Fender 2008 USA Jazz - Dirty Strings?

Baker69 · #1 06-03-2009, 05:03 AM

I got my new Fender American Standard Series Jazz Bass yesterday and even after a short time of playing I started to notice my finger tips were getting dark-grey/black. I assume this is off the strings and not the finger board?

I have had numerous new basses before but have never come across anything like this, other than when I have cleaned the finger board. Has anyone else noticed this? I assume the bass comes fitted with Fender 8250 standard-issue Bass Strings.

After band rehearsal last night my fingers were really quite dirty after playing, not what I expected to get off a brand new bass?

Any comments anyone?

jasper383 · #2 06-03-2009, 05:33 AM

There's usually some kind of goop on brand new strings that turns fingers black.

Wash your hands and play on.

PSPookie · #3 06-03-2009, 05:44 AM

A new set of nickle plated strings, like Fender 8250s, will do that sometimes. It's nothing to worry about and will go away after a little bit of playing time.

Baker69 · #4 06-03-2009, 06:13 AM

I've used both Stainless and Nickles before but have never had this problem?

As you say it will probably go away in time.

I hate new strings anyway!

Baker69 · #5 06-04-2009, 04:35 PM

Thanks for the comments guys.

I've been playing the bass over the past couple of days and the strings are no longer making my fingers dirty.

pickles · #6 06-05-2009, 08:34 AM

8250s definitely do that -- now you know nobody else has played your bass (or at least your strings) before it got to you

Baker69 · #7 06-05-2009, 02:26 PM

Yes, not even the store played it, the bass came in its original unopened Fender box!

BigOldHarry · #8 06-05-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasper383

There's usually some kind of goop on brand new strings that turns fingers black.

Wash your hands and play on.

I've *never* seen this - and I'm one of those "change my strings all the time" kinda guys...

Might be the brand of strings... Dunno.

Baker69 · #9 06-05-2009, 02:59 PM

I'm assuming it is fitted with Fender 8250's?

pickles · #10 06-06-2009, 08:49 AM

Should be. The B and E are taper wound at the bridge right? Those are 8250s.

jasper383 · #11 06-06-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I've *never* seen this - and I'm one of those "change my strings all the time" kinda guys...

Might be the brand of strings... Dunno.

Really? The word "goop" might be a bit strong, but after installing, just about every new set of strings makes the tips of my fingers dark gray.