I go through strings like crazy - what to do?

[StevieStingray]

Maybe it's the oil content in my skin, but I can't get a set of bass strings to last more than 10 hours

I've tried a variety of Slinkies, plus stainless steel from "another vendor"

I don't expect them to stay bright the way they sound those first few hours, but you gotta hear my StingRay after 10 hours... I might as well have rubber bands on there!

I wash my hands like a surgeon before playing, and wipe the strings down with wipes or 99% alcohol afterwards.

I do dig in somewhat aggressively with my plucking hand, so I could consider altering my playing style...

Any other tips, though, regarding what strings to try next, or anything else?

 

[TNT]

Stevie,

No need to try any other brand - you have the best with Ernie Ball!!!

You cannot be that much different than anyone else as far as skin, oil, etc. . . to the point that it is diminishing string longevity to that extent.

You might want to double check other areas that may be contributing to what you perceive the strings to be doing.

Just a thought.

 

[GHWelles]

How about treating the first ten hours as break in, and then setting the amp at that point for a sound you like.

 

[super slinky]

I remember reading of a bassist in Guitar Player circa 1978...

...that he'd put ketchup on his bass guitar strings...

I don't remember the context of the bassist's response to the inteview then.

Maybe he was feeding his hungry strings...

...then if it was to strengthen them.

I wouldn't know.

On the other hand, do you have a girlfriend yet?

 

[Colin]

what are you sweating? acid?

 

[TNT]

...that he'd put ketchup on his bass guitar strings...
I don't remember the context of the bassist's response to the inteview then. aybe he was feeding his hungry strings......then if it was to strengthen them.
I wouldn't know.On the other hand, do you have a girlfriend yet?

Yeah, if you remember correctly in that interview, the only reason the bass player said that is because in a previous article the guitar player in his band mentioned putting mustard on his strings to ". . .spice up his playing."

That band primarily played during the lunch breaks at the local colleges.