Zac's Hacks - How To Best String Your Vintage Style Telecaster - Ask Zac 110

[@windsweptguitars]

I’ve been stringing guitars for 30 years. I guess you can learn something new every day. I love the G string extra winds, and I have never used that rap method to lock the unwound strings. Simply brilliant thanks Zac

[@AskZac]

Thank you

[@StephenSpelman]

Great episode, Zac. I'm going to try the extra G-string windings on my Custom Shop Nocaster. And yes, a second string tree sure can help. Years ago, when I was gigging at least five nights a week, my '68 hardtail Strat just would not stay in tune. I changed out the tuners for Schallers, which helped a lot, but it was only when I added a second string tree for the D and G strings that the guitar would absolutely stay in tune. Of course, people now tell me I "ruined" the "value" of my "vintage" guitar with the Schallers and extra string tree, but those modifications allowed me to make really good money as a full-time musician. Decades later I've still got that guitar, and it still stays rock-solid in tune. Thanks again for a great episode, and for the superb camera work by Luke.

[@Ottophil]

You can’t ruin anything if it works for you

[@scoobers90]

@@Ottophil Exactly! For him, that guitar is a tool, and it needs to do a job.

[@JC-11111]

Pretty sure the missing 2nd string tree on my Strat is why I have the G string ringing out behind the nut, it sounds like. It's a pretty high pitched ringing.

[@danwhitehurst6293]

It's your guitar do with it as you please

[@clausherther]

I'm 2 years late but this is exactly how I learned this 35 years while working in a guitar store. 👏👏👏

[@old2begin]

Thanks and to Luke for his camerawork

[@AskZac]

Big Thanks!

[@apathypeace]

I use 9-42's and the vintage tuners on my tele don't play well with the high e string when trying to restring so that locking method will hopefully save me a lot of grief in the future, thanks

[@Glicksman1]

Zac, such good advise. I discovered the method of double-locking the unwound strings on a Fender-style tuner a long time ago. It just makes sense to me. Also, I never tune to a harmonic, only to an open sting or a fretted note. I adjust intonation the same way, open string to 12th fret. When that's good, I check the 5th fret and a few others with a tuner, and I make little compromises if need to. Virtually no played guitar remains perfectly tuned for very long. Playing them with any force puts them out of tune very quickly.

[@skeletonpete]

Thanks Zac. After decades of playing I recently purchased my first Tele style guitar, a Brad Paisley Black Sparkle Esquire. This episode was a perfect primer on the proper stringing of the split posts, which is all new to me.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Enjoyed this one Zac!!

[@marktribble5129]

Once again your content is supreme. I don't have a vintage telecaster, but I recently found an affordable replica. I'm loving it but I know nothing about it so you're stringing video today what is super valuable to me. I've been stringing guitars my whole life, but this was extremely helpful. Seems like everything about the telecaster is just a little bit different internet. Thank you for sharing your depth of experience.

[@thepostapocalyptictrio4762]

Hey.. it’s me Future me… the Fender Classic Vibes almost all use drop-in vintage styles. MANY people bought these, and had no idea how to string them. Thank you for this.

[@vayabroder729]

This is great; I’m also a D’Addario fan; they last long, sound good and don’t break. I also try to wind the string in a downward direction to make sure there’s enough downward pressure on the nut but without overdoing it; it’s a fine balancing act.

[@carythompson1147]

i'm glad you posted this. as you mentioned, what may be ordinary, to us as individuals, is often brand new to others. i learned a lot, as usual

[@redfishbum]

Great video! The windings also help with the break angle after the nut. Thanks for all of your entraining and informative videos.

[@AskZac]

Glad it helped!

[@jonda2282]

I love that lock on the the unwounds. I never thought of doing that! Cheers mate.

[@ultraparadoxical7610]

Beautiful guitar you got there. I’ve been stringing my vintage tele just like this since 1983. Simple but essential info.

[@AskZac]

Took me years to learn. Who did you learn this from?

[@Docsjeff]

Thx a bunch for showing this,especially on the E&B strings. I’ve been having a hard time with my Little E string slipping.

[@charlescopeland1436]

That was great, Zac! That string-locking trick is real cool, can't wait to try it. Kudos to the camera man as well - Great job, Luke!

