Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I know that I read somewhere on the forum that there was a way to clean the strings so that your fingers don't constantly turn black but I can't locate it.

I thought over time that it would eventually stop but I have probably close to 50 hours of play time on the Ric strings and my fingers are still turning black after about an hour of playing.

Anybody remember how the gunk can be cleaned off the strings so they will stop the discoloration?

Naphtha or isopropyl alcohol on a clean cotton shirt/rag/diaper.

Thanks, I will give that a try today.

The IPA works well, though Naphtha works best.

I have the same issue with Circle K strings. I've been told that it's an allergic reaction to the nickel in the strings. I didn't have that issue with any other string in the 30+ years that I've been playing until I tried the Circle K strings last year. I still use them since I like the sound, feel , price and service. YMMV,

--jack

Got some Naptha from the local Lowes and wiped down the strings really good before my Friday night gig.

Results......perfect!
After more than 6 weeks of my right hand fingers turning black then came through the gig virtually clean.

Thanks for all the good advice!