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How To Clean Guitar Strings

The document discusses different methods for cleaning guitar strings. It states that guitar strings can be cleaned each time after playing by wiping down the strings, fretboard, and other areas with a microfiber cloth to remove debris and moisture. Boiling bass strings for 10-15 minutes is another option, but should only be done a limited number of times per set. Household cleaners should never be used, and instead guitar string cleaner and microfiber towels are recommended for best results.

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John Paul Flancia
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113 views3 pages

How To Clean Guitar Strings

The document discusses different methods for cleaning guitar strings. It states that guitar strings can be cleaned each time after playing by wiping down the strings, fretboard, and other areas with a microfiber cloth to remove debris and moisture. Boiling bass strings for 10-15 minutes is another option, but should only be done a limited number of times per set. Household cleaners should never be used, and instead guitar string cleaner and microfiber towels are recommended for best results.

Uploaded by

John Paul Flancia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The sound of a guitar starts with its strings.

That’s because of the way the strings vibrate


determines what the pickups produce “sound.” Clarity and attack are the most distinguishable
characteristics of new guitar strings. That’s because their high frequencies are not dampened
by the present oil and debris. If the string is dampened, the pickups will reproduce the same
dampened characteristic. To get that sound back, you’ll need to begin cleaning the guitar
strings.

For example, you might put in a lot of hair product for a show, and the residue gets into the
string windings. Without wiping it off, the product will dry and add a layer of residue to the
string. The strings will now sustain for a shorter period and overall sound duller. Changing the
guitar strings is an easy way to bring the tone back, but you can likely get the same result from
cleaning the guitar strings. 

The sound of a guitar starts with its strings. That’s because of the way the strings vibrate determines
what the pickups produce “sound.” Clarity and attack are the most distinguishable characteristics of new
guitar strings. That’s because their high frequencies are not dampened by the present oil and debris. If
the string is dampened, the pickups will reproduce the same dampened characteristic. To get that sound
back, you’ll need to begin cleaning the guitar strings.

For example, you might put in a lot of hair product for a show, and the residue gets into the string
windings. Without wiping it off, the product will dry and add a layer of residue to the string. The strings
will now sustain for a shorter period and overall sound duller. Changing the guitar strings is an easy way
to bring the tone back, but you can likely get the same result from cleaning the guitar strings.

Don’t use household cleaners when cleaning guitar strings!

Under no circumstances should household cleaners like bleach or soap be used to clean guitar
strings. The ingredients are more than likely not intended for your instrument and could
damage the finish or discolor hardware. Incorrect application can especially dry out unfinished
fretboards. Use name brand guitar string cleaner and microfiber towels to get the most reliable
results. 

Boiling bass strings

Yes, it’s true: you can clean bass guitar strings by boiling them. However, they’ll usually sound
just shy of new. and this can only be done so many times per set. Nothing’s worse than
breaking strings mid-show because you boiled them too many times. Take caution when
handling the boiling water, but 10-15 minutes in a bath will cause oil and debris to detach from
the strings. Be careful when removing the strings (use tongs!) and allow them to cool and dry
before putting them back on your bass. This is always a good reason to have guitar string
cleaner handy.
Cleaning guitar strings each time you play

As simple as it sounds, cleaning guitar strings can be done every time you play. Wipe down your
guitar before and after playing it to ensure no debris or moisture remains on the strings or
pickups. Microfiber cloths are ideal to clean guitar strings since they do not leave a residue or
lint material. In addition to wiping the instrument down, wash your hands regularly to remove
excess oil and residue (or grease, sauce, etc.). Keep a small towel around to dry sweaty hands
mid-show.
 Before playing: use a microfiber cloth to remove any moisture from the strings, pickups, and
neck.
 After playing: wipe down the instrument: strings, fretboard, pickups, tuning machines, body,
etc.
Don’t use household cleaners when cleaning guitar strings!

Under no circumstances should household cleaners like bleach or soap be used to clean guitar strings.
The ingredients are more than likely not intended for your instrument and could damage the finish or
discolor hardware. Incorrect application can especially dry out unfinished fretboards. Use name brand
guitar string cleaner and microfiber towels to get the most reliable results.

Boiling bass strings

Yes, it’s true: you can clean bass guitar strings by boiling them. However, they’ll usually sound just shy of
new. and this can only be done so many times per set. Nothing’s worse than breaking strings mid-show
because you boiled them too many times. Take caution when handling the boiling water, but 10-15
minutes in a bath will cause oil and debris to detach from the strings. Be careful when removing the
strings (use tongs!) and allow them to cool and dry before putting them back on your bass. This is always
a good reason to have guitar string cleaner handy.

Cleaning guitar strings each time you play

As simple as it sounds, cleaning guitar strings can be done every time you play. Wipe down your guitar
before and after playing it to ensure no debris or moisture remains on the strings or pickups. Microfiber
cloths are ideal to clean guitar strings since they do not leave a residue or lint material. In addition to
wiping the instrument down, wash your hands regularly to remove excess oil and residue (or grease,
sauce, etc.). Keep a small towel around to dry sweaty hands mid-show.

Before playing: use a microfiber cloth to remove any moisture from the strings, pickups, and neck.
After playing: wipe down the instrument: strings, fretboard, pickups, tuning machines, body, etc.

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