Bought a set of DR pure blues. First time. Turned my fingertips black and I swear they made my my finger tips itchy. I’ve pretty much used nickel forever.
That was a waste of $25.
That was a waste of $25.
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Never had this happen , physical reaction
- Thread starter Indiana Mike
- Start date
Yes, nickel will do that to some folks. I also have to be careful of nickel. Year ago when I was playing more guitar, I installed a set of Gibson '57 pickups in my Les Paul. I didn't think anything about it since I don't react with the chromed covers that were on the stock pickups. My hand perspiration actually corroded the nickel covers and I hand to change the pickups again.
It could possibly be an allergic reaction as already suggested above. Or, it could be the gunk from the factory left on the strings your fingers are reacting to.
When I used to use Fender 9050 flats, I noticed they always turned my finger tips black when new. As it turns out, it was the residue of of the compound used in the final polishing process that was left on them from the factory. That's when I got into the habit of cleaning all new strings with an isopropyl alcohol wipe before installation. No more black fingers.
Having said all that, I'm not sure about the "itchy" part. Something I never experienced with any strings.
I agree with michael_t post above. With both bass and guitar strings I’ve experienced blackened finger tips after installing new strings. It always subsides after a day or two and I’ve assumed it was manufacturing residue transferring from the string to my finger tips. I now make it a practice to wipe down new strings with isopropyl alcohol prior to installation. When I perform the wipe down the paper towel used turns black from material transfer. I have minimal or no finger tip discoloration with new strings since adopting this process. YMMV
Pro Steels have a seemingly non visible residue which is slightly annoying for a couple of days. Before putting on my latest set, I wiped them with the correct TB approved alcohol cloth.
No slightly annoying residue - but also a slight difference to the tone - the top end doesn't have it's usual bite.
With some strings that wouldn't bother me, but that's partially the point of Pro Steels, so I won't be using one of those cloths on a set of them again. This set of DTFs though....
No slightly annoying residue - but also a slight difference to the tone - the top end doesn't have it's usual bite.
With some strings that wouldn't bother me, but that's partially the point of Pro Steels, so I won't be using one of those cloths on a set of them again. This set of DTFs though....
Turning my fingers black (but not itchy) happens to me with new phosphor bronze acoustic strings. They still sound the best so I use them anyway.
