol for around 30 minutes to loosen dirt and deposits.
Take care and note
While all of the methods listed can be effective and help to extend the life of your strings, there are also risks. Frequent use of acids or alcohol can affect the material of the strings. With shock therapy, there is a risk that the strings can break if they are stretched too tightly. Therefore, you should always bear in mind that the choice of the right method depends on your playing style and the specific properties of your strings.
Recycling bass strings – how often does it make sense?
Careful cleaning can help to double the life of your bass strings. However, you should also be aware of the limits of this process. Even the best and most well-maintained strings will lose their sound over time. It should therefore be clear: there is no such thing as the “immortality” of strings.
Their lifespan depends heavily on the playing style, care and material of the strings.
Conclusion
The cleaning and care of your bass strings play a significant role in the life and sound of the strings. There are many different methods to clean the strings, ranging from a detergent or vinegar bath, to boiling, to the use of ultrasonic devices. Choosing the right method depends on your playing style and the requirements of your strings. Even though the cleaning process can extend the life of the strings and improve the sound quality, the limits and risks should always be taken into account. However, with the right care and cleaning, you can ensure that you get the best out of your bass strings.