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Posted by: vdcraats Mar 13 2012, 09:48 AM

Hi there,

I was thinking about cleaning my guitar and maby replacing my strings.

I have a Ibanez RG350DXZ white with a floyd rose.

What cleaning spray do I need for the neck, body , strings.
Is this any good. I saw this in a guitar shop
- GHS fast fret

And what strings dow i need ?
I was thinking about these
- D'addario EXL 120 string set electric, super light, 009-011-016-024-032-042

How do you guys clean your guitar and choose your strings ?

- Arthur -

Posted by: Nihilist1 Mar 13 2012, 09:59 AM

That is a good string choice. My cleaning agents of choice are

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/dunlop-system-65-guitar-maintenance-kit/425269000000000

Everytime.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 13 2012, 11:16 AM

I don't clean my strings with anything else than a soft cloth, as I am using Elixir strings which are coated and the corrosion doesn't get to them almost at all.

When I used to play floyds, I took all the mechanism off from the guitar and let it dip in a bath of break liquid? I don't really know if this is the term in English, but it worked all the time and it cleaned them thoroughly.

Posted by: ElHombre Mar 13 2012, 11:30 AM

Im thinking of getting green Dr Neon string which are coated(?) and will last longer..
They will also look awesome on my green guitar

Posted by: SpaseMoonkey Mar 13 2012, 02:06 PM

If you like the strings that are already on in then just stick with them, no harm in changing something your use to using. I want to try the new Ernie Ball Cobalt series strings. I think they are coated and cost a little bit more than the standard set.




I use the 3 bottle set, guitar/string polish and lemon oil. Works great on my Gibsons, not sure what to use on my Loomis thats safe.




Or let it sit in some coca-cola! I think its break cleaneris the term you are speaking of in English. I haven't used Elixirs in years, I should pick up a set for my Gibsons since I play them less so it will look cleaner longer.




Have you used the Dr Neon strings yet? I played on one of the Ibanez RG1XXV it was hot pink with matching strings. The strings felt sort of sticky from the coating.

Posted by: vdcraats Mar 13 2012, 02:10 PM

Thanks guys,

I found a shop here in the Netherlands who sells http://www.peterverspuy.nl/diversen/dunlop/6500-formule-65-gitaaronderhoudsset-15292.html

It's kind of expensive but it's amost my bithday so now I have something to ask for

I found out the string on my Ibanez are D'addario EXL 120 straight from the Ibanez factory.
They play great so I will buy the same strings.

- Arthur -

Posted by: derper Mar 13 2012, 08:21 PM

I've used Ernie Ball regular slinky's for years. Every time I switch, they break quickly. I play out, and practice too much to play something that won't last. If between gigs, I'll wipe some grime off the top 3 unwound strings with windex and a rag. But by then, I can feel the "fret grooves" left in the strings from rocking too hard! Oh well, it'll work for practice and save me money. I play at least 1-2 gigs a month, so I just change strings a day before the gig for fresh tone.

To clean the guitar, rag and windex. Maybe a q-tip for "detailing". I expect my guitars to get some "character" with me, so I don't go crazy on keeping it clean and fresh. It's a pity....my Parker was in PERFECT condition when I bought it 9 months ago, especially for a 1997.

I would try coated strings, but again, I feel that even if they last longer corrosion-wise, they would be dead with fret wear quickly....thus they would be too expensive month per month.


Oh, do you guys mean "Brake Cleaner"? Like the stuff used on car/auto brakes? I bet Carburator Cleaner would work too. Hardcore stuff!

Posted by: Fran Mar 13 2012, 09:06 PM

I used fast fret in the past, but not anymore. It didn't prevent rust, which is what killed my strings in a couple weeks.

Instead I now use elixir strings, and I they last literally forever. I change them after a few months just in case but they are shiny as new, always. All I do is wipe them with a cloth after playing, and I'm not even sure why, because I'm sure they would be 100% fine anyway.

I loveeeeee elixirs.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 14 2012, 08:42 AM

Yeah man that thing sounds very DIY, right?

Posted by: Nihilist1 Mar 14 2012, 10:11 AM

Actually, Naptha(lighter fluid) is what every luthier I know uses on metal parts. It helps lubricate them as well as keep them "healthy". The lighter fluid seeps into the pores of them metal and keeps it invigorated. It is also amazing at preventing rust.

As far as strings are concerned, I am switching all of my guitars to Thomastik Infeld. All of my favourite musicians use them, so why not? I dislike Elixirs and other coated strings because I really hate the feel of them. I would rather replace my strings once every 6-12 weeks.

Every book I have on DIY guitar repairs also suggests lighter fluid. A little goes a LONG way.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Mar 14 2012, 11:08 AM

I'm a fan of fast fret. I used to change bass strings regularly until I figured out a "trick" with fast fret :
put it on the strings in the evening and do not wipe any excess off + let it settle till the morning. In the morning strings sound fresh + they don't feel "greasy" from the fast fret.