Cleaning Strings

[a1terrier]

Hi All

Got my first Taylor about five months ago. Factory fitted Elexirs, still sounds fantastic but the strings are getting discoloured
with playing. Don't really want to change them as I said they still sound good.  what`s the best way to clean them (If any) as don't want to damage the fretboard by using something I shouldn't.

Thanks

[BobSol]

Hi
      The discoloration is from the natural acids your fingers produce i.e. sweat. We all suffer, some considerably more than others. I wish I could get five months from a set of strings. Nothing will clean them, the grime becomes ingrained in the wraps. Sadly, your strings are nearing the end of their life and trust me, you won't believe the difference when you change them 

[Gutch]

Treat yourself to a new set of strings.  Seriously.  You deserve them.  Your guitar will thank you, and your ears will too.

[a1terrier]

Thanks for replies
Will treat her(?) to a new set. Got to say that to me that new Elixirs don't sound as bright as other strings when new but they certainly last a lot longer. Guess that's why they are so expensive!!

[DennisG]

Thanks for replies
Will treat her(?) to a new set. Got to say that to me that new Elixirs don't sound as bright as other strings when new but they certainly last a lot longer. Guess that's why they are so expensive!!

In my experience, new Elixirs need about 2 to 3 hours of playing before they break in and sound their best.

[Jersey tuning]

Yup, definitely get better after they are played in.

[Guitarsan]

Hi
      The discoloration is from the natural acids your fingers produce i.e. sweat. We all suffer, some considerably more than others. I wish I could get five months from a set of strings. Nothing will clean them, the grime becomes ingrained in the wraps. Sadly, your strings are nearing the end of their life and trust me, you won't believe the difference when you change them

Yeah, the best preventative thing you can do to prolong your string life given this is to wash your hands before you play your guitar. Probably not realistic that you always could or will remember, but if you do the majority of the time you will see a difference in longevity. And this won't eliminate oil, acids, etc. but it will certainly reduce what gets on your strings as a practice.