String tarnish

[brianf]

Remember that clear liquid, which will completely clear tarnish with one dipping? Has anyone tried it to remove the tarnish from wound strings? It seems as though finger oil and tarnish are the major reason why those strings go dead in such a short time.

[MikeEdgerton]

The problems with miracle chemicals that weren't developed for the musicial instrument in specific is that they can sometimes dmage other portions of the instrument. I knew guys that used to take their guitar strings off and boil them, or at least they said they did. Half the time when I have to remove a string for a legitimate reason I can't get it back on without breaking it so that wouldn't work for me. Try using FastFret as a cleaner on your strings.

[JEStanek]

Tarnex ®? Many tarnish or metal polishes are metal dependent for good results. All of them are toxic.

I have found being religous with wiping them down with microfiber prevents tarnish better and doesn't get nasty stuff on my instrument. Any chemical that oxidizes metal tarnishes (or reduces them... hey I'm no chemist) will probably be nasty on your fingerboard... or at least stick around long enough for you to end up eating without washing your hands after playing... yuck.

Jamie

[Celtic Saguaro]

Ignoring how damaging they'd be to the mando, you don't want most tarnish removers on your fingers for prolonged periods. I doubt they'd preserve the tone, anyway.

[MikeEdgerton]

Wait, you don't play with latex gloves on? I thought everyone did. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[JEStanek]

You can never be to safe in these troubled times. Universal mando precautions! I prefer nitrile. I little less dexterity but less risk of an alergic reaction. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Jamie

[bluemtgrass]

If you try it, post the results. I'm thinking greeting card stock under the strings and applying it with a cotton swab would eliminate most of the concerns. And I think your'e right about the sweat from fingers damaging the strings. A friend of mine wears out strings once a week and he blames it on his profusely sweating fingers.
I also believe you can wear them out by playing them but not nearly as often. Interesting post since most guys try in their own way to preserve string longevity.

And as an after thought, since acid in the sweat probably does most of the damage, would an acid neutralizer like baking soda work ? No... no tums, prilosec, rolaids ect ect
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[allenhopkins]

Wait, you don't play with latex gloves on? I thought everyone did.
"Safe mandolin" -- prevents those nasty MTD's.

[MikeEdgerton]

"Safe mandolin" -- prevents those nasty MTD's.
I got a bad case of MAS one time from playing someone else's mandolin.

[mandogrrl]

Somebody told me that some bass players boil their strings to extend their playability. He said that bass strings go for around $80 a set, so that almost makes sense. Considering a set of mandolin strings is under $10, I don't think it's worth your while. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

I think Fast Fret would work.

[Potosimando]

Best part about latex mandolin gloves is that you can now buy them over-the-counter in 39 States (minimizes embarrassing sitiuations).

[Chris Biorkman]

Why not just play with a coated string like the EXPs or Nanowebs?

[SpazMan]

Hey y'all,

Speaking as a former bass player myself, ***don't boil strings!*** What you do to prolong string life is to soak your strings in denatured alcohol-- overnight in an airtight bin. The boiling water is still water, and will make your steel string components rust.

Never tried it with mandolin or guitar strings.

EXPs are also my recommendation. I put them on my Tacoma guitar and they last for a couple years without wearing out.

[MandoBen]

I have tried a few different products over the last 25 years and was never happy with any until recently trying John Pearse String Swipes. They are a little spendy but I have found that I can use one swipe for many days before discarding, as long as I return it to a zip-lock after each use. Lately I have been using d'Addario EXP75 strings, tone is just barely less than perfect but string life is superb. Some people can simply wipe there strings with a dry cloth after playing, but chemistry is different in different people, my strings usually become unusable in 3-5 hours of playing. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[mythicfish]

Plain ol' rubbing alcohol.
May not make 'em shine like silver, but you just want 'em to ring like gold.

Curt

[brianf]

Thanks, folks. #From your replies, I come to two conclusions:

It's easier and simpler to replace the strings than it is to try to rejuvinate them.

If it becomes necessary to save them for future use, by soaking them, my choice would be Jack Daniels.

[Tighthead]

I wouldn't recommend using good whiskey to soak strings...but Jack Daniels should be fine...

[Mark Walker]

Though I wouldn't try it on coated strings (Elixir or EXP's) I've temporarily 'rejuvinated' plain phosphor-bronze strings on mandolin and guitar with poster-board placed under the strings on the entire neck, and polishing them with fine steel wool. #I then - like Curt - just rub them down with alcohol. #

But in most cases, the coated strings are the way to go, and they don't cost you a couple of fingers off either hand. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

JMHO, YMMV.