strings

jimbo · #1 January 23rd, 2006

could anyone tell me if guitar string lubricant is worth using, I have a bottle of something called Finger Ease and it seems to stop the strings from tarnishing, but is it good for the strings or the fret board.

regards everyone,
Jim from sunny Sydney

coldethyl · #2 January 23rd, 2006

Personally myself I don't bother with any actual liquid cleaners for the strings because after every practise or playing of my guitar I give the strings a wipe clean so that there is less chance for dirt to build up.

But if you want something reliable, try and get your hands on a special rag called a Blitz cloth, which are sold at Army surplus stores, or you might be lucky enough to find them sold at music stores as "String Care" by Blitz

Apparently they are one very reliable string cleaner!

Kirk Lorange · #3 January 23rd, 2006

Hi Jimbo ...

I used to use different string sprays ... never really seemed to enhance anything.

I'm fortunate in that my body chemistry is kind to strings--they stay shiny and smooth for ever--but I know many players who turn strings black just by playing a couple of licks. I know, because they sometimes do it to my guitars! There was one guy in particular, years ago. Came to a gig, went to each of my guitars in a break, played a little lick on each and that was it for all three guitars. Dull, black, pitted, corroded strings wherever his fingers had been. I don't know what he was eating, but he was toxic alright.

joehere1 · #4 January 24th, 2006

i use it finger ease and i find it helps my calusus a bit they dont have ruff skin hanging off them you know the stuff that helps you play notes you dont want too
as far as helping the strings i dont know im too knew to know the difference

im finding now i dont use it as much as i used too i think it just helps get over that building up the calusus stage
hope that helped

WernHalen · #5 January 24th, 2006

I used to use a product called fast fret, now I use Dunlop 65. It seems that my strings last a bit longer... but who knows.

I must say though that it does make my strings play easier... I tend to be able to play faster when using the products...

I must say that you should becarefull of products like fast fret that leave small tuffs of cotton on your stings. That can realy kill your tone... Fast fret however cleaned my fret board better than the Dunlop does. (but thats got more to do with the mechanics of the product)

bone1205 · #6 January 29th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo

could anyone tell me if guitar string lubricant is worth using, I have a bottle of something called Finger Ease and it seems to stop the strings from tarnishing, but is it good for the strings or the fret board.

regards everyone,
Jim from sunny Sydney

I think it's good... Other reviews says it's good. I not actually using it but sometimes I spray WD-40 to remove the dirt and reduce friction...

EFinFLA · #7 August 27th, 2006

I'm going to resurrect this old thread just to say how great this Finger Ease spray is. I'd never used a spray before and this one seemed to be most popular so I bought a can. Best $3 I ever spent! I sure makes sliding up and down the fretboard a whole lot easier. I was worried about it gunking up the frets but it is practically invisible. Very dry, no residue at all. I like it.

737blues · #8 August 27th, 2006

I reckon Finger Ease is a great product too. Used to use it all the time until I bought my Maton acoustic. It had Elixer strings on it and when I found out how much those strings cost, (gulp) I was too scared to spray anything on them.

Dr. Stringfellow is also pretty good but I think, designed to be more of a cleaner than a lubricant.

Ultimate Garage Band · #9 August 28th, 2006

I use Big Bends Nut Sauce on the nut slots but nothing on the strings themselves.

737blues · #10 August 28th, 2006

Big Bends Nut Sauce! ....

Crikey! I had to Google for it to make sure you weren't winding us up UGB.

Ultimate Garage Band · #11 August 28th, 2006

It's good stuff. It lasts longer than graphite powder.

EFinFLA · #12 August 28th, 2006

And what exactly does it do for your...er...nut slots?

Ultimate Garage Band · #13 August 28th, 2006

it's a lubricant so the strings slide smoothly when tuning and using a trem arm or even bending.

cshude · #14 August 30th, 2006

I just picked up some Fast Fret yesterday and it definitely makes the strings feel nicer. Guess we'll find out how good it is at making strings last longer.

Matty Ryan · #15 September 4th, 2006

I keep a pack of J-Cloths or whatever they're called in my guitar case. About half an hour ago when I finished, three of my strings were slate grey in places. Quick wipe and they're nice n' clean. Hmmmm. Good name for a band that.