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

I added a 2nd string tree to my Telecaster .I fashioned it out of a spark plug and it looks exactly like the Fender original. I was taught how to string my guitars by renowned jazz player Jerry Sims of Sims Music in Columbia S.C. in 1985 and I have always enjoyed putting on new strings. I run the string back around the tuner and lock back on itself and wind it until it sets how I like it I have a set ot maintenance steps I go through every time I change the strings also-Also change them one at a time like you suggested. I used to change them after every gig but I don't anymore. Thanks this was a fun episode on an often overlooked skill.

[@kevinandmandywinter8436]

Great video as a guy that made his living repairing guitars these are things guitarist really need to know . Thank you!!

[@j_drichmond]

Having a beautiful instrument makes changing strings a joy - I don't want to do it often, but when I do, I make sure to appreciate the activity. Like tuning to to a song and not a tuner - it teaches you quite a bit about the instrument and how to best work with it.

[@joeldowdy404]

I used Elixir nanowebs 10-46 for a while but like the tone and feel of Daddario 10 to 46 XTs as well as the Daddario 10 to 46 NY XLs. Glad to know I've been stringing my Vintage tele's correctly. When I first got a tele with vintage tuners it took me a couple tries to get it right after having tele's with modern tuners for many years. I will admit the locking tuners are just pure easy and fast.

[@imannonymous7707]

I remember the first time i ever changed strings with vintage fender tuners, and saddles boy, i made a real mess. This is great info for every vintage and reissue tele owner Great job luke

[@dennisflock3958]

Awesome tips. I do several of these already, but I learned a great deal from this. Thanks, Zac. Proud to support the channel. Love my pick!

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Dennis!

[@TheFrode69]

Thanks Zac. Actually, I came up with the locking trick myself without learning it from somewhere, but with a slight twist: I put the string down in the post, then go the opposite direction from where you're going. I go left (as if I'd string up from the wrong side of the post), turn the string half way around the wrong way, lead it through the "valley" and out the right way before winding on the rest of the string. Of course, I always make sure that the string is as tight as possible before winding up. Neat trick that never fails. Funny... Though I've done it this way for 30 years, I've never thought of doing it the way you do. :D

[@AskZac]

I like your twist!

[@JtotheP68]

I’ve long been doing the extra winds on the g string, but the locking tip was new to me and I’ll definitely use that from now on! Thank you!

[@brianrollins7275]

Great job Zac and Luke. I am going to use your method of restringing the g,b and high e strings. Thanks Take care

[@AskZac]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@AntonioCavicchioni]

Thanks for this video, Zac! I haven't been exposed to this type of tuning machines until now. I followed your instructions and it worked pretty well.

[@AskZac]

Great to hear!

[@Tonetwisters]

Two posts are perfect for that string length. I generally make the bend before I cut. I am a big proponent of using that sauce every time to lessen tuning issues. Never had any "deadening" problems. Doesn't hurt to drop a little 3-IN-1 oil into the little hole in the back of the tuner, or drip it down the tuning post. Beautiful job on that 3rd string ... Been playing 60 years and never thought to do that! I DO have a neat method for eliminating both clippers and "stickers" though for non-Fender guitars ... And oh yeh ... some sauce under that string tree can be very helpful.

[@JC-11111]

What sauce? I guess I'm not there yet. I use Big Bends Nut Sauce on my gold top and it helps out tremendously. I applied it once last year and it stayed in tune great for the next entire year. So I moved to a new house a month ago and the day I move in, I notice my gold top won't stay in tune. Say I start on Monday and it's flat. So I tune up. Tuesday I'd grab it and now it would be sharp by how much I tuned up the day before. So I'd tune down. On Wednesday, it'd now be flat by how much I tuned down from being sharp. I couldn't imagine what was wrong. Was the temp in the house really swinging that wildly? I couldn't imagine why it would start the day I moved. Yea, I was lost lol. It turns out it just needed more nut sauce. I applied it on Thursday of last week and it's been perfect ever since. Big Bends Nut Sauce is the Shiznit! It lasted an entire year and I fully expect it to last another year after this last application on the nut and saddles. I don't use pencil graphite like a lot of cheap folks use. It didn't work so well for me. But nut sauce? Oh yes. It works fantastically!

