Ep. 33: String Cleaning: The ultimate Sound Adjustment from Edgar

[@johnnyvcrow]

Makes total sense. Same reason most adhesive directions say you are supposed to clean the area of something before you apply it. You need to remove all dirt and oils which can keep the adhesive from getting a nice strong bond. Same thing with strings and the bow. Thanks for sharing Edgar.

[@Benmendoza1]

Hello Edgar. I have followed your bridge and sound post videos to adjust my 1967 Hofner Double Bass, the results are incredible, as it now growls and snarls, with deep rich tones!. I do not have your string cleaner but used some ethanol/shellac thinner to clean my strings using a paper towel and a micro fiber cloth as shown in your video. I does help the sound, especially if the strings are dirty like mine were. The solvent does remove more dirt than just wiping the strings with a a cloth, it does a very good job and using a micro fiber cloth for a second cleaning really helps, like you said. Thank you again Edgar, I just love your informative and very helpful videos. Too bad you are in Italy, because I would love to bring my bass to you. Jay in California.

[@rajendrannarayanan7231]

hello edgar, good to see your video again. so much to learn from you! and you say it in the most simplest of ways. we all appreciate your words of wisdom. thank you.

[@EdgarRuss]

Thanks for your support! all the best ER

[@igorbarbosa6986]

More videos Russ please, i'm learning a lot with you

[@EdgarRuss]

Your msg makes me happy! Thanks for following. keep up with the great sound! ER

[@carywatmore]

I usually use flannelette (gun cleaning cloth) after playing to get the rosin off the strings. For the rest of the strings I use a cotton cloth by bellacura. Yes there are many different types of micro fibre cloth. BTW I find your videos are excellent🙏

[@EdgarRuss]

Thank you so much. You make my day! I am looking forward on your feedback regarding my String Cleaner set! ER

[@truth7416]

Good advice. I never thought of using Acetone or some such solvent. I thought that it might damage the internal parts of the strings. I just rubbed the strings up and down real hard with folded paper towel. It makes a horrible sound but takes the excess rosin off the strings and it does respond better than when loaded up. I use only Helicore Heavy strings at the moment. I will try your method for sure. Thanks keep the Videos coming! Fred The Carbon Fiber Violin Guy!

[@EdgarRuss]

Thanks Fred. Be sure to check out all the details of my String Cleaning Set: edgar-russ-sound-of-cremona.myshopify.com/collections/string-cleaning/products/edgars-string-cleaner-edgars-microfiber-cloth All the best

[@kanatsizkanatli]

Don't use solvent very often, your technique of dry cleaning is much better but maybe once a month or longer depending on how much you play, you can carefully use 70% alcohol, NEVER use an actual solvent! This guy can't speak English very well so I'm sure he didn't actually mean a solvent!

[@lainelorbera1130]

I am after trying it and yes! It definitely improves the sound!!

[@bgcellozone]

Hi Edgar, I use wound gut strings on my concert cello. Would you recommend using your string cleaning solution on those? Will the solution damage the gut core? If your cleaning solution isn't right for wound gut strings, what do you recommend that I use instead? Thanks!

[@EdgarRuss]

Hi Brian, Thank you for your very specific question. I convinced that my string Cleaner works very well as well on gut strings. But I would very likely proceed slightly different: Low down the string for a half peg turn Clean the string wait 30 seconds and tune it back Ready for playing that's it. The only thing we want to avoid that you soak the gut with lots of solution. Right? Thats all Hope you let me know once you got my string cleaner set how happy you are with your result all the best ER

[@bgcellozone]

@@EdgarRuss Thanks for the advice! Yes, I certainly don't want to damage the gut core. I will let you know when I have tried it out. Cheers!

[@nicksinger3404]

Maestro Russ, would you be willing to let us know the recipe for your string cleaner? (I use 90-95% ethyl alcohol, denatured.) Thanks for giving us the benefit of your experience and insight!

[@dixiehuthmaker1623]

Brilliant! So simple but so true!

