String discolouration (rust?)

Gear
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Installed these strings on my SR500E a month or two ago, and I’m starting to see some discolouration. This is rust, right? Could I have prevented this by wiping off the strings after every use like I’m supposed to, or is there anything else? Is this normal after just a month or two? (Never wiped the original strings either for a year, and they looked fine when I took them off.)

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2

Looks like rust to me, @akos . . . :frowning:

Yes, I always wiped my strings off using the “Music Nomad” kit:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MN145--musicnomad-3-piece-premium-string-care-kit

Always had good luck and no rust with it, too! :wink:

HTH and all best,
Joe

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I have a microfibre cloth, would that be enough to prevent this from happening? How often do you use the lubricator? I really don’t see myself doing that every day…

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I don’t think this is normal after 2 months. I never wipe my strings and haven’t seen this.
But: 2 months for one person might be a year for another (in terms of hours played), so other’s experiences might differ a lot.

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Yes, I used it every time I practiced. The liquid is a cleaner/lubricator.

Doesn’t hurt anything, either . . . :slight_smile:

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What kind of strings?

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Ibanez IEBS4C nickel wound. (I threw them into the order with my first bass.)

Edit: “Coated Surface Ensures Longevity” - lol

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I’m impressed…

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Ouch :rofl:

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That isn’t normal for 2 months even with excessive use. I think something is wrong with your coating. I would write an email to Ibanez and demand a life supply of strings.

On a more serious note is the place where you hold your basses very humid?

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Not excessively I would think. I’m in Ireland, and the basses are in my living room.

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Looks like rust. I had the same issue with some Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats. I ended up tossing them.
I’ve been using Ernie Ball Slinkys, never wipe them after playing, and I don’t see any signs of rust. Maybe your sweat is corrosive?

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I mostly practice at night… mostly

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I’m not convinced that is rust.
It might just be the nickel plating wearing off from use, revealing the colour of the layer beneath the nickel.

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Only took a few seconds to run the cleaner up and done the strings, then wipe them off with a dry microfiber towel . . . :slight_smile:

I forgot to mention that I did place another cloth under the strings first. That way I wouldn’t cleaner any cleaner on the fretboard itself, although it wouldn’t have harmed it.

So add a few more seconds . . . nothing too impressive about that :grin:

Cheers
Joe

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You probably have those custom Ripley strings

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That Xenomorph needs an ESP.

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Worst superpower ever; the ability to slightly rust stuff with your fingertips.

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Ever see Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog?
Simon Helberg plays a villain sidekick named Moist. His super power is to make things damp :grinning:

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  1. You are toxic, perhaps washing hands first will help.
  2. Buy better quality strings might solve the problem, could also be a quality issue that is short term.
  3. Use string conditioner (as often as you can remember).

My gut says something in #2 is the key.

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