CLEANING STRINGS

[mandodan22]

I'VE GOT A CHEAP DOBRO HERE THAT I CLEANED THE STRINGS BY FIRST BOILING THEM, AND THEN I TRIED BRASSO .
OF COURSE I DID'NT WANT TO GET IT ON THE FRETBOARD AND WITH A DOBRO THE STRINGS ARE HIGH OFF THE BOARD,
IT SEEMED TO DO A GOOD JOB THERE WAS A LOT OF BLACK GRIME ON MY RAGS ,OR DO YOU THINK IT WAS THE FINISH OF THE STRINGS COMING OFF?
IS THIS A BAD IDEA OR NOT?

[Lane Pryce]

More than likely just oxidation and grime. Lp

[newblue]

I have to ask, Why did you not just get new strings?

[mandodan22]

I COULD REPLACE THEM SURE.
BUT I WAS WONDERING IF THIS COULD BE A WAY TO WIPE THEM DOWN AFTER PLAYING.
MAYBE GET MORE LIFE OUT OF A SET.
AND I'M BORED # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[John Craton]

Hmmmm. Boiled strings. Wouldn't want to do it on a night we were having spaghetti.

The only way I've ever cleaned strings (violin strings, to clear off rosin build-up) is to pinch them with a cleaning cloth and swipe up and down. Makes a wonderful sound on a violin, very reminiscent of fingernails on a chalkboard. Actually have never cleaned my mando strings. Is there really a need?

[gremlin]

boiling strings is an electric bass players trick to get longer life out of a set, think about it a good set of bass strings is anywhere from 20.00 to 30.00 bucks just for a 4 string set:p another trick is if you have or have access to an ultrasonic cleaner (like jewlers use) works real well also just coil them like they cam in the pack drop them in and tun it on let run for about 5 minutes and you are good to go

[mandodan22]

GOOD IDEA!

[steve in tampa]

Any tips on cleaning ban*o strings???http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[duuuude]

Any tips on cleaning ban*o strings???http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
I hear a hammer knocks the dirt right off 'em.

[John Craton]

Any tips on cleaning ban*o strings???http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Wire snips.

[gremlin]

what is the old joke about a banjo? what is the defenition of perfect pitch? throwing a banjo in the dumpster and not hitting the side:D