Same String Keeps Rusting

[Basscataz]

So I replaced the strings on my fretless bass with D'Addario halfrounds a month ago, and about a week or two later I noticed that the D string was seriously rusted.

At first I thought that I just forgot to change the D string, but I changed the strings again with a new set of halfrounds (D'addarios again) and the D string is rusty again and it has only been a week.

Does anyone know what's going on? Its only the D string, too, the other strings are fine.

[cnltb]

I've never heard of strings rusting on a bass,let alone experience it on one of my own instruments.

Sorry no idea what#s going on.

[dmonroe]

Is it in a specific area or the entitre length of the string?

[FunkMetalBass]

How are you storing your bass? Is it possible that your case may have a wet spot that is never fully allowed to dry and is causing some string rust?

[Basscataz]

It's on a stand in my room most of the time. It hasnt been played out in a while.

[elgecko]

I wonder if there's something funny with your D string tuner that's reacting with the string.

[N.F.A.]

I am not sure what would cause this. If you don't find the problem, maybe go to coated strings like Elixirs or something?

[Leifericson923]

I have no clue if this has anything to do with it, but do you clean your fretboard when you change your strings? I'm assuming since it's fretless that the string is getting full contact with whatever's on the neck.

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by dmonroe

Is it in a specific area or the entitre length of the string?

This question is still unanswered, and will, at the very least, give you the opportunity to isolate the problem (eg, it's probably not the tuner if it's rusting at the bridge).

Also, do you have any pictures?

[project43]

I've been using the half rounds on my 6 string fretless for many years, and about 8 months ago I started encountering the rust problem also. At first, I attributed it to the weather here in Hawaii (I live on the wet side of the island). I have been very diligent about wiping them down after all usage and applying fast fret. Now, the newest set I installed last month has not shown any rust at all, and I haven't done anything differently. I wonder if they are having some manufacturing issues? This new set also feels smoother than the previous ones, more like the strings I remember them to be in years past. Frank

[project43]

A quick followup. My rust was not limited to just one string. The C & G strings seemed to be the worst though.

[dmonroe]

This is really starting to sound like they had a brief period of manufacturing issues.

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by Basscataz

So I replaced the strings on my fretless bass with D'Addario halfrounds a month ago, and about a week or two later I noticed that the D string was seriously rusted.

At first I thought that I just forgot to change the D string, but I changed the strings again with a new set of halfrounds (D'addarios again) and the D string is rusty again and it has only been a week.

Does anyone know what's going on? Its only the D string, too, the other strings are fine.

this could be cause by galvanic corrosion. If that one string were grounded differently than the rest of your strings (perhaps the d-string tuner is in contact with something) it may well corrode differently.

[Basscataz]

The entire string is rusted excepts for a small area past the nut. It's a wishbass, so the bridge is made out of corian.

It can't be the tuner, because the only part of the string that isn't rusted is the part right at the tuner. I'll get some pictures up either tonight or tomorrow morning.