Chordophone String Cleansing
The question we want to answer is (Ashton 2005, 62):
From “Strings & Maintenance¨ in The Bass Handbook
So how can we make our strings last longer?
Well, to make them last longer the following factors must be accounted for (Ibid):
- How often and for what duration the strings are played
- Humidity, air quality and atmospheric temperature inhabited by the strings
- String contact with dirt or sweat at given amounts
With time and use, dirt buildup below the strings and into the crevices of the string windings can lead to strings losing elasticity and thereby tone as well as intonation (Ibid). Of course (Ibid):
From “String & Maintenance¨ in The Bass Handbook
You can’t prevent your fingers from producing string-killing chemicals, but at least you can remove them them afterwards.
Removal of sweat, dirt and other organic chemicals that find their way on and into the string can be done by (Ibid):
From “String & Maintenance¨ in The Bass Handbook
Cleaning your strings with a cloth after every playing session […]
Other recommendations are (Ibid):
From “String & Maintenance¨ in The Bass Handbook
If possible, wash your hands before you play. String cleaners and fingerboard cleaners can also prove beneficial. Strings with a long-life coating may be worth the extra.
In sum, the keys to maintaining the strings of your chordophone / string instrument is as follows (Ibid):
- Washing hands prior to playing the instrument
- Cleaning the strings of the instrument after a session of playing it
- Use of string cleaners or fingerboard / fretboard cleaners especially compatible or friendly to the material of the strings or fingerboard / fretboard
- Getting strings that have a coating that extends their life
Gloves
Playing with gloves can help reduce the sweat and other organic chemicals that can get on and into the strings from contact with skin. A disadvantage may be the change in outputted tone or even the playability of the instrument from the different texture of the glove striking or resisting the string when fingering or fretting the strings. A fingerless glove may be a compromise, or a glove especially designed for playing fretting/fingering.
musicology string_instrument chordophone_strings string composite_chordophone hygiene plucked_string_instrument strummed_string_instrument bass guitar bass_guitar
bibliography
- Morrish, John, ed. “Strings & Maintenance.” In The Bass Handbook: A Complete Guide for Mastering the Bass Guitar, 1st ed., 55–70. San Francisco, CA: BackBeat, 2005.