Double Bass New string black oxidation

[stefaniw80401]

Just got a TI Spiro Mittle Extended-E string from my favorite supplier and when I took it out of its envelope I got black oxidation all over my fingers. I immediately cleaned with a cloth with some alcohol on it. It probably has been sitting around for a while -- perhaps in a humid environment.

Should I send this string back for a "fresh" one, or is it OK?
- Mark

 

[Francois Blais]

This is oil, not oxidation.
They use some oil in the last finishing processes (polishing, etc.)

 

[stefaniw80401]

Ah-ha! Thanks Francois! You rock ... I mean jazz. I just clicked into yourspace and am listening to your sound clips. Good stuff. - Mark

 

[Maaaven]

I have a somewhat different experience than Francois.
I get black material off new strings, and then again
if they go into storage and are brought back out.
To me that means I am getting oxidation, but the
atmosphere here is full of ozone at times and that
can make a big difference in the rate of oxidation.
If ever a string does not feel smooth as you glide your
finger along it, I simple get out the rubbing alcohol
and cotton balls until no more black comes off, then
they are again smooth. Nickel oxides are often black.

 

[stefaniw80401]

After Francois' response, I took the alcohol rag to this string again, turning the rag to a fresh spot frequently. The black kept coming for more than 5 minutes. I let the string curve over my rag, rather than go straight. It kept coming and coming with the black. I figured I was getting some of the oil coming up from the core of the string.

You know oil on the string doesn't mix with the bow, so I'm wondering -- are all the TI spiros like this? I've never had other new-in-box strings do this. If it's common on the spiros, that could account for much of the bowability complaints.

I just installed this string (Extended-E). It tuned right up and has held its tune for 30 minutes now. It rattled the living room on the low extended notes ... especially D and C. Bowing it actually seems smooth to me -- much like the Dominant A next to it. Very clear note centers. Surprisingly darker than my 6 month old Dominants (open A versus fingered A on this new long-E). A bit more sustain than the thumpy old helicore orchestra string that it replaced, but nowhere like Brian Bromberg's E string (Wood). Overall a decent match for dominant ADG.

 

[Francois Blais]

After Francois' response, I took the alcohol rag to this string again, turning the rag to a fresh spot frequently. The black kept coming for more than 5 minutes. I let the string curve over my rag, rather than go straight. It kept coming and coming with the black. I figured I was getting some of the oil coming up from the core of the string.

I should correct myself: it's grease, not oil.
I'm surprised you get that much grease out of this string.
You may want to get in touch with their customer service about this issue.

 

[Marcus Johnson]

are all the TI spiros like this? I've never had other new-in-box strings do this.

Not in my experience.... just pop 'em on, and in 6-8 months, they're sounding good.