Nickel strings...and reactions

[Randyt]

After reading how many people have allergies to Nickel and Nickel plated strings....it brings me to this silly question:
I presently play nickel...and after playing a few hours with nickel strings,,,they leave me with black fingers...is this a reaction or is my sweat reacting with the nickel and this is me just wiping off the oxidation?

Any input would be great.


Thanks

[nashvillebill]

Can't say for sure but I suspect it's the nickel reacting with the sweat.

Some guitar strings will even develop a smell for me--after I play a few minutes, my fingers will have a sour metallic smell.

[fretlessguy]

Clean the strings well and try again. If it doesn't happen again, then the strings were just dirty from the manufacturer the first time. However, if this happens, then there is really a problem:

Howehttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nickel-allergy/DS00826/DSECTION=symptomsver

If this happens, then stainless steel strings or tapewounds are in your future.

[Jay2U]

Most new strings aren't clean. A lot of greasy substance remains from the production process. This coulours your fingers and whatever touches the strings. I always wipe them with alcohol before installing.

[Solarmist]

^ I have never noticed anything like that, and if I did - it would be the last time for that brand.

[colbyAKAbobby]

I have a horrible allergic reaction to my bass strings. I have researched it and it said that when nickel comes into contact with your sweat, the reaction will worsen. My hands sweat quite a bit when I play, so I will probably consider carrying a hand towel around with me to clean off and wipe my hands as well as my strings. I recently bought a set of Elixir strings with Nanoweb technology and that seemed to help out a little bit.

[dlenaghan]

I've been playing DR Sunbeams with no issues... I find myself loving the feel and the sound, much punchier and richer than Lo-riders.. But I keep my strings and hands clean, though I can't say sweating has been a problem.