Funky Dunky Posted August 24, 2016 Share Posted August 24, 2016 Just banged a set of DR Fat Beams on my Fender Jazz. Nice. Tension is pretty much perfect. But here's the problem......they're......sticky. Not sticky as in residue. Sticky as in....how do I even define it.....not smooth? Not easy to slide? Not dead, by any means, but not lively to the touch. Any ideas how to make them.....not sticky? Brand new strings, fresh out the packet, but feel kinda dulled to touch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 Just play 'em. Fat Beams are up there with the very best rounds, imho. If you want super-slick, get some La Bella flats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 A common complaint with new flat wounds. Give them a good wipe down with a clean cloth and, if you have it, isopropyl alcohol. You'll be surprised how much black yuck comes off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopsdabassist Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 [quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1472101918' post='3118467'] A common complaint with new flat wounds. Give them a good wipe down with a clean cloth and, if you have it, isopropyl alcohol. You'll be surprised how much black yuck comes off. [/quote] Wait..whut? Fat Beams are rounds not flats......I guess the advice still applies though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 [quote name='Oopsdabassist' timestamp='1472107637' post='3118484'] Wait..whut? Fat Beams are rounds not flats......I guess the advice still applies though [/quote]Doh! It was early and I was half asleep, apologies. However, if they are sticky, as you say, it won't hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Dunky Posted August 25, 2016 Author Share Posted August 25, 2016 [quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1472101918' post='3118467'] A common complaint with new flat wounds. Give them a good wipe down with a clean cloth and, if you have it, isopropyl alcohol. You'll be surprised how much black yuck comes off. [/quote] Thanks for the tip. Where can one typically obtain isopropyl alcohol? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 Surgical spirit is similar, if not the same thing under a different name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Dunky Posted August 25, 2016 Author Share Posted August 25, 2016 And where can one typically obtain that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickD Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 I've never had an issue with my DR's, but that's probably down to liberal application of Fastfret. That works fine, but some don't get on with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopsdabassist Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 [quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1472122922' post='3118674'] And where can one typically obtain that? [/quote] Boots the chemist? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 Yep, I get mine from Boots, plastic bottle on the shelf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubit Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 (edited) I love that fresh out the packet feel. The rounds grip your skin in a way that doesn't happen when they get worn in. I don't like strings that have been gigged two or three times. It's all down to taste and this is a never ending argument, but I love new strings! As for flats, I think you should just play them! Edited August 25, 2016 by ubit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrevorR Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 Or you can get "Medi Swabs" or "Sterets" pre injection swabs - soaked in isopropyl alcohol. As a diabetic I always used to have them kicking around. 1000 uses... cassette head cleaning, getting sticky labels off CD cases, de-gunking strings... Careful with the liquid. Not great for rosewood fingerboards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted August 25, 2016 Share Posted August 25, 2016 Sticky or just grabby..? Sticky, to me, is gunk or the string being off. Not sure what fast fret is but if it gets in the winds, this wont keep the string fresh, IMO.. One of the reasons I gave up on DR's after about 15 plus years was because they became unreliable when opening a new pack... and they weren't cheap either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.