Cleaning Rusty EBMM Cobalt Flats

[JEDI BASS]

I don’t have the body chemistry that causes string corrosion. But, my favorite flats, the Cobalts, have been getting rusty on my main gig basses. I think it’s partly because they’re out in the humidity at outdoor shows.

Yesterday and today, I spent some time trying some WD-40 “Specialist” Rust Release on them, and the results were really good!

I was careful to try and keep the WD-40 on my rag, and not on the basses. And, I dried the strings thoroughly after with paper towels.

 

[JEDI BASS]

Before pics:

 

[JEDI BASS]

After pics:

 

[tindrum]

Awesome! The WD40 should leave a really thin protective film as well so it’s a total win.

 

[JEDI BASS]

Awesome! The WD40 should leave a really thin protective film as well so it’s a total win.

I hope so.

 

[Moogmelt]

I’ve also had great results with Boeshield, developed by Boeing and useful for all sorts of applications strings aside.

 

[winston]

From ugggh to ooooh!
Also I think you are breaking some TB rule by not posting a full body shot of what appears to be a gorgeous Pedulla MVP!!!

 

[Thegreatzambini]

I hope so.

Actually, you shouldn’t hope so. You don’t want petroleum residue left on the strings… I would use some isopropanol and clean them off. When you own a bass like that Pedulla you don’t cheap out, you buy new strings.

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

Wat

 

[Five or Six]

First, I'd have to ask how old were the strings to begin with? I think this is OK for short term but, in reality, a band aid approach. A better bet is to replace strings that look crappy. Especially if they have a bunch of play time. To each their own.

 

[JEDI BASS]

Actually, you shouldn’t hope so. You don’t want petroleum residue left on the strings… I would use some isopropanol and clean them off. When you own a bass like that Pedulla you don’t cheap out, you buy new strings.

I was waiting for that, LOL. I have plenty of new sets. I just don’t waste money. I was raised poor and to fix things that can be fixed.

 

[JEDI BASS]

First, I'd have to ask how old were the strings to begin with? I think this is OK for short term but, in reality, a band aid approach. A better bet is to replace strings that look crappy. Especially if they have a bunch of play time. To each their own.

They’re not that old at all. It’s a common issue with Cobalts.

 

[JEDI BASS]

I would say that the Cobalts I gig with… the ones that have seen humid outdoor shows… they’ve developed the oxidation within days of the moist gig(s). So, it has nothing to do with the age.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

After pics:View attachment 5134448View attachment 5134449View attachment 5134450

If I could make a recommendation, try placing some silicon packets in your bass case. Congrats on the WD-40 treatment on the strings, but keep in mind that moisture you are exposed to is also going to town on the electronics.

 

[JEDI BASS]

If I could make a recommendation, try placing some silicon packets in your bass case. Congrats on the WD-40 treatment on the strings, but keep in mind that moisture you are exposed to is also going to town on the electronics.

I don’t leave them cased up after the gigs, simply because I thought of the humidity issue already, and of course my house has AC. Honestly, it’s an issue with the Cobalts composition. They just seem extremely susceptible to humidity.

 

[Pocket4]

I chucked my Cobalt flats for the issue discussed. There's way to many choices that don't involve corrosion.

 

[Grahams Groove]

I was waiting for that, LOL. I have plenty of new sets. I just don’t waste money. I was raised poor and to fix things that can be fixed.

Frugal could backfire if it damages your fretboard. Whether you have a natural/unfinished board or the classic Pedulla epoxy, WD40 is a solvent. So…just be aware that trying to save a few bucks now could cost you later.

 

[AndyLES]

They’re not that old at all. It’s a common issue with Cobalts.

I use Cobalt Flats on every single one of my basses and play plenty of humid outdoor shows in suburban NY. Never had this problem.

 

[JEDI BASS]

I use Cobalt Flats on every single one of my basses and play plenty of humid outdoor shows in suburban NY. Never had this problem.

Some say that it’s not all sets. Maybe it’s a problem that only plagued certain batches??

 

[JEDI BASS]

I’ll wipe the sets that I cleaned down with alcohol to remove any residue left by the WD-40.