[@JC-11111]

Looks like he's using Big Bends, too? I see the applicator and it looks like mine. Edit: yep. Big Bends FTW!

[@Strumbum01]

Another great episode with great tips, especially your method of locking the unwound strings and extra winds on the G. I’ll be doing that from now on. Regarding stretching, I’ve always just tuned everything a step or two sharp and just leave it for a day or so. Seems to work ok.

[@nachyomoney3598]

I always tie the Gibson knot on my tele and it was a pain in the butt when i first got it because the string would pop out the slot, lol. I finally figured out my own way of holding my thumb over the slot and looping it with my other hand over the years but thanks to this video I now know how to do it the right way, lol. Also never used a string winder and always just turn the tunning knobs with my fingers, lol.

[@oscardelatorre]

ive been doing it wrong all these years! i swear cuss and always cut my finger.. its cool how calm you are

[@Mkerecint8253]

This is a great video. I just bought a new ‘vintage style’ Tele (Jason Isbell MIM) from Fender direct. The G string was buzzing slightly when played open. I set it up to specs and checked the frets. I just bought a new tusq nut for vintage 7.25 thinking it may help. I found when I pressed the string down after the nut, the buzz went away. I was trying to figure out a way to change the downward angle, slightly. The more windings/lock sounds like it’s the answer! Thanks!

[@AskZac]

Wonderful

[@popogejo7245]

Thanks Zac I always catch something from yur show. ALWAYS look forward to your new ones. You have a talent at providing content thats fur sure

[@guitareveryone]

I don’t like over lubricating the nut slots or saddles either for the same reason. I also do exaggerated string bending after restringing. I also cured a sitar sounding issue on the first string of one my guitars with locking tuners that has no string tree by winding extra string in the post as you do. I filed and cleaned the nut slot but it wasn’t the issue and the only solution other than a string tree was extra winds on the post. Good episode.

[@Scaredycat-dad]

Putting this video with my saved videos, I learned a few things and I’m looking forward to changing my strings this weekend. Great reference information.Thanks for this!

[@notbraindead7298]

I’m always entertained and educated by Zacs’ videos. I’ve learned a lot in this video and I’ve been reminded of a lot of things I need to remember. Thanks, Zac!

[@derekclacton]

13:26 String locking method - unwound strings. Thanks very much for sharing this!

[@AskZac]

You bet!

[@OilCanHarry2U]

Something I do, is keep tension on the string while tuning up. Seats the string tight, in the early stages of tuning to pitch, against the capstan. I tend to use the term “seating the string” rather than stretching the string. Thanks for your informative video. You are great!

[@ranchoricardo]

Great episode, Zac! Always fascinating to see other methods of stringing up. I especially appreciate the Glaser method of locking the unwound string on the tuning post. I’ll be trying that out for sure. Also, I’ve never heard anyone talk about the deadening effect the nut slot lubricant can have on the strings. I thought I was the only one who was bothered by this!

[@dimitriskovaios]

There will always be something to learn! I was impressed, especially, with the explanation about the need for more windings on the G string and also the locking trick. Well done, once again, Zac!

[@stevenlewis9537]

I like this method. Simple and effective. Thanks Zac…

[@Nowandthen-zen]

Beauty of the split shaft,father and son,good stuff sir.

[@AskZac]

Thanks 👍

[@nickybhoof]

hey, appreciate this video - was confused with me 60s japanese tele and this helped. The string stretching technique is great too, thanks.

[@AskZac]

Glad it helped!

[@Docsjeff]

I’m a real stickler on string tone. First problem is I play probably too hard. I’ve actually broken A strings before that were new before the gig. After every 4hr gig my strings are SHOT. Especially my big E & A strings. I know players that change strings between the 2nd & 3rd set of a 4 set gig. I’m really trying to focus on not playing so hard. I’ve also been having a hard time with my little E string slipping on the vintage tuners. You showing this locking method has helped me ALOT. Thank you for doing this video. Also,I’ve installed 3 of Glaser’s triple string trees.

[@oyajiblues]

I don’t know if it is true, but I was told Stevie Ray Vaughn ever changed strings because he broke every string all the time.. So they were constantly being replaced. I play play way too hard also. It has to do with growing up in a family of angry yellers. You had to yell if you wanted to be heard. So I guess I bang on the guitar as. way to “be heard” …hahaha. idk…just a thought

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

Great Video JAC! I gotta go buy a Tele now to. I love those old Dunlop winders ... they GLOW in the dark too. Handy on a friday night gig !!

