String Rust or Corrosion

Jim Saunders · Post by **Jim Saunders** » 5 Dec 2021 3:00 pm

I just changed strings, installing GHS Boomers and I noticed black corrosion on the first 4 strings. That was on the C6th neck. I tried rubbing it off to no avail. But, the good news is that I don't hear any affect on the tone. The E9th strings were GHS Super Steels and were sealed in a plastic wrapper. And they tuned up without breaking. So, what's the problem you ask: just passing it on on a slow day.

Cappone dAngelo · Post by **Cappone dAngelo** » 5 Dec 2021 5:36 pm

The last 2 packs I installed - different brands - both had discolouration/corrosion straight out of the new pack. I don't think I've run into that in 30 years of playing 6 string guitar (electric and acoustic), but just had it twice in a row on PSG strings. Curious ...

Jim Saunders · Post by **Jim Saunders** » 5 Dec 2021 7:52 pm

I had the same issue with my last set of D'Addario XL Pro Steels E9's. That is curious that we find it on different brands of strings. Could one maker be making strings for different companies?
I am going to go through my stash and see if I find more of it.

Bobby D. Jones · Post by **Bobby D. Jones** » 5 Dec 2021 9:57 pm

The Strings may have been packed in July or August by someone eating salted peanuts or potato chips, And did not put their gloves back on.
When I used George L's, I got one set with 1 string having rusty spots right where you would grab the string to wind and tuck the ends.

For about the last year, SIT has been using a special sealed plastic string pouch for each string. With some type of rust inhibitor vapor in the pouch. About a year ago when I ordered strings I got 1 old set with paper envelopes, 5 sets was the new sealed packing. Then the full set is sealed in the pouch. Not any color or rust on the strings, When I have opened them.

I have added a set of scissors to my string changing tools. They are necessary to cut the package and string pouches open to remove the strings.

Ian Rae · Post by **Ian Rae** » 6 Dec 2021 12:30 am

I have black spots on some of my GHS strings but as Jim says, it doesn't seem to matter. I don't remember what they were packed in.

(not a very useful post, really

)

Frank Freniere · Post by **Frank Freniere** » 6 Dec 2021 3:19 am

Same experience with several brands in paper wrappers of various vintages. I thought it might have something to do with living near the ocean & the salty air. Will be changing strings more frequently.

Pat Moore · Post by **Pat Moore** » 6 Dec 2021 5:29 am

FWIW,
Black where they touched in the wrapper means in my book that they're old strings, & have been on the rack for sale for a while.
Pat

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 6 Dec 2021 6:07 am

Pat Moore wrote:FWIW,
Black where they touched in the wrapper means in my book that they're old strings, & have been on the rack for sale for a while.
Pat

Yep, since manufacturers or re-packagers don't date-code strings, the ones you're buying could be 3 weeks old or 3 years old. As long as they play okay and don't break easily, I wouldn't worry about it. And yes, there are dozens and dozens of brands of strings, mostly all made by only 4 or 5 companies. Even big-name companies like Fender and Gibson don't make their own strings.

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 6 Dec 2021 6:11 am

I have run across many strings with smooth, black marks on them over the years and have never had a problem with them. If there is a darkened, rough place on a string, I won't even bother to put it on the guitar.

Bobby D. Jones wrote:I have added a set of scissors to my string changing tools. They are necessary to cut the package and string pouches open to remove the strings.

Dittos!

One brand (don't recall which one) has a small notch (Tear Here) near one corner of the plastic sleeve, which makes it fairly easy to tear open by hand.

Some plastic sleeves just stretch and won't pull open easily. Scissors are the answer for a quick open and will keep your blood pressure down.

Douglas Cresanta · Post by **Douglas Cresanta** » 6 Dec 2021 10:38 am

Interesting subject: string corrosion. Here in Central
Florida and less than a mile, from the Atlantic Ocean,
I generally change strings, about every month, due
corrosion. Even using a liquid, "string ease" helps
keeping them clean and shiny, however, they eventually
begin to tarnish.

Doug C.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 6 Dec 2021 10:44 am

I use this product for cleaning up my strings.
It also makes them "slicker".

Erv

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 6 Dec 2021 10:54 am

I've seen several examples of this. I just put 'em on. If there's a particularly ugly one, I use my Happich to clean it up. A little on a cloth and rub until the string quits zinging.

If they don't completely clean up, long as they tune and sound ok, I play 'em just the same.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 6 Dec 2021 11:15 am

I used to buy George L's direct from George L's a dozen each E9th and C6th (did that for 30 years). I've seen black spots but it never caused any issue. George L's are OEM'd by GHS.

When I moved to west central Florida (Tampa area) I vacuum sealed what sets I had with my wife's kitchen vacuum sealer as a Florida humidity precaution. It really didn't do anything for the strings, just leaving them in a drawer was just as good. from the first set to the 12th set. I changed strings regularly (10 shows when I was touring) to keep strings bright and minimize any show string breakage.

The last George L's I got (about 2 years ago) were still in paper envelopes. I have since switched to SIT and they are sealed.

As long as I don't play an outside gig strings will last (I usually change about once a month playing every weekend plus Cowboy Church).

Ken Metcalf · Post by **Ken Metcalf** » 7 Dec 2021 4:57 am

SIT strings now come in sealed packs and I store them in zip locks with dehumidifier packs that come with almost everything.
Really helps when buying in bulk.
Paper wrappers and old strings that are years old are a problem.

Patrick Huey · Post by **Patrick Huey** » 11 Dec 2021 9:50 am

Has anyone had an issue with LiveSteel strings in the past? Always been no issues with me from them.

Ken Metcalf · Post by **Ken Metcalf** » 11 Dec 2021 11:20 am

Old corroded strings are old and crusty.
It is not a brand specific problem.

Clyde Mattocks · Post by **Clyde Mattocks** » 12 Dec 2021 9:23 pm

I've had rust issues with new D'Addario and Live Steel strings. Seems to be worse on .017 and .020. Just got some new D'Addarios in the sealed packages with no issues.

Steve Sycamore · Post by **Steve Sycamore** » 13 Dec 2021 6:36 am

These are pricier than most other strings but I've never experienced rust or corrosion with them (even after being on a guitar for 4 years in damp weather):

Gibson Pure Vintage Reissue (said to be Swedish steel)
Thomastik-Infeld Plain Steel and Nickel Round Wound
Pyramid Nickel Classics (just tried these on my Telecaster so I don't know if they hold up a long time. Reviews indicate they do.)

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