"Greasing" the strings???

[crunkthanamug]

Hey, when i shift up and down the neck to hit different pitch notes, the strings make too much noise! They are almost as loud as the note im playing and it drives me crazy...(not a problem for the 2 highest strings but the thicker the string gets the worse the noise gets) Could it be i need better strings? (im using the ones that came with my guitar (FirstAct Acoustic -- which sounds pretty GOOD to me btw....) Or is it ok to lubricate the strings a little bit to cut down on this friction? Or, is my technique off? (I wouldnt doubt it) Any suggestions would be helpful... Thanks

 

[scrubs]

Ways to reduce squeaks:

1) Coated Strings: Elixers, EXPs, etc. have a coating over the metal which prolongs string life and reduces noise to some degree.

2) Grease 'em: Finger Ease and Fast Fret are designed to clean and lubricate.

3) Soak your fretting hand in hot water: softens callouses.

 

[andyhix]

It's probably either technique or old strings. When you say they are the strings that came with the guitar do you mean the same brand or the exact same strings? If they are the original strings, I'd start by restringing. As strings get old, they oxidize, and the light coating of rust not only deadens the string's tone, but also can lead to the prob you're describing. As for technique, try less or no pressure against the strings when moving from one chord to another. Kind of jumping, rather than sliding.

A final suggestion is to get some "fast fret" I've been using the stuff for years, and it's a good way to "lube" up the strings, clean them, and make the guitar sound a bit brighter, and make it easier to play. It can stretch the life of your strings a bit. you still should restring every few months though. (A lot of hardcore people will say every month or even more frequently)

 

[Codmate]

Strings should be changed regularly - at least once a month IMO.

If your still using shop strings I'd be surprised if your guitar sounded good!

 

[AlfredB]

improve your technique or get FLATWOUNDS

 

[Dani Pace]

I don't care what they say about WD-40 stopping squeaks, DO NOT use it for this purpose. It may stop the squeak but it is NOT good for the fingerboard and might damage the finish.

 

[David Katauskas]

I apply a small amount of axel grease on a paper towel, then wipe each string individually.

This also helps with corrosion (oxidation and salty perspiration) which is probably what you hear. The non-wound strings get micro pits, so when you slide, it causes it to vibrate more than normal.

This helps me since I only replace strings about every 2 months.

 

[ibanezrocks]

It is probably technique and old strings, don't slide your hand on the strings so much when changing chords, and try to change your strings every month if you can afford to. String changes once a month are not for hardcore tone snobs at all, in fact if I had to guess how often most people changed them it'd probably be about once a month.

 

[ocnor]

Ways to reduce squeaks:

1) Coated Strings: Elixers, EXPs, etc. have a coating over the metal which prolongs string life and reduces noise to some degree.

2) Grease 'em: Finger Ease and Fast Fret are designed to clean and lubricate.

3) Soak your fretting hand in hot water: softens callouses.

All good suggestions. If you are going to use Finger Ease don't spray it directly on the strings because you don't want that stuff all over your fretboard. Spray it on your fingers and run them up and down the strings.

 

[Sirnothingness]

Most techs I've spoken with discourage the use of any oil-based substance. That said, I have had decent results with fast-fret, which is applied by rubbing on the strings. Generally, there's no residue to leak onto the fretboard, which is what you want to avoid.

Also, change strings every so often (once a month if you play regularly). Has your guitar been set up before? You want it set up properly with whatever gauge strings you are going to use. And for Pete's sake, make sure that you know how to PROPERLY change strings. Way too many guitarists never learned this.

 

[ch2os7]

axle grease?

I apply a small amount of axel grease on a paper towel, then wipe each string individually.

LOL, never heard of this one before but hey, whatever works for you.

How about some PAM non-stick spray for when you're really COOKIN'?

 

[-=¤willhaven¤=-]

I've always used a can of Finger Ease. It works great. It doesn't stop all of the squeak. Hell, I think that's a part of playing that should be there. I hear string sliding in many songs on the radio.

Finger Ease helps a bit though. If anything, your hand will slide up and down the neck a lot faster.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/420450/

 

[famous beagle]

I've always used a can of Finger Ease. It works great. It doesn't stop all of the squeak. Hell, I think that's a part of playing that should be there. I hear string sliding in many songs on the radio.

Finger Ease helps a bit though. If anything, your hand will slide up and down the neck a lot faster.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/420450/

I've never tried this stuff before. It doesn't make the strings feel slippery or make it easy to lose grip during a bend or anything like that?

 

[ggunn]

Most techs I've spoken with discourage the use of any oil-based substance. That said, I have had decent results with fast-fret, which is applied by rubbing on the strings. Generally, there's no residue to leak onto the fretboard, which is what you want to avoid.

Also, I'm pretty sure that Fast Fret is silicone based, not oil based.

 

[scrubs]

I've never tried this stuff before. It doesn't make the strings feel slippery or make it easy to lose grip during a bend or anything like that?

I've never noticed that as a problem. Not sure what your beding is like, though. It's only $5, so buy a can and try it out. They suggest you spray it on the back of the neck, too, to slicken that up a bit.

 

[ggunn]

I've never noticed that as a problem. Not sure what your beding is like, though. It's only $5, so buy a can and try it out. They suggest you spray it on the back of the neck, too, to slicken that up a bit.

I use talcum powder on the back of the neck. What could be more like a pool cue than a guitar neck?

 

[punkin]

I give the dog a good scratchin...he likes it and my fingers come out feeling sorta slippery. Maybe it's a sign I should give him a bath?

 

[David]

Fried chicken..

 

[-=¤willhaven¤=-]

I've never tried this stuff before. It doesn't make the strings feel slippery or make it easy to lose grip during a bend or anything like that?

It's pretty friggin slippery. Takes a minute to get used to it, but that isn's really a problem. I also spray the back of the neck a bit.

I use talcum powder on the back of the neck. What could be more like a pool cue than a guitar neck?

Depends on whether or not it's painted I guess.

 

[Superhuman]

Fast Fret works fins for me too, I find it speeds up my playing as callouses don't stick to the strings but it doesnt do much to reduce the noise of skin slidding. It wil make your lead parts sound brighter allright, it seems to have good string cleaning properties too. Each to his own I suppose!