Re: The Tips and Tricks Thread (home remedies to save $$$)
 

gotta create some killer scratches..... i would think a tooth brush, or Q-tip would be sufficient

Re: The Tips and Tricks Thread (home remedies to save $$$)
 

not a heavy duty wire brush, they have some wire brush but the wire that dont not hurt the board at all. and cleans the grutt out real good..

Re: The Tips and Tricks Thread (home remedies to save $$$)
 

:-O ^^^ isopropyl alcohol makes a great cheap string cleaner

Re: The Tips and Tricks Thread (home remedies to save $$$)
 

never thought about trying that i will try that now one of my guitars... great tip...

Re: The Tips and Tricks Thread (home remedies to save $$$)
 

Am assuming everyone knows how to fix a pulled-out strap pin, but just in case anyone doesn't, it's easy. Take a couple wooden toothpicks or matchsticks (if you use the latter, obviously break off the lightable tip!) broken off to the depth of the hole, put them in the pin hole, pour in a little bit of wood glue (white Elmer's-type glue is fine), then screw the strap pin back in , cleaning up any glue that squeezes out with a wet paper towel or cloth.

Re: The Tips and Tricks Thread (home remedies to save $$$)
 

I used to play with a bass player that would boil his strings from time to time instead of replacing them. Seemed to work fine.

Re: The Tips and Tricks Thread (home remedies to save $$$)
 

I've heard of thatr. But bass strings last for years, seems like it's just easier to put on a new set when one breaks.

Re: The Tips and Tricks Thread (home remedies to save $$$)
 

^ Yeah, I usually just let my bass strings keep going till one snaps. They're meant to last a long time. My tip would be instead of buying foot switches with pedals and amps, try making your own. They're relatively easy to make, and usually cheaper.

Re: The Tips and Tricks Thread (home remedies to save $$$)
 

Also, as another thread mentioned metal washers work as a great inexpensive alternative to strap locks.

Re: The Tips and Tricks Thread (home remedies to save $$$)
 

Another strap lock alternative........the red rubber washers off of a bottle of Grolsch beer. Just slip them on after the strap is installed normally. I'm sure they're not as foolproof as the metal washer method, but they're easy and come with a bottle of beer.