numberthirty wrote:154 wrote:Looking for recommendations for a simple USB guitar interface for PC. Any included software with a few amp & speaker models would be cool but I don't want 8,000 options either. I just want to make reasonably good sounding demos without waking others. Thanks.How simple?I hate to say it, but this Behringer thing is the most appealing thing I've seen so far. I believe it comes with some modeling software too:That said, I would rather support just about any other brand, and something that won't break in a month.

I used to have a Saffire but would rather have a 'guitar modeler' at this point. I could fake an ok sound with pedals and Reaper plug-ins but a single device/program under $100 would be perfect.

Something, anything, that will prevent my strings from turning into shoelaces after two rehearsals. Back when I played pussy guitar I didn't give a toss, I changed strings as often as I had to, but now I play baritone and Bass VI and have to order strings from the US and it'd be fucking awesome if they lasted longer than a week. Thank you PRF.

elisha wiesner wrote: Unfortunately some peoples fingers have more oil/acid/whatever and they end up ruining strings much faster than other people. My guess is that this is what is happening to you. My only advice if you're looking to buy less strings is that you try boiling them after they've gone bad. It'll bring them back to life and can be done multiple times.Ya, I sweat Satan's piss. I've tried boiling the strings but they go brittle and break almost immediately. I wipe them off well after each band practice but that just doesn't cut it, I need something to neutralise the acid and whatever else makes them go dull. My local shop carries about a dozen different string maintenance products, I can't possibly buy them all. I mean I can but I'd obviously rather buy just one that works.

Bon Hoga wrote:Something, anything, that will prevent my strings from turning into shoelaces after two rehearsals. Back when I played pussy guitar I didn't give a toss, I changed strings as often as I had to, but now I play baritone and Bass VI and have to order strings from the US and it'd be fucking awesome if they lasted longer than a week. Thank you PRF. Unfortunately some peoples fingers have more oil/acid/whatever and they end up ruining strings much faster than other people. My guess is that this is what is happening to you. My only advice if you're looking to buy less strings is that you try boiling them after they've gone bad. It'll bring them back to life and can be done multiple times.

Bon Hoga wrote:elisha wiesner wrote: Unfortunately some peoples fingers have more oil/acid/whatever and they end up ruining strings much faster than other people. My guess is that this is what is happening to you. My only advice if you're looking to buy less strings is that you try boiling them after they've gone bad. It'll bring them back to life and can be done multiple times.Ya, I sweat Satan's piss. I've tried boiling the strings but they go brittle and break almost immediately. I wipe them off well after each band practice but that just doesn't cut it, I need something to neutralise the acid and whatever else makes them go dull. My local shop carries about a dozen different string maintenance products, I can't possibly buy them all. I mean I can but I'd obviously rather buy just one that works. I know most coated strings sound like shit but The D'Addario EXP coated strings actually sound ok. The coating is thinner than Elixers but they definitely last longer and do sound pretty good. Way better than Elixers or similar. I've only used the acoustic strings but they make electric and bass sets. Might be worth checking out.

Mason wrote:Not to discourage this thread from going on, but a lot of these kind of questions have been covered on the EA boards already, harpseal. The search function can be really helpful here (try limiting your search to "topic titles only" and "list as topics").I understand, but I thought having all of those in one place would be a good idea, see?

The fresh bass string thing is a pain in the ass - I think finding a cheap source for strings is the only real solution. I've got terrible skin and so I would go through strings pretty fast. I see how that would be pretty difficult in other countries, though, so maybe you're stuck with boiling them. .

Not to discourage this thread from going on, but a lot of these kind of questions have been covered on the EA boards already, harpseal. The search function can be really helpful here (try limiting your search to topic titles only and list as topics).

PEPPER! wrote:+1 on boiling them. an old friend who is a thrifty dude and a truly great bassist has done this since we saw it in a guitar nerd magazine in middle school. thanks Michael Anthony! anyway you boil 'em till the scum floats to the top - this guy will get years out of a string while sounding all boingy and fresh.Pat?