After you get those new strings on your bass guitar, you want to do all you can to keep them in good, working condition, right? Well, increasing the life of your strings is easier than you think. All you have to do is follow two basic rules:

• Wash your hands before you touch your strings.
• Don't let any other people touch your strings unless they wash their hands first.

The natural oils and sweat in clean hands are hard enough on your bass strings. If you indulge in a greasy roast chicken or change the oil in your car before your next rehearsal, all that grease, grime, and dirt will end up on your strings. This kind of debris shortens string life drastically. So wash those paws before you play.