0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Boiling Bass Strings for better sound?

Mac
Posts: 4
I have never heard of this until a few minuets ago. I won't try this yet, considering I got new bass strings Nov. 2015. Does this actually work? If so, how does it work? Should I do it after allot of gigs to make my strings sound better?
LoudLon [moderator]
Posts: 1938
Basically, you bring water to a boil, then place the strings in and let them boil for about 15 minutes. Take them out, lay them across a towel, pat them dry, and let them sit for a bit to cool down to room temperature. You don't want to restring them immediately because, being thin strips of metal, the heat will make them a bit maleable and if you string them too soon, you'll have to tune them a number of times before they “set.”

But I'd only recommend doing this if your strings are noticeably dirty, or if they're old and you can't afford a new set right away. I've heard of some players doing it after every couple gigs but I can't imagine a set of strings lasting too long if you're regularly subjecting them to such alternating temperatures.

Boiling strings is done to remove gunk. Soaking in denatured alcohol can also be practised. Another, very quick method is the use of the depicted solder flux remover. I tried it and it instantly removes any gunk. However, TAKE GREAT CARE, because this fluid is capable of solving plastics and paint. So ALWAYS REMOVE THE STRINGS from your bass, before applying this flux remover.

Reply to this thread