At least a large part of the reason bass guitar strings go out so fast is because of the constant direct contact with our fingers, especially after we been eatin' greasy-fried chickin...the oil, dirt, etc., on our grubby little paws corrodes and dirtifies those strings right quick. I've seen at least one writer reconnend that piano techs *never* touch strings with bare hands for this reason, saying they will corrode on the places touched within the week -- which makes a lot of sense especially where copper, which corrodes when you just look at it, is concerned. Cheers, Matt -----Original Message----- >From: Stéphane Collin <collin.s at skynet.be> >Sent: Jun 28, 2007 4:57 PM >To: stuka at mindspring.com, Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org> >Subject: Re: Why NOT to polish bass strings....... > >Hi Matt. > >Nice to read your comment. >Also, you raise a point of importance, methink : the difference in tension >between bass guitar strings and piano strings. About how this difference >comes in play, I only can guess, but what is sure, is that bass guitar >strings are very bright from time 0 (new) to begin with (and then quickly go >duller), while piano bass strings breathe only after some tunings and some >days stretching (and they last longer). > >Best regards. > >Stéphane Collin. > >p.s. : I must one day try this boiling procedure, see what happens. > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: <stuka at mindspring.com> >To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org> >Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2007 10:36 PM >Subject: Re: Why NOT to polish bass strings....... > > >The method for boiling bass guitar strings: in a large-diameter pot or >skillet of depth enough to cover all strings, bring enough water to cover >the strings plus at least a couple of inches extra to a rolling boil, coil >stings into the pot, let boil for 5-10 minutes or so after rolling boil >resumes. Longer doesn't seem to hurt. I'm guessing that thicker piano bass >strings might respond to longer boiling times, some experimentation might be >necessary. > >
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