A question for guitarists.

[crowdpleeser]

I used to use a string lubricant for my guitar strings, but I stopped. My question is: Do string lubricants really work? Or are they just a ploy to get more money out of us poor guitarists? I've got no doubt they help you slide round the fretboard more quickly, but they also say that string lubricant makes your strings last longer. But would any liquid applied to the strings (however sparingly) ATTRACT dirt rather than keep it away? What do all you guitarists out there think?

[kahunabean]

I'm an intermediate finger-picker and have never heard of anyone using or recommending string lube. Personally I like the noise made when you move positions...on acoustic and rock guitar.

[j2buttonsw]

Fast-Fret is very good: keeps the strings bright and clean.

[sft42]

String lubes are purely a matter of choice and personal preference...some swear by 'em some swear at 'em...the thing about them is they are stopping the natural oils and sweat from your fingers corroding the strings which cause the most damage to the strings..i could never get used to the slightly greasy feeling they leave on the fingerboard no matter how hard i tried...the new generation of coated strings (elixir's are among the best of these) seem to be a good compromise and they last for ages. I have had a set on my Martin for months now and they still sound great....however on the gigging takamine i always just used the cheapest strings i could lay my hands on as they would be changed quite often....BTW did you ever get that 11th chord problem sorted out???

[crowdpleeser]

Ok well I think I might give string lubricant a go then. I'm just a bit worried, because this is the only fiver I've got and it's to last me a couple of months, but hey! It might be a good investment! I tried fast fret, but that doesn't last very long does it? And it gets all dirty after a couple of months and you get the impression you're rubbing dirt back onto the guitar strings. And thanks by the way sf42. I did get that d11 chord sorted out. It was a chord I already knew actually, but I didn't know the name!!!! Catch you later.

[scarletpimp]

I never use a string lubricant ...I'd rather spend the cash on a new set of strings to be honest. My only other advice - keep your strings clean & dry.

[j2buttonsw]

I know several guitarists who swear by WD-40!

[sft42]

AArrgghh no....WD-40 is the worst possible thing...it contains silicon and along with furniture polishes like Mr Sheen and the like this will make your strings super slippy but will rot them in double quick time.