Can You Clean Strings With Metal Polish

have to agree with Noel, fastfret keeps your strings and your fretboard in top condition. it's relatively cheap and it fits in your guitar case

Hi.

Bass players always clean there strings because they are expensive and the dirt make strings sound dull.
Most of the dirt is fat from the fingers so washing-up liquid and warm water is one of the best to use. But the fret board don't like that, so the best is to take strings of the instrument or put a plastic film between strings and the fret board and dry the strings well after.

Kind Regards,
26rednef

at the other end of the scale, for people who are looking for reasonable quality at reasonable prices, try this site. their strings are pretty good and, for the price, take some beating, but check out the other stuff on there too. top site for parts in general. I got all the gold hardware for my DIY Hank copy here as well as a set of "pig iron" pick ups. I know, you've never heard of them, but they are on a par with toneriders for slightly less. always top quality service and next working day delivery

www.axetec.co.uk/axetec%20guitar%20parts%20spares%20pickups_087.htm

well worth a look

regards
Ian

Many thanks for your answers its most appreciated, looks like metal polish is a definate no no.

One quick question, I do infact use Fast Fret but how do you know when it needs replacing as the pad always seems to be dry even from new ??

Glen

Hi Richie

Thanks for the info

I have both maple (or ash ?)and rosewood on my three guitars, someone on this forum advised using lemon oil on rosewood necks before so I went out and bought some, but thanks for the offer.

Sorry just one more question - I bought the 'Rick Parfitt Rhythm Method' tutorial DVD recently and as a bonus track they showed his gear, his techy uses 'Finger Ease'. Can anyone here recommend it or not - I don't wouldn't want to stain the neck.

Glen

Hi Glen. Metal polish is a no no, it will take off what metal is remaining. Fast fret is easy and cleaner to use. I do use finger ease and I do rate it, you do have less soreness, but it can be difficult to apply, the instructions say its fine for all guitar necks and bodies, but as indicated it does not last long.

Look at string cleaning as a routine everytime you play, before and after. And as already stated, you have to change strings on a regular basis, and then with the strings off clean the neck/frets and metal parts. I also use 'Graphit All' on the saddles, nut and string ends, this is a ceramic paste to help the string glide better when using the trem. Those that have heard that 'ping' will know what I mean.

Tony

Back in the days when I couldnt always afford new strings I used to take them off and boil them in water for about 10mins. After that I would dry them well with a clean cloth and put them back on. It gave another couple of weeks life to old strings. I couldnt be bothered to do this now but I wonder if anyone else has tried it.
Russ