Planet Waves Renew String Cleaning System

Planet Waves Renew String Cleaning System can give your strings new life

Some musicians are almost fanatical about changing strings while other prefer to leave them on forever as the enjoy that "dead string" sound.  I suppose I'm somewhere in the middle.  However I'm almost fanatical about washing my hands before I pick up my guitar and wiping them off after I'm done.  I also rotate between four guitars and an Autoharp so my strings generally don't go dead from use but old age. If you scratch the surface of your guitar strings and notice a lot of gunk coming off, or notice black patches of discoloration, well, it's time for a change.

All the same, let's say you get a call to fill in at a gig tonight.  With everything else that you have to do, you're not going to have time to change your guitar strings.  So what's to do?  Even if you had the time to change strings, new ones are going to constantly go out of tune that evening even with stretching them in.  Also sometimes when you change strings, it can throw off your neck adjustment especially if you go from  medium gauge to light.

Well, rather than go through all of that,  you can use Planet Waves Renew String Cleaning System. 

This system is so ridiculously quick & easy that you can

pretty much, clean your strings and pack your guitar up in seconds. It's really a time saver in a pinch or can be part of your regular guitar maintenance program.

You get two cleaning tools with extra replaceable pads and solution.  Simply moisten the pad with the cleaner, loosen your strings and run the tool up and down the fretboard as shown in the lead photo.  It even cleans the string's top and bottom.

That's it!  Re-tighten your strings and tune your guitar...you're done.  It really does clean your strings from grease, dirt and other debris too small to be seen with the naked eye.  However, you'll hear the difference immediately.

Deadbeat strings sound light and bright again and feel nice and smooth.  Of course you can add Nut Sauce to lubricate parts where the strings come in contact with your guitar, (the nut and the bridge), but the strings themselves will look and sound almost like a fresh set.   I've used this system on both naked and coated guitar strings and it made no difference.  Both types came out ringing clean.

So if you're in a hurry or would just like to keep your strings extra clean between restringing, consider Planet Waves String Renewal System.  It will save you both time and money both of which are often in short supply these days!

PW Renew System Tool

 


Planet Waves Renew String Cleaning System can be taken along on tour to clean your strings right before a show

Best Guitar Gear for 2009 - Strings 'n Things

Dr. M. & her vintage, Aria Pro II - Fullerton model. New strings make all the difference! ("Dizzy" Blouse by Fender - The Collection)

We've found some of the best guitar tools, parts and accessories to help keep your axe fit as a fiddle. (O.k. maybe as a guitar!) If you are willing to learn how, changing the strings on your guitar is probably the best way to keep your tone pure. There are many different rules but my guitar teacher said after something like 40 hours of playing, the strings should be replaced. This may sound like a lot of work but many professional musicians change strings much more frequently than that. In fact, they often have guitar techs that tour with them to do JUST THAT before each concert. With the right tools, you can change your own strings and even experiment with new types such as the coated varieties. Either way, you can save time and money if you do it yourself.

Gravity Guitar Innovations-Pro Bridge Pin Puller

Here are some serious tools to have on hand to make the task not only easy but will lessen possible damage to your instrument. This Pro Bridge Pin Puller by Gravity Guitar Innovations should be first on your list.

Extremely well made and foldable, Gravity's Pro Bridge Pin Puller easily removes bridge pins for quick string changes. It fits all standard bridge pins and will not damage the bridge or pins. I like the fact that this bridge pin puller is easy to hold and chrome plated. Comes with a key chain clip to keep it handy. Its the best pin puller I've found! By Gravity Guitar Innovations.

Ernie Ball - NEW Extra Slinky Strings

Made for electric guitar, Ernie Ball has come out with an upgrade to their famous coated Slinky strings. I attended a Heavy Metal workshop taught by the lead guitarist of Jack Frost and he said he uses these strings. He did rip it up, I might add! I've found these to be very light and easy to bend. They have a great feel for sliding fretwork, hammer ons and pull offs. In other words, they won't work your finger pads.
Our expert guitar tech, Randy Cauvanaugh pictured below, did the set up said these strings are similar to Elixir's. He aslo said the reason why many guitarists choose coated strings is because they tend to last a little longer than non-coated ones. If you don't like to change strings so frequently, this might be just what you're looking for. Made in the USA. Visit Ernie Ball http://www.ernieball.com or click on thier banner ad in the left hand column on this page to check out their online store.

Planet Waves Pro Winder Tool

You can literally wrap up your string changing job with one of Planet Wave's most useful multi-tools, the Pro Winder.
The Pro Winder is touted as the ultimate all in one restringing tool. It both winds and cuts. It's extendable handle increases torque and control. It has a hardened steel cutting edge, (comes with a protective cover), that clips evenly. The overmolded plastic head accomodates a variety of pegs with a sure grip. My guitar teacher demonstrated how to change strings in class but one thing he forgot to bring was his winder. He recommended that we definitely invest in one! Saves time and gives your strings a nice shop finish. I would definitely go with the Planet Waves Pro Winder because it has just about everything you'll need to change your strings except the strings themselves! Visit Planet Waves online at: http://www.planetwaves.com

Pro Guitar Tech - Randy Cauvanaugh

We'd like to thank our professional guitar technicians of Freehold Music Center, namely Randy Cauvanaugh, for his expertise and participation in this article. Mr. Cavanuagh is himself a professional musician and does all of the set ups, upgrades and modifications to our electric guitars.

Want to learn how to replace your guitar strings yourself? Read the article, "How to Change Your Guitar Strings" at abclearnguitar.com by Kathy Unruh right here: http://www.abclearnguitar.com/guitar_strings.html

Hey! We're still rockin' down to the wire with the Best Guitar Gear for 2009! Who knows? You might get some cash for Christmas so you can buy your own gift. We'll keep it goin'.

Also see 2009's Top Gifts for Audiophiles over at the Best Picks BLOG!!!: http://www.angelfire.com/ak/anakee/drmiczak/index.blog/1345195/2009s-top-gifts-for-audiophiles/