Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats rust issue

[tindrum]

Cobalt Flats rust for me. Many have suggested it’s a body chemistry thing since some have the problem and others don’t. They sounded great but were nasty in just a few weeks.

Joe

I think it’s a body chemistry issue for sure. I can go several months before seeing any rust whatsoever (and it’s VERY minor) on Cobalts. Also regular nickel roundwound strings can last me almost a year, stainless steel even longer. I’m pretty sure I don’t have very acidic sweat.

 

[aidamos]

Yes, rust.

 

[4stringfarley]

Only after I eat a tasty basket of BBQ ribs.

.

I did a set up and cleaning on a bass that apparently was played at crawfish boils regularly. I literally gagged from the smell of shell fish when I started on the fretboard.

 

[michael_t]

Yes, rust.

View attachment 5030917

How long have they been on that bass?

 

[aidamos]

How long have they been on that bass?

Only two months. And I don't have an aggressive sweat.

 

[Unmost]

For the price they ask, this is not acceptable at all.

 

[SteveCS]

Just over a year on from my previous post above and my Cobalts have continued to corrode along the first inch or so around the saddle. But they still sound great and there are no signs of corrosion in any other areas. I guess at some point there will be a catastrophic failure if the corrosion accelerates and gets into the core...

 

[rodl2005]

Cobalt Flats rust for me. Many have suggested it’s a body chemistry thing since some have the problem and others don’t. They sounded great but were nasty in just a few weeks.

Joe

Mine too

 

[SteveCS]

...
Many have suggested it’s a body chemistry thing
...

I'm not convinced - the area of corrosion over the bridge saddles is not an area of the string I ever play. I suspect it is a 'galvanic' corrosion that would happen even if the instrument was locked in a case and never played. It is possible that different saddle materials might perform differently. My other Ray has stainless saddles and stainless strings - the string over the saddle is as clean as the day the strings went on.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I'm not convinced - the area of corrosion over the bridge saddles is not an area of the string I ever play. I suspect it is a 'galvanic' corrosion that would happen even if the instrument was locked in a case and never played. It is possible that different saddle materials might perform differently. My other Ray has stainless saddles and stainless strings - the string over the saddle is as clean as the day the strings went on.

I've mine for well over a year and they're still pristine. I figured the rusted-out examples I've seen were due to either:

*Sweat / body chemistry...but I'm always fresh as a daisy!

*Urea formaldehyde out-gassing when stored in a sealed hard shell case. My basses are always on Hercules stands and only see a case when travelling to & fro rehearsals and gigs.

To add insult to injury: I like doing custom sets via singles but no more. Got a note from Jason / FretNation that Ernie Ball has discontinued the same. You can still buy the preconfigured sets, though. I'd be happy if they offered just the .130 B so I can mate it with the light gauge (40-95) 4 string set.

Riis

 

[Auer]

Just over a year on from my previous post above and my Cobalts have continued to corrode along the first inch or so around the saddle. But they still sound great and there are no signs of corrosion in any other areas. I guess at some point there will be a catastrophic failure if the corrosion accelerates and gets into the core...
View attachment 5035894

Could it be that your dampers attract and keep moisture?
Some bridge screws look a bit rusty as well.

 

[SteveCS]

Could it be that your dampers attract and keep moisture?
Some bridge screws look a bit rusty as well.

Yes that is a possibility - brings new meaning to the word 'damper', right? As for the screws, I guess after 32 years they are entitled to a bit of corrosion!?