I don't mean to put a damper on your sweet bass riffs, but the steel used to make the strings that make the people dance make greenhouse gas emissions dance around in the atmosphere. The EPA recognizes steel production in the US as a sizable contributor to global warming.

What's a bassist to do? The next time your bass strings lack that brightness you once enjoyed, take them off and boil them instead of going out to buy a new set. Here's how:

1. Take the strings off your bass.
2. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil.
3. Put your bass strings in the boiling water so they completely submerged.
4. Boil for five minutes and turn off the heat.
5. Pour out the water and let the strings dry and cool off(being eco-friendly shouldn't hurt your already calloused paws).
6. Restring your bass and enjoy the bright sounds you thought were gone. I suggest trying out You Set The Scene by Love, it's my favorite...OK it's the only one I know how to play....but it rules!
7. Use the money you saved on new strings to offset the emissions associated with powering your amp or buy some energy efficient lightbulbs to light up your jam sessions.

Labels: instruments, musician resources, sarah