string squeek

  • Thread starter Thread starter bigtoe
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bigtoe

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hey -

anyone know of any method for minimizing string squeek on acoustics - both steel string and gut string?

i mean anything... from micing, eq'ing, de-essing, having the guy dunk his hands in grease, praying to a particular norse god...ANYTHING!

i've tried different micing, de-essing (263A/X's), notching, etc. Is this really one of those things that is entirely player dependent? Perhaps using a DI would help.

Driving me nuts! :eek: Any help appreciated.

Mike
 
Unless it is really overbearing, I would just leave it. String/finger squeak is just a part of the natural sound of acoustic instruments. To minimize it, aim the mic away from the fretting hand. Some folks have suggested having the player soak his/her fretting hand in warm water for several minutes before tracking. Using coated strings (EXP, Elixir, Alchemy, etc) may also help.
 
I've always had some issues with squeak also on my classical pieces. I haven't tried it yet, but was thinking that some vitamin E powder or chalk might slighten this up a bit. I personally don't care if the guitar gets all chalky...it's not a show piece...it's a musical instrument.
 
I use WD/40 on a rag to wipe down the strings and hold down the rust. This helps hold down the noise of the strings too. I don't use it alot, and don't put a bunch on the strings. Also rub your finger tips on the rag prior to recording. It will make your fingers a little more slick and therefore less drag an the strings. Just a tip, it works for me.
 
I would go with something like greasy fingers or some kind of lube so that the sound of the fingers on the strings is not too harsh. Sweat is good, especially after you have been playing for a while. If you go in raw, when your fingers are not sliding well, and they are still quite dry, then the scratching sound will be more pronounced. So, pretty much, what the others said.
 
As scrubs suggested, the easiest way would probably just be to use elixers. They're a little more expensive, but they cut down on the string sqeek and last much longer. Plus, you dont have to make it look like your masterbating everytime you play guitar. (thats a reference to the grease, not the WD-40, unless your into that kind of thing)
 
Elixirs work somewhat. Some people like them, some people who are quite knowledgeable do not love them (Light comes to mind). I use them myself, but I know if someone as deep into guitar voodoo as Light hates them, there are reasons.
I learned this trick form Jon Chappell, a fairly big-time session guy. Before you play, soak your fretting fingers in the hottest water you can stand for five minutes. You won't be able to play as long, because it will make your calluses soft. But- the squeak pretty much goes away. Trust me. If it doesn't work for you, what have you lost?-Richie
 
thanks for all the suggestions, peeps. i'll keep some of that spray and those strings on hand...never heard of it.

you'd think in this day and age there's be a box to fix this mixing! the de'squeeker. i wonder if out of phase stuff would work - like mixing that in at the appropriate points.

Pax

Mike
 
I use stuff called "Gorilla Snot" thats specifically made for allowing fingers to slide more quietly along the strings. I use it on all my acoustic tracks.
 
A few drops of lemon oil works better than WD40 and is actualy good for the fingerboard (rosewood I assume.) Also WD40 is highly flamable and could damage the finish of your guitar, I've seen finishes soften and get cloudy as a result of contact with solvents. Lemon oil is made for use on wood, use it sparingly and wipe off any excess. Many products like finger ease feel slick at first but if used continually will build up and get gummy and sticky.
 
if you're a decent guitar player, really examine his playing. a lot of players deaden the notes with their left hand ineffeciently, and change positions waaay more than necessary. this is actually extremely helpful to hard rock guitar players, too. when the gain is super high, any movement you make is extremely loud. if you're playing highly rhythmic stuff, really getting the rests DEAD SILENT makes everything sound 50% better.
 
Richard Monroe said:
Elixirs work somewhat. Some people like them, some people who are quite knowledgeable do not love them (Light comes to mind). I use them myself, but I know if someone as deep into guitar voodoo as Light hates them, there are reasons.
I learned this trick form Jon Chappell, a fairly big-time session guy. Before you play, soak your fretting fingers in the hottest water you can stand for five minutes. You won't be able to play as long, because it will make your calluses soft. But- the squeak pretty much goes away. Trust me. If it doesn't work for you, what have you lost?-Richie
Click to expand...

I had a similar question a year or so ago and Richie (I think) offerred me this same advice. It works like a charm, although you have to periodically re-soak/dry your fingers.
 
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