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I suffer from hyperhyrdosis which means my hands sweat quite a lot. The problem is that because of this my electric guitar strings seem to rust quite quickly because of this. Is there anything I can do to stop my strings from rusting so easily? Perhaps a spray or solution I can wipe over even after or before use.

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I tried some coated strings, but didn't like the way they felt when I played. I found some guitar lubricant which also acts as a protectant and it allows me to reapply it without having to buy new coated strings every week. The bonus is I can use my Dean Markley DT strings which are awesome and not change to something else. – DigitalSea May 10 '11 at 7:06

5 Answers

The one and just about only suggestion I have is to use coated strings such as Elixirs. I used to have 'em on my #1 and #2 acoustics, and I liked the feel of them. I never had your problem, so don't know if that's an acceptable solution to you.

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I have a similar problem, and the Elixers pretty much solved it. I'm using them on a Gibson ES175 which is played between one and six hours daily, and they last for months. Uncoated acoustic strings, played less frequently, only last me a week or two, and (particularly in summer) sometimes only hours. – Anonymous Mar 30 '11 at 16:19
I know that there are some who feel that the Elixir Polywebs sucked the high end out of their guitar tone and felt dead, which is why there are now Nanowebs, which use a much lighter coating. I hope Dwayne strings some up and tells us how he likes 'em. – VarLogRant Mar 30 '11 at 19:14
I'll order some and let you guys know how I go. I play thick gauges so something along the lines of 0.13-56's would be awesome in the Elixers. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give them a try. – DigitalSea Mar 30 '11 at 22:22
+1 for elixers if the math works out. I use nothing but on my acoustic. Electric strings, however, I run through about a pack a week when I'm playing heavily. – Jduv Mar 31 '11 at 2:25

Some alloys are more resistant to rust and corrosion as well. Nickel strings are available and should be quite resistant.

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You can also find stainless steel strings. Those might help too. – Joel Apr 6 '11 at 16:07

You can use for example GHS fast fret to clean the strings before and after playing. This should do the trick...

Also wash your hands before playing. As VarlogRant points out coated strings will be better as well.

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put on a new set of strings, and make it a habit to clean the strings after each use. It'll keep dirt from building up and corroding the strings.

I recommend this: http://thestringcleaner.com

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I have the same problem you do. If I forget to wipe down anything metal I've sweated on, it rusts/pits/etc. I experimented with different brands of strings and found that of the uncoated strings, DAddario lasts the longest for me.

Also, Old School Aqua Velva after shave works great to clean up the strings after a session. I sprinkle a little on a lint free cleaning rag and wipe down each string after each playing session. I still have over half the bottle of Aqua Velva left that I bought in roughly 1985. Use it sparingly.

Hope this helps.

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Nice. I used to use DAddario strings a long time ago, but moved onto Dunlop Extra Heavy 0.13-56 (themadape.com/product_p/den3756.htm) strings as I love the tone they give me. Might give DAddario strings a try again, never tried the heavy gauge Ddadario's before. Thanks JimR. – DigitalSea Mar 30 '11 at 22:20

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