How to Order Big City String Company Tips New Strings To stabilize the string and maximize tone, tune your new strings to pitch and let them stretch for as long as possible before re-tuning and playing. After playing, use a clean soft dry cloth to wipe your strings. Wiping between the strings and fingerboard also reduces wear on your frets and fretboard.
Clean strings retain their brilliance longer.
The higher tuning will approximate the increased tension of a heavier gauged set and you can decide if it's appropriate for you and your instrument. Storage Unused string sets can be stored indefinitely in a dry place.