Cobalts sounds great and I was using them, both flats and rounds, on almost all of my basses; but they corrode very easy. I'm in the humid tropical part of the world, so sadly I'm back to Ken Smith rounds and LaBella flats.
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Cleaning Rusty EBMM Cobalt Flats
- Thread starter JEDI BASS
- Start date
And that's why you bought a Pedulla? I think it was Ben Franklin who coined the phrase "Penny wise, pound foolish." This strikes me as exactly the sort of thing Ben had in mind when he said that. Your argument would have more merit if you were putting those strings on an old Squier or something.
Dude, find another set of strings to use!
Exactly.
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I’ve had a few rust spots show up on EB Co Flats a few times. I can’t tell it has affected the tone of the string, but I can feel it if it’s in an area of the string I touch frequently. I’ve used fast fret to rub the spots. It usually gets off any rust that can be felt, and I don’t think any residue from that product will harm bass finish or wood.
I think there is something to the rust on some sets and not on others. I currently have two basses strung with them and the newer set has had a couple rust spots but the older set has not. Go figure..
I think there is something to the rust on some sets and not on others. I currently have two basses strung with them and the newer set has had a couple rust spots but the older set has not. Go figure..
So far, it’s been 99% a visual issue for me. The corrosion (so far) can’t be felt. They may have gained some brightness after the cleaning = 1%. They’re my favorite strings, not just my favorite flats. So… do I trash these two sets and put more on just to deal with the same aesthetic issue after a couple gigs? Do I give up completely on my favorite strings? Or do a 10 minute wipe down occasionally? For me, the choice is easy.
I will do things differently next time to better protect the basses.
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I will do things differently next time to better protect the basses.
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
Evapo-rust works great for me on rusty metal parts, but I've never used it on strings.
They also make Rust-block rust inhibitor, but I've never tried it.
I'm generally super cheap, but I have to agree with previous replies advocating for new strings.
They also make Rust-block rust inhibitor, but I've never tried it.
I'm generally super cheap, but I have to agree with previous replies advocating for new strings.
This is weird, never had my cobalts rust at any level. My current set is about 15 months old. I have pretty greasy hands though and they collect a lot of "oil" and dirt. I should definitely clean them up more often.
Meh. If they still feel and sound good and they show no signs of possible breakup, there's no reason to do that.
I'm also an avid Cobalt fan. But once the E string loses its zing I change strings. Usually what I'll do is get off stage and get my bass ser aside or in my car and open the case and let it air out. Unfortunately I played a very very very sweaty sold out show and with the humidity and heat even setting the open case in my truck couldn't save them. Went from brand new to floppy rubber band just like that. I think they got a total of maybe 4 hours of playing time.
Electronics are tolerant to humidity changes (not counting salty ocean air).
The strings are oxidizing because of the iron content of those particular strings.
That’s one of the reasons I don’t use them.
You do realize I could make about $1,500 more than I paid for the Pedulla a short time ago, if I sold it right? But, it’s a lifer and the friend I bought it from knows this.
This has been my experience as well with my Cobalt Flats. However, after playing, whether a short practice session or a long gig, I always wipe down the strings with a cloth and some cleaner (I happen to use the Stringjoy stuff as that's what I use on my guitars). Never a problem with corrosion.
I’ll check into getting some and give it a try.This has been my experience as well with my Cobalt Flats. However, after playing, whether a short practice session or a long gig, I always wipe down the strings with a cloth and some cleaner (I happen to use the Stringjoy stuff as that's what I use on my guitars). Never a problem with corrosion.
That's not the point. Trying to de-rust your strings so you can use them more on your Pedulla is like having new treads put on your worn out tires to put on your Lamborghini.
No it's not.
Unless there's a change in performance. it's just cleanup.
If theres a change for the worse in performance, you should change them out, regardless or what you drive/play.
Were moving in to "Expensive instrument need expensive strings" territory here and thats plain bs.
I've used Cobalt flats since they came out, and, fortunately, never had the rust issue.
(The only problem I've had is they are prone to breaking at the post when bringing back up to tension after maintenance, etc. I've never had this problem with any other string)
But clearly, the rust is an issue for some.
If your treatment works, and you're satisfied with the results, I don't see the problem.
It's no different than other people treating brand new strings with hand lotion to get their desired result.
(The only problem I've had is they are prone to breaking at the post when bringing back up to tension after maintenance, etc. I've never had this problem with any other string)
But clearly, the rust is an issue for some.
If your treatment works, and you're satisfied with the results, I don't see the problem.
It's no different than other people treating brand new strings with hand lotion to get their desired result.
LOL… it’s not even in the ball park with your analogy. The rust spots that sometimes-but-rarely appear on EB Co flats between playings are a visual issue. The discoloration spot, which I’ve never seen being more than an 1/8”, can be felt if you run your fingertip along the string. It can also be eliminated by running your finger along the string as it is superficial surface corrosion.
The analogy more accurate to your suggestion would be replacing low mileage Pirelli PZC4 tires on your Lamborghini because they got dusty
Not even close. A quick search shows Earnie Ball Cobalt bass strings available for around $35 a set, probably less if you look.
