Rust/Corrosion on Strings

jaybic · Post by **jaybic** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 10:20 am

I'm wondering if anyone else has this problem. I seem to get a lot of rust / corrosion on my bass strings. I have tried various sets, the stock Rickenbacker strings, Elixir Nanowebs with the coating, and Ernie Ball flatwounds. Each time rust begins to appear after a month or so. So, is there something I am doing incorrectly as far as cleaning and/or caring for the strings? I usually wipe down my bass and put it back in the case after each gig/practice. I do have somewhat clammy hands. I'm thinking this might be a major contributor to the problem. To give you an idea of my sweaty hands, I ususally use talcum power on my fretting hand to avoid my hand sticking on the neck while playing. Any suggestions and/or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 10:46 am

Jason, you must have a hand sweat chemisty that is pretty tough on strings.
My suggestion is to try some Dr. Ducks Axe Wax. It will lubricate and clean the strings. It's not a wax it's actually an oil. Since it is an oil it should slow down the rust from forming on your strings.
Use it in very small amounts. A little goes a long way.
I never have a problem with my fretting hand sticking, I have more of a problem with my fingers plucking the string fingerstyle. I usually need some lubricant so my fingertips slide easier over the strings.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 11:44 am

some people seem to sweat more or be more salty or more acidic ... my guitar player seems to have rusty strings and rusty bridges on his guitars after playing a few times ...

delberthot · Post by **delberthot** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 11:55 am

I may have a solution for you - I always have a fan directed at my fingers as I have found that the fingers on my right hand stick to the strings after a while making it harder to play. The fan makes it so that my fingers stay dry and slide easily over the strings. Every so often I will also wipe my fingers with a baby wipe.

I play very hard but still manage to get at least 6 months out of a set of strings and I think that this is why.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:09 pm

Lemon oil in small amounts both for the strings & the back of the neck has been suggested here before. I find this works pretty well as I used to have a problem with the back of the neck getting sort of sticky.

seth_lorinczi · Post by **seth_lorinczi** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:14 pm

Stanley Clarke uses rubbing alcohol, though he admits it's probably not great for the guitar.

rikk · Post by **rikk** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 2:32 pm

I can't ever remember strings rusting. I use Boomers.

jaybic · Post by **jaybic** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 2:40 pm

Based on previous recommendations by Paul Wilczynski and Kevin - I have purchase some Dr. Stringfellow Lem-Oil. I will give it a whirl tonight. I have tried the napatha (lighter fluid) before - and while it does do a great job of cleaning the neck - a clean neck is not the problem. I believe it is the mirror like finish in combination with my body chemistry that is causing the stickiness. I'll also put on a fresh set of strings and carefully monitor how I clean/protect them.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 11:37 pm

didn't Jaco use fried chicken grease?

endlessbassic · Post by **endlessbassic** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 12:41 pm

Apparently, Jaco used some special concoction, the recipe of which he took to the grave.. i guess he said he wanted something that would make his bass sound like a wet monkey fart.. haHA! ..sorry, couldn't help myself..