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[ebradley4]

I'm now using corn starch on my strings (as opposed to the shea butter I tried originally) and I find that it really feels great.  I thoroughly wiped down the strings then coated them with a thin layer of corn starch.

But I'm finding that the strings now produce a very noticeable squeak against the fingerboard.  I'm really concentrating on not moving the strings around.  I'm *not* trying to do vibrato the guitar/bass guitar way or bend the notes by moving the string laterally.  But it's so bad that any attempt to use vibrato (the upright bass way) produces a very noticeable squeak with each motion of the hand towards the bridge or headstock.

Is this issue related to using corn starch?  Is this something that others have experienced?  If this is a corn starch issue, well that's too bad because it *feels* great.  I have heard of people using corn starch on the strings and not heard mention of this problem before but maybe those few folks who do use corn starch (instead of talc) just don't use finger vibrato.

I'm still just experimenting with what works for me.  I imagine I'll just buy a Slyde Rite next and give that a try.

[Mike Tavener]

I used talc when I started and had no problems apart from the fact it was a bit messy. I now use Slyderite which is cleaner to apply and for whatever reason seems to last a bit longer, but a big factor in that is how sweaty your hands get. With enough of either string squeak is not a problem so I've no plans to change or experiment with anything else. Something along the lines of "if it ain't broke......." 8-)
I talc the strings that I sell, as those that have bought them will have noticed. It makes it easier for me to handle them when I wrap them, but also makes them feel right when put on the bass.

Mike

[ebradley4]

Looking closely, I see that the squeak happens because the string is actually being stretched back and forth along its length when I'm doing finger vibrato.  This happens even if I try really hard not to push on the string too hard.

This phenomenon and the accompanying squeak is most noticeable on the D and G strings.  I've been detuning these strings radically (10-12 full turns on the tuners--about a fourth in pitch) to avoid string breakage.  I wonder if that is making them more elastic than they would be otherwise.

[RanjNiere]

I am using arrowroot starch until my slyderight gets here.

Actually, no squeek so far and it works really great.

I don't sweat a lot in this weather, we shall see how it is in summer.

[musiconmaui]

I have been experimenting; I put a piece of braided nylon rope on last time my G string broke. It tuned up and played in tune but with almost no sustain. Sounded something like a stock Ampeg Baby Bass! I tried a  thicker piece for a D but it didn't work as well. I will continue experimenting. The Ashbory is my backup for when I can't bring my upright, so it sits idle for long periods of time; however, it's been to Japan, most of the Hawaiian Islands, and all over Maui when my station wagon died and I had to rent a subcompact. Oh yeah-skip this if you are easily grossed out; I have very oily skin, so if I forget my talc a bit of forehead or nose grease works. Aloha from Jonathan D! :roll:

[psiguitars]

if you use shock-cord it will work you can pick some up in the rope section of a sporting goods store+++they don't break or snap!!!

[redstriper]

Change over to pahoehoe strings and say goodbye to powder forever.
They also don't break, sound great and don't feel sticky.
Use silicone spray on them for an extra smooth feel.

See other thread for details.

[DrVet]

Change over to pahoehoe strings and say goodbye to powder forever.
They also don't break, sound great and don't feel sticky.
Use silicone spray on them for an extra smooth feel.

See other thread for details.

is the silicone spray also useful in classic Fender silicone strings for the Ashbory?


I use climbing powder(Magnezium powder), like mountain climbers or weight lifters use for their hands....it works, but it's also a little messy to go with.
the funny thing is that I use a climber little bag hanged with a stripe-belt on my hips 

[Wiley]

Change over to pahoehoe strings and say goodbye to powder forever.
They also don't break, sound great and don't feel sticky.
Use silicone spray on them for an extra smooth feel.

See other thread for details.

is the silicone spray also useful in classic Fender silicone strings for the Ashbory?

Silicone spray does not work with Fender silicone strings.  The strings surfaces are too porous, and will remain sticky/tacky.  Talc, or some other powdered substance, works by filling the microscopic pits on the silicone string.  The alternative Pahoehoe (polyurethane) strings have virtually no surface voids.  The silicone spray creates a very light, but lasting, film of lubrication on your fingers, the strings and the neck of the 'bory.  Some folks do quite well on the Pahoehoe strings without spray or any other applied substance.