New strings - black fingers?

9mmMike · #1 03-31-2009, 07:34 AM

Howdy,
Just put new strings on my Fender American Series '57. I used Fender-brand 7250ML (NPS). After playing for a few minutes, I noticed that my fingertips were black.
Is this normal for these strings or should I have done some kind of cleaning or something to them prior to installation?
Thanks in advance,
Mike

HogieWan · #2 03-31-2009, 07:42 AM

I normally wipe down strings before the first use. Flats are always full of black, rounds are usually clean

PSPookie · #3 03-31-2009, 07:45 AM

This is normal. It will go away after a few hours of use.

9mmMike · #4 03-31-2009, 07:46 AM

These are rounds. They are nickel plated. The strings on my other '57 AS bass are stainless.

What do you use to wipe them down?

9mmMike · #5 03-31-2009, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSPookie

This is normal. It will go away after a few hours of use.

Thanks. The only other new strings I've used were flats which did not do this or the GHS Boomers on my jazz which also did not do this but I am not sure of their construction.

Maybe it is the nickel......