[@SuperPhotoDave]

Thanks Zac for the tip on the burr. Mine was at the nut. I took some 12000 grit to it and now my guitar sounds like a guitar again. Amazing!

[@AskZac]

Rock on!

[@bobstrickland4223]

I've always had problems with the first string jumping out of the slot, so I replaced my traditional tuners with locking ones. I wish I'd known this method make them stay in. Good tip!

[@miketaylor7057]

Great video Zac. Learned something new with the plain string lock method. I’ll use that one. One thing I do is cut the old string off down by the bridge so there’s only a short piece coming through the guitar and not the long piece raking against the top side pickguard and finish. I always tell folks to tune up to pitch as this keeps the worm gears in the tuners taunt .

[@cameronlesley2428]

That’s a game changer. I will always string my guitars this way

[@ceickhoff]

Thanks Zac! I always learn a lot from you. Great camera angle on the hi E string!

[@TheJonnybutler]

Recently got a Fender 1951 tele reissue and it wasn't holding it's tune well with the factory strings. I followed your instructions and it's way more stable and sounds much better too. I'll have to try the NYXL strings, have only used the regular XL.

[@jackiejtheg]

This is exactly how I do it but I still enjoy watching haha

[@dannytriplett8625]

Great video zac. Love the Tony Rice Still inside book on your shelf. RIP T bone

[@blortslompson2388]

From the side, the profile of that neck looks so nice and chunky. Barely loses any thickness from heel to headstock!

[@RussC123]

This is super helpful man! Thanks for going through this. Would love to see more tele setup walkthroughs like this (neck, action, intonation, pickups height, etc)

[@GosselinCreative]

Was worth it just to see your string stretching method.

[@jeffsquires6620]

Will use the tip on my strats as thanks.

[@CC-te5zf]

Definitely learned some new stuff. It's easy to get stuck into habits - but, I constantly seek new/better/different ways of doing things. This was a a tremendous help. Thank you! Great job on the camera work Luke. And finally, maybe we can start up a go fund me to get you a brand spanking new Tele instead of those old, beat up looking things you have to play with ... LOL!

[@JC-11111]

That Big Bends Nut Sauce is FANTASTIC. I was having major tuning issues until I reapplied it after a year. Itd be sharp so I'd tune down. The next day, it was now flat by how much I tuned down the day prior. So I'd tune up. The next day it would now be sharp again by how much I tuned up from being flat. Over and over. I couldn't imagine what was wrong. The fact that I moved into a new house when it started doing that didn't help. I thought the house was causing it somehow lol. Nope. I just needed to reapply some nut sauce. Since that application, it's back to staying in tune like it always has. Thank you Big Bends Nut Sauce! FYI Nut Sauce > Graphite from pencil. It's equivalent to comparing Deoxit to standard contact cleaner. The standard stuff is OK at best and only in certain situations. Deoxit? It's like 100x better than standard contact cleaner. Same goes for graphite vs nut sauce. Nut sauce is like 100x better than graphite. There's no comparison.

[@gdkopinionator4356]

Zac, I am glad you explained why you are doing this one string at a time. I tend to do all of them at once, so that I can do a thorough cleaning, but you have laid out a valid reason for doing them one at a time on a vintage style Tele. I would say that when I change strings, I always make sure to immobilize the bridge/saddles before taking the strings off. With the two-string/one-saddle bridge, this might be difficult. I can imagine, perhaps, small strips of duct tape on top of the screw-mid-saddle (over the saddle and onto the plate) as an immobilization strategy. Luckily, my Tele is an Elite w/ a six saddle bridge. It doesn't move around a lot. So, given that you try to go one string at a time, what is your methodology for a full cleaning of the neck/headstock?

[@AskZac]

I clean with a barely damp cloth, and go under and around the old string set before changing. I rarely clean. Only if I get something on her.

