String Cleaning

[permutare]

I was advised to clean my strings at the end of the day after playing my guitar by my friend.
I usually clean them using normal tissue/toilet paper. He also suggested using this 'solution' to delay the strings from rusting. I've seen the bottle but it has different numbers catered to different bottles
But I'd like to know if:

i) there are any 'negative' side effects of cleaning the strings using tissue/toilet paper?
ii) if so, what are the appropriate materials to use?
iii) what solution is recommended and what are the differences between these different solutions?

I'm always using Super Slinky 09 anyway...
much help appreciated to these answers...
=D

 

[RazrAsh]

nope. as long as the material you use is absorbent and can absorb any body salts or oils, it'll work.

i'll assume the "bottle" in question is one of the numerous products for string life extension. these work by coating your guitar string to prevent oxidisation after you clean off any dirt/sweat/miscellaneous bodily fluids.
but you SHOULD use a soft cloth to apply the fluid, ONLY AFTER you clean the strings with tissue paper first to remove the abovementioned dirt/sweat/miscellaneous bodily fluids.

 

[permutare]

really?
thanks....

but wad bout the solutions?

 

[RazrAsh]

they have different types according to your needs. some just help to extend the life of the strings, some make the strings a bit more slippery for faster and easier playing. its really up to you.

go to yamaha, they should have whatever you need to do regular cosmetic appearance of your guitar.

 

[LjR91]

Hmmm... i think the solution you are refering to is the Dunlop Ultraglide String Cleaner and Conditioner.

Is it this one??

I use it and personally i like it as it gives the strings lubrication, making them smooth and very comfortable to play! It also restores life of the strings (or should i say.. extend) that I use (slinkys 010s and 011s) - when you know... normal slinkys usually don't last that long!

Give it a try! its very good =)

As for cloth, you can just use an ordinary clean soft cloth along with the Ultraglide!

I used tissue paper to get rid of the rust before... its such a hassle! haha =)

Cheers!

 

[permutare]

thanks alot..
this was definitely what i was looking for...
=D

 

[kerplunk182]

cheaper alternative, fast fret. Less than 5 bucks per unit.

 

[RazrAsh]

Ljr91, if there's rust, you SHOULD change the strings already. :lol:

 

[LjR91]

haha i know! i meant last time when i first started off =P

 

[RazrAsh]

no worries ljR91. everyone's gotta start somewhere.

Permutare: you COULD give some thought to using Elixir brand strings.

 

[jcaosdon]

hey guys.. do you put your guitars back to the bag after playing or just leave it in open air??

 

[LjR91]

hmm.... for me, i use Ultraglide on my strings, then keep them in the bag.

But I heard some people say that leaving it open on a guitar stand is better, even in humid countries like Singapore.. I'm also wondering... haha

 

[permutare]

wait, i've never heard of elixir strings...
what gauge anyway would u recommend?

 

[LjR91]

well, its up to your preference! Whatever you feel that is best that fits what you play (genre..etc) =) You must also be comfortable with the strings you are playing (eg. bending)

basically, changing the strings on your guitar from one gauge to another will affect its sound and feel.

I learnt that light gauge strings are easier to bend. But it can also be hard to keep in tune. Also has less sustain and perhaps even volume.

Whereas for heavier strings, the guitar might be harder to play due to tension etc... But they give longer sustain, +volume, and will keep the pitch better.

 

[RazrAsh]

subjective to how you set it up. if its well setup and intonated, light gauge strings do suatin as well.

 

[leecs]

You can get string cleaner cloth from yamaha. I use that after my playing.

 

[subversion]

But I heard some people say that leaving it open on a guitar stand is better, even in humid countries like Singapore.. I'm also wondering... haha

according to what you hear, help us understand why this is so.

 

[LjR91]

I'm also figuring out why...

Eg, from this thread: http://soft.com.sg/forum/showthread.php?t=47333

The shop owner from Sinamex advised us S'porean guitarists to leave our guitars in the open on guitar stands at room temperature. It is a well-backed advice taken from many articles, some from Taylor too. They address the handling of guitars (esp acoustic) in regions of high humidity like Singapore.

Putting the guitar in a guitar bag worsens the humidity problem. Just imagine running without a shirt, and running with a sweater on. Your body's gonna contain much more moisture with the sweater on. Guitar bags also may store pockets of excess humidity at the corners. Putting silica gel helps, but you'll have to really put them in considerable amounts and distribute them all over the guitar in the guitar bag.

Don't ever use thirsty hippo. They're known to leak. Sucks. Haha.

The final piece of advice is, if you own a guitar in Singapore (esp acoustic), and unless you have a de-humidified room or a high quality de-humidifying guitar case, store the axe on a guitar stand at room temperature.

 

[fiqthefallen]

....and we always thought the (soft) case protects the guitar from anything...

i also got this from howstuffworks.com

How to Remove Iron and Rust Stains From:
Stainless Steel

Rub stainless steel with a damp piece of very fine grade emery paper, followed by rubbing it with a slice of onion. Rinse well with hot water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Iron and rust go hand in hand. These spot removal techniques will help you erase rust's ugly influence.

so can onion be the best alternative to those chemical solutions?

 

[LjR91]

!!! I don't think that might be good for guitar strings though!