[dexter3d]

Hello,

I would be very grateful if knowledgeable people could give me some advice
on one practical matter.

The problem we bass players have is that the strings go 'dead' sounding
because the dirt/grease/bits of skin from the fingers stick in between the
windings of the string. You can see the example of the stainless steel
string here:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/85/245134968_150e93c093_o.jpg

Especially, if the type of the skin is greasy, new pack of strings
goes dead after a week or so, even if hands are being washed
before every playing. Bass strings are quite expensive
(~40 euros for a 6 set), and some people just cannot afford buying new pack
every week.

One way to save money and have good tone is to soak the strings
in alcohol. I have made a pvc cleaning tube, in which I can soak
the strings (closes hermetically). Now the question for people who
know chemistry is:
what kind of alcohol (or other type of liquid) would theoretically be the best
for dissolving the dirt in between the windings of the string? The dirt
comes from fingers, thus it is basically bits of skin/grease. The strings
can be soaked for 24 hours, or even more.

Pure ethanol, methanol, isopropyl, acetone, something else?

Many thanks for your comments!

dex

[Arkcon]

Any of those will work at removing finger oils.  But I have it on good authority here that you're wasting your time -- the wires are being distorted, both by use and by removing and replacing.  Both along the length, and at the nickel winding at the fret.  Even just exposed to air, or used with clean hands, the metal oxidizes and changes it's properties.  And sooner or later, will become harder to tune.  This is simple mechanics and physics, and a bit of chemistry.  Replacing is the best option.  My collegue has even heard of people suggesting boiling them in water, and he laughs at that idea, as well.

[dexter3d]

Many thanks for your comment. I know that no strings will last forever, but mine sound good for about a week, what is not normal (my colleague for instance enjoys good tone for almost half a year with the same set). There is no physical damage to the string in such a short period of time, the main problem is fingeroils/bits of skin between the windings (you can see it clearly). And that's the primary reason why the string loses its metallic bright 'zing' sound.
I am thinking to experiment with different types of alcohol, but I'm curious what would be best in theory.

[mreff555]

I would think a more nonpolar solvent would be the best since you are dealing with oils, maybe lighter fluid (napthalene).
but I think Arkon is right. I don't know much about bass strings but I know my guitar strings are pretty much junk after they are removed.

Many thanks for your comment. I know that no strings will last forever, but mine sound good for about a week, what is not normal (my colleague for instance enjoys good tone for almost half a year with the same set). There is no physical damage to the string in such a short period of time, the main problem is fingeroils/bits of skin between the windings (you can see it clearly). And that's the primary reason why the string loses its metallic bright 'zing' sound.
I am thinking to experiment with different types of alcohol, but I'm curious what would be best in theory.

[Arkcon]

I don't expect there is a great volume of, or if any, that it's easy to find, peer-reviewed research on "Solvent extraction of human skin oil from bar and concert environment deposition, on steel and brass surfaces."   I don't suspect there's lots of theory.  Humans make many oils, depending on who they are, what they've eaten, etc.  Also humans excrete salt, water, and many other things.  I wouldn't look for theory on the subject, just try them.  Any of them will remove some oil.  And see what works for you.

[dexter3d]

Would heating the liquid speed up the cleaning process?
What if I boiled strings in acetone for a few minutes (in open air of course),
which has quite low boiling temperature? Or just heat it to,
let's say, 30 degrees C by putting the tube into hot water?

[mrlucky0]

Not an alcohol, but I recommend butanoic acid.

[Dynamic]

Uhhh, don't use acetone in a PVC tube.  It gets "interesting".
Try 409 or some other cleaning chemical that has EB (ethylene glycol butyl ether) in it.  Remember to rinse with some alcohol to remove the surfactant.

[rolls]

Perhaps just try vigorously scrubbing the strings while they are still on the guitar, as I image the removing and re tensioning them would have more of a negative effect than the skin/oil on the strings.