[@gdkopinionator4356]

@@AskZac I once had a friend say "You don't restring guitars, you overhaul them into brand new guitars". I have a pretty detailed process, but I can do the whole thing in about an hour. It's a combination of unstring/deep clean/string/string-stretch/body polish. I guess it's something of a ritual, but it's a satisfying one. After your video, I am going to checkout the NYXL strings. I moved away from D'Addario some time ago (I know, sacrilege for those of us who live in NYC) because the ball ends had a tendency to slip. I'm interested in how the NYXL's are. I enjoy your channel. Your wisdom, particularly on the ToneMaster amp, has been very helpful.

[@patrickcarroll1754]

This is brilliant Zac!! Thanks for this seasoned demo. Hopefully there will be a Les Paul one in the future!

[@castnoshadow82lr48]

Thanks for the tips zac I’m off to work on my behind the nut bends whilst googling Jerry Donahue. I’m sorry if that is sacrilege to anyone but country music passed me but being here in the uk but every time Zac mentions some of the players he looked up to I find myself having to go learn about them which I suppose is a good thing in the end. Thanks zac

[@bhhNC]

Great video, especially the bit about wrapping the unwound G string. I live in Eden, NC, one town over from where Tony Rice lived. (I saw his biography on your shelf.) Two weeks back, I met Steve Fox, who was Tony's road manager for many years. He has some stories!

[@jackiejtheg]

I never new about the G string trick!

[@markst676]

Great trip on locking the unwound strings 👍

[@AskZac]

Thanks 👍

[@aaronparker1614]

Could look at that headstock all day.. too cool man

[@nilsgrafo5999]

Thanx for the stringlocking tip!

[@nessawolfe4208]

Man its crazy, I was seriously just working on and re-stringing my guitar and thinking about wanting a new ask Zac video to watch. Great minds think alike.lol.

[@AskZac]

That's awesome!

[@joshuacolow1287]

Thanks so much! Love the locking idea for the unwound strings. I’m going to use that. Can I ask you what string gauge you use? 🙏🏻

[@joebubbit]

Hi Zac, round wound strings will often go dead if you just cut them. I bend it before the cut and pinch it with my needle nose. No more dead wound strings.

[@jaybe813]

Great tip for the unwound strings!

[@AskZac]

Thanks, AMIGO!!

[@glennselwitz1377]

I saw that P bass lurking...love the NYXL's..try the Stringjoy (made in Nashville) 10/46 set they really are a step up stay in tune last a long time string...

[@oleyorkie]

I think it worth mentioning the importance of using good quality cutters for strings. Your Mom's are obviously great quality to have lasted all those years, but I see so many cheap cutters that end up with edges like saw blades. And I see a lot of top class players who don't bother cutting the strings at all, but wrap the ends into little coils which dance around the tuners!

[@AskZac]

Great point!

[@claessorensson225]

The accoustic tone of that Esquire!

[@AskZac]

It's a monster!

[@jdguitarmusic]

Thanks so much for this episode Zac. Really helpful and informative. The extra wind on the G, B, and E strings is a great pro tip - at least for me, if I don’t do that I go out of tune on those strings pretty quickly. Really like the stretching lesson as well - I do the bends down the neck, but haven’t done the actual pull-up stretch before. And I was surprised to hear you don’t recommend tuning to harmonics - is it not accurate? I used to do it all the time, but I now just tune open strings with a good tuner. Thanks for confirming things I thought were right, and teaching me new techniques. Oh and big thanks to Luke for handling cameraman duties - he did a great job. Of course he has a good director … :-)

[@tylersole8994]

Thank you Zac! Good stuff! One note on the string winders is be careful that they don’t touch the headstock while you’re turning the tuners! On certain types of tuners, the wonder will make contact with the wood of the headstock if you’re not careful. My tele has little swirls in the finish up and down the top of the headstock because I used the winder for a couple years without paying attention 😂

[@AskZac]

I have done that too!

[@MrTimcoronel]

I've mainly had rosewood (and modern equivalent) fretboards on all my guitars, so I tend to regard a string change as a strip and re-oil session

[@bartnettle]

I like the lock, cheers

[@mranalog241]

I use a ruler to measure string length past the tuner. It’s faster than guessing and you can get exactly the number of winds you want on each string.

[@christopher_lp]

Good vid. I love vintage tuners, mostly becasue I cannot string worth a crap on moderns. I'm just so used to the vintage.

