GreeneKing Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 (edited) I much prefer nickel strings so ordered a set of Sadowsky nickel plated strings from the States, extra long and with a tapered 130 to fit the Spector Euro LX 5 bridge as some strings struggle to go into the slot. The old strings were fine but I just don't like the feel of stainless streel strings and they have a brightness that I don't want. Whilst practicing for about an hour tonight I noticed my fingertips were getting black on both hands. I've had this once before with used strings on my Peavey T-40 and put it down to dirty old strings and chucked them away, they were very dead sounding too. These were new uncut strings however. Anyone else come across this with Sadowsky nickels? They sound okay. I have fairly dry hands and strings normally last me forever. I probably have at least 20 sets of slightly used strings around the house tucked away, must sort them out and put them up for grabs Peter Edited October 9, 2009 by GreeneKing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 (edited) This was discussed on another bass forum recently. Nickel is a dark silvery grey and leaves deposits on your fingers. Nothing to worry about. It should wash off. Edited October 9, 2009 by TimR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kets Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 Could be something to do with the oils in your fingers I suppose. Nickel can also cause an allergic reaction in certain people, which could also cause this . Nickel is used a lot in jewellery manufacture/plating, hence it comes into contact with skin, i.e. earrings etc, causing nickel itch. I've had the same problem with nickel acoustic guitar strings, but not all the time, which is strange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreeneKing Posted October 10, 2009 Author Share Posted October 10, 2009 Yes that's the thing really, I always play nickels and in many years this is the 1st time new strings have done this. Oh well.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 I could be wrong, but I've had this sometimes with different makes and types of string. I think its a part of the finishing/cleaning process that isn't done very well. Most often I've had this on flats from Pyramid and Thomastik. A wipe with a cloth usually gets most of it off the strings and away from your hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceguyhomer Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Could be a problem with that particular bass - I'll take it off your blackened hands for £100 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreeneKing Posted October 10, 2009 Author Share Posted October 10, 2009 I'm thinking about it Al. No Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Had some strings on my self build/shuker for almost a year then cut my finger, had to gig and leaked blood on them. Wiped it off with a wet wipe thing and then for the next two gigs had soiled fingers. But the strings are OK now, no soiling. Weird..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 I've had this happen with TI Jazz Flats too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nash Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 [quote name='yorks5stringer' post='622416' date='Oct 10 2009, 01:28 PM']Had some strings on my self build/shuker for almost a year then cut my finger, had to gig and leaked blood on them. Wiped it off with a wet wipe thing and then for the next two gigs had soiled fingers. But the strings are OK now, no soiling. Weird.....[/quote] you had the same strings on for a year!?!?!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreeneKing Posted October 10, 2009 Author Share Posted October 10, 2009 I gave the strings a good wipe over and no blackening after 2 hrs band practice. perhaps it should have been done in the factory and was omitted for some reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 [quote name='nash' post='622674' date='Oct 10 2009, 08:50 PM']you had the same strings on for a year!?!?!?![/quote] Of course,..... they've only just worn in nicely! Chuffin heck, they cost over a tenner a set now:if it ain't broke..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 [quote name='nash' post='622674' date='Oct 10 2009, 08:50 PM']you had the same strings on for a year!?!?!?![/quote] Nicely worn in then! Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrcrow Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 it does wear off...i think its post production of the strings and could be removed in the factory but would add cost Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 [quote name='alexclaber' post='623176' date='Oct 11 2009, 03:38 PM']Nicely worn in then! Alex[/quote] Almost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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