Boiled Strings

[Torch7]

I Boiled my string last night after wednesday night service.

Got home today to try and apply some of the stuff I learnt today, like the harmonics... pretty cool....

I don't recall my bass ever being this bright... Those strings must have been filthy... Its almost like playing a different instrument..
I almost miss the way it sounded before...

[thomas1168]

You can only boil once if you boil more right in the middle of playing the G string SNAP>>>>>>>

Use rubbing alchol (Not the Green) 70% to clean after every gig

[ddwilkins]

Yeah, you can only boil once.  I used to do that when I first started playing, but now i just replace strings.  I don't boil anymore.  But they do bring life back into the strings.

[Andrzej]

Don't boil your strings if the are nickel wound or coated (Elixir Nano's for example).  The nickel will oxidize very quickly and snap the string and the coating will come away from the string.  I have never boiled my strings because it does impair the longevity of the strength and performance.  I prefer reliablity and replace my basses with fresh strings when the brightness falls off.

Play with clean hands, wipe down your strings and neck after before you put you bass in it's case and keep your fingerboard and frets clean.  Providing you get into that habit any string will last you a good while before they become unplayable.

[Torch7]

yeah I usually keep my hands clean, and wipe down my strings after I play...never used the alcohol though... thanks thomas1168.

Those strings have been on my bass since I first got it.  I am gonna change the strings out anyhow... just wanted to see how boiling the strings worked... so far so good..

[uprising_bassist7]

i never tried it    i might though

[Torch7]

i never tried it    i might though

Check out this link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0634017470/ref=sib_dp_pt/104-2942628-3879953#reader-link

IF you decide to boil... I think most people opt to use alcohol, because water can rust or cause oxidation to the strings and like mentioned above lessen the span of string life.
However I think backing the strings to dry them like in the example alleviates this issue.

But thinking about it... Alcohol seems alot easier...
Make sure you get denatured alcohol? Isopropryl alcohol found in the stores is over 90% water usually, so if you soak them in it... you could have the same issues with water being trapped within the coils.

Anyway... See what works best for you.

[trsmooth]

i hear boiling strings help but 4 a very short peroid of time. and if you use nickel and not stainless steel strings i would suggest not to do it at all on the chance that they could rust.

[basedigrace]

I used to boil but don't anymore because i found a better way. What you want to do is soak the strings in "Denatured Alcohol." You can get that stuff anywere. It doesn't contain any water like regular rubbing alcohol so it won't cause oxidation. This method works like a charm and you can keep resoaking your strings for a long time until they break or eventually the strings start feeling like garbage.

[Cherri]

Boiling, Denatural Alchol, interesting....

[bigblackdrummer]

My friend soaks them in this acid! NOT ME! Yo I just buy mine! Also remember! You boil all the calcium and other heavy metals into your string, use distilled water its cheap and wont wreck your frets over time!

[cardfandan]

I've boiled strings before... In fact, what I usually do is take off the old set, boil them, put 'em in a baggie, and put 'em back in the case as a spare set. Then I take care of the baby by putting on a nice, new set of Dean Markley Blue Steel strings. 

[Groovesmith]

Hey if your gonna do anything but buy new strings use denatured alcohol like mentioned before but make sure the are completely dry prior to putting them back on. 

I use to know a guy who used anti-freeze and that worked great but mashed up his fret board eventually.

Ask the pastor for a love offering!!!!

[Andrzej]

I use to know a guy who used anti-freeze and that worked great but mashed up his fret board eventually.

Anti-freeze??  LOL...that's a new one!

[funkStrat_97]

Add salt and pepper to taste!!!!  Allow to cool before serving !