[@DouglasPariseau]

Thanks so much Zac!!! This is such a great resource for guitarists and helps build knowledge and confidence to do some of our own work until we hit it big and can hire techs! 😊

[@AskZac]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RjBenjamin353]

Thank you Zac.

[@b.rodclark7349]

Only guitar in my stable with vintage tuners would be a Strat and it'll benefit although I've never had tuning problems with any of my guitars but I'll definitely keep the extra winding on the G tuner in mind and improvise with the others as well... great one Zac!

[@redlandsaxman]

Thanks Zac. I always learn something on your channel. I like the NYXL strings . I used Ernie Ball Slinky Nickel Wound for years but the D'Addario have won me over. Also your son did a great job, nice to see the Esquire close up in the video.

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Lonnie. It was fun to shoot it with his help. He is 12!

[@ronrumsey3205]

More good information! Thank you, Zac!

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@deanbanks3392]

Thanks, I learned quite a bit.

[@AskZac]

Glad to hear it!

[@jspendleton3898]

Nice video. Hope d'addario gave a decent kickback after the plugs.

[@AskZac]

I don’t think they pay much attention

[@jspendleton3898]

@@AskZac IMO, their loss. You have a great channel, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@edcampbell2206]

Just a quick thought on the NYXL strings - I have been using them a little over a year now with similar great results as you have. Try the 10-46 Balanced Tension set - see what you think about 'em.

[@AskZac]

Great tip!

[@brownmonkeybananayellow]

Thanks Luke!

[@AskZac]

He got a few tips!

[@freddiebowers1125]

Hey Zack thanks ! I’ve changed a lot of strings my concern I’ve never had a telecaster. This one doesn’t have much room. I’m afraid to even go from 9 to 10S guess I will just buy a set of each and see how they fit. Would like to go to 10s but I want the option to go back 9s without changing the nut

[@AskZac]

Try 9.5 strings

[@johnulrich5572]

Great video and a darn good camera man. What camera do you use? The focusing is great.

[@AskZac]

iPhone 12

[@castnoshadow82lr48]

So yea I’ve been doing some research on JD I was moved by his story sounds like he had a great career and was respected by his peers immensely I sure hope he gets to play his tele again. 👍

[@denishaberley2509]

To a non-guitarist this must be like watching grass grow - I like to look at the grass. Thanks Zac - interesting method.

[@AskZac]

Grass.....

[@JC-11111]

Wow. I've seen a lot of pros using that Music Nomad neck rest. Pretty sure Kenny Wayne had one in the pic he posted of his Blue on Black Strat before this Saturday's concert in his hometown of Shreveport, LA. THE CONCERT WAS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!

[@oyajiblues]

I have always thought you should keep tension on the neck by changing one string at a time. You talked about not letting the bring move around. I was thinking for the intonation. Also I am confused by your wording “Vintage Style”. that looks lie the genuine article to me is it not a late 50s esquire? “vintage style” leads me to think of a re-issue that is done in the style of a vintage instrument.. Thanks Zac I learned a lot… sometimes it is the simple things we make assumptions about not being as important…. I will check those strings out, and it is worth it if they last longer and stay in tune, but those suckers are not cheap!

[@AskZac]

It's a real 1957

[@fiddlix]

Fantastic video. Keepum coming.

[@AskZac]

Thank you! Will do!

[@ronnieking1025]

Good Video Zac Those Cutters Must Be Made In USA The Way They Cut Thru Those Srings

[@jeffpashley]

Thanks, Zac! Subscribed.

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@markroylance1584]

James Taylor did a great video on how he tunes his acoustic guitars... About 10 years ago.... Part of a series about how he fingerpicks with multi-camera angles--worth finding!

[@AskZac]

I have watched that great video

[@MrBritrider]

Hey Zac, did I miss how you measured to cut the last string, the high E? Or did you NOT cut it. I’m glad I found your stringing video because I’m new to vintage tuners and my high E slips to out of tune when i change strings. Guess i’ve been cutting g too short.

[@AskZac]

I either don't cut any, or just an inch

[@bjorntannberg1581]

Have you tried to put some graphite powder in the nut slots? I do that sometimes. It doesn't kill the tone or get sticky.

[@AskZac]

I agree! I use pencil lead at times.