[@EdgarRuss]

I am glad you appreciate. Thanks! Have a nice evening!

[@wefysan58]

love the fast action

[@joshuam2154]

Yaaaaa finally a new video!!!!

[@EdgarRuss]

Sorry, it took longer as expected. I am "only" a Violinmaker! 🤭 My two daughter are incredible! And efficient!!!! and they have a huge H U G E amount of patience ..with me! Without them all this would not be possible. So all the time you say: Great Edgar!!!! remember its them who make it actually possible. Thanks Anna! Thanks Nina! ER

[@riccardobusetto5939]

Can I use cotton and isopropil alcohol to clean the strings? That’s what I usually do and seems to be fine

[@EdgarRuss]

I believe that works. Just pay attention not to clean away the varnish if a drop falls to the varnished surface of the instrument.

[@laurencelebeustclair833]

hello Edgar tell me do you sell this string cleaner and what is in the make up of this solution and what types of strings would it work on best and does it leave a film on the string

[@Ucceah]

funny, this is just about what i do to extend the lifetime of costly flatwound bass guitar strings. the shammy-leather like type of microfiber cloth really does work best, and i use a mixture of (clean) petroleum, acetone and naphta, with a spalsh of terpentine oil to give it a nice smell. (about 6:3:1)

[@kyproset]

Thank you, maestro, Warchal strings suggest scraping the strings with an old credit card. Also, what do you think about the new Pirastro Perpetual violin strings?

[@EdgarRuss]

I love credit cards! But I would not suggest anyone to scratch the strings except with the bow hair or with their fingers. I think only a string maker suggests to scratch the strings clean with a hard object like a credit card.

[@EdgarRuss]

Regarding the Pirastro Perpetual string I do not have a clear opinion by now. Need more time. But general string talking is always a picky matter since it is very personal varying from instrument to instrument and from musician to musician. But would it would be an interesting subject to make a nice Video about. What do you think Kypros? all the best ER

[@kyproset]

That would be a brilliant idea to get to know the qualities of different strings, as we don't really get a chance to buy everything.@@EdgarRuss

[@marcverhue2017]

can someone tell me maybe,howlong we can playing on a set off violin string??thanks

[@ph4574]

Hi Edgar will your rosin work well on a 300 + year old violin? Thanks🎶

[@EdgarRuss]

Yes of course! ER

[@ph4574]

Great thanks I look forward to trying it!🎻

[@annerobinson2086]

I use isopropyl alcohol (with care also) and always find an improvement in the sound. I'm so surprised how many people in my orchestra play week after week with violins coated with old rosin deposits, some of whom say it is BETTER to leave it on!

[@mfs3ven]

It actually mutes the sound for me and I honestly regret not cleaning them, the bow making contact sounds dry and harder to make a sound

[@ViolinStorytelling]

Good tips! Is this string cleaning solution sold in the US?

[@EdgarRuss]

I would say it will be shipped directly from Cremona to your address. Go to ,my online store and proceed. By the way, I didn't expect to be such a huge success. Thanks ER

[@ViolinStorytelling]

Will do! :) @@EdgarRuss

[@felicia2958]

@@EdgarRuss Ouch shipping cost to USA is €30.

[@pandoraefretum]

I do this at the end of every day

[@alaynavazquez879]

what is in the solvent?

[@kanatsizkanatli]

70% alcohol is fine, just let it dry properly then play it. Don't waste money on some 'solvent', it might be too harsh

[@allourep]

Are people really paying $300 every 3-5 months for a new set of strings? I am finally looking to buy strings for the first time. I can't afford to play Cello if this is the case.

[@kanatsizkanatli]

Don't worry about what others are doing, do what feels right for you

[@MrKermitt71]

And what about hybrid or better, gut strings ? ah ah ah ah. !

[@F0XH0UND007]

I've used kerosene.

[@julast6658]

rubbing alcohol

[@chipcurry]

Get a Lavalier microphone please