Max_H
Inspired
Hey folks,
I dunno how many people are like me but I've found that I have highly corrosive sweat, to the point where if I play with new strings for just an hour or two, I can already see rust and grime forming on my strings. Note: I did a test where I put on new strings, washed my hands and then played.
For a long while I merely accepted this as the norm; my strings would be fucked after a day or two and then I would play uncomfortable rusty strings until I felt like changing strings again (edge trems can be a mild pain).
Pretty recently though I did some research into ways to halt or slow down this process and I came across a few things that may be common knowledge to you guys.
So, how I take care of my strings:
Before I play, I wipe my strings down with a paper towel
A simple ol paper towel seems to cause enough friction to get a lot of the gunk off
I play for a few hours and repeat. If I have a whole day to myself and practice, I might wipe my strings down 2-3 times in a 8-12 hour period.
Once I am completely done with guitar for the day, I wipe my strings down yet again and then apply some wd-40 to another paper towel and wipe YET again. This has become a ritual for me. The wd-40 seems to get a little bit more of the grime off and then it should prevent any rusting and grime buildup throughout the night.
Now, question time.
What do you guys (who know you have corrosive sweat) do to protect your strings? Anything? Nothing?
Anybody know of a better solution to my problem? Maybe there is a better material for wiping down strings than a paper towel? I know there are commercial string cleaning fluids but can they really be that much better than plain ol' wd-40 and a paper towel? Am I taking the caveman approach?
I would simply love it if I could find a way to keep my strings fresh as long as possible. Currently with my method, I change strings every 2-3 weeks, and they only have mild buildup at that time. I mean, where the strings should be shiny and silver looking, they're black and brown where it's obvious I play the most.
Anyhoo, let me know what you guys think.
I dunno how many people are like me but I've found that I have highly corrosive sweat, to the point where if I play with new strings for just an hour or two, I can already see rust and grime forming on my strings. Note: I did a test where I put on new strings, washed my hands and then played.
For a long while I merely accepted this as the norm; my strings would be fucked after a day or two and then I would play uncomfortable rusty strings until I felt like changing strings again (edge trems can be a mild pain).
Pretty recently though I did some research into ways to halt or slow down this process and I came across a few things that may be common knowledge to you guys.
So, how I take care of my strings:
Before I play, I wipe my strings down with a paper towel
A simple ol paper towel seems to cause enough friction to get a lot of the gunk off
I play for a few hours and repeat. If I have a whole day to myself and practice, I might wipe my strings down 2-3 times in a 8-12 hour period.
Once I am completely done with guitar for the day, I wipe my strings down yet again and then apply some wd-40 to another paper towel and wipe YET again. This has become a ritual for me. The wd-40 seems to get a little bit more of the grime off and then it should prevent any rusting and grime buildup throughout the night.
Now, question time.
What do you guys (who know you have corrosive sweat) do to protect your strings? Anything? Nothing?
Anybody know of a better solution to my problem? Maybe there is a better material for wiping down strings than a paper towel? I know there are commercial string cleaning fluids but can they really be that much better than plain ol' wd-40 and a paper towel? Am I taking the caveman approach?
I would simply love it if I could find a way to keep my strings fresh as long as possible. Currently with my method, I change strings every 2-3 weeks, and they only have mild buildup at that time. I mean, where the strings should be shiny and silver looking, they're black and brown where it's obvious I play the most.
Anyhoo, let me know what you guys think.