Rusted Guitar Strings

Do you have an air conditioner?

1 week? that's crazy. I have a strat that's had the same set of strings since 1988..I'm thinking about changing them,don't want to waste any good picking time out of them though

Auggie, if you have a strat with a nearly-30 year old set of strings on it, you need to invest in Q-tips as well as new strings. Maybe even a tetanus booster.

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We're assuming when you wipe down the guitar that you're cleaning the strings as well, running a pinched rag down each string? Do that if you are not already. I know there are string cleaners you can guy at guitar shops, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try one and see if they work, help or at least buy you time.

Anyway, different metabolisms react with different string alloys. My body chemistry eats GHS Boomer electrics alive for some reason. If your body chemistry is eating "everything" alive, you may consider coated strings to get a little more string set mileage. Modern coated strings are SO much better than the early generations. I use D'Addario EXPs on my acoustics. You would not know they were coated unless I told you so and they GREATLY extend string life.

Keep in mind that there is a difference in discoloration and functionality. Bronze acoustic strings start discoloring almost immediately after they are getting played, that's just the nature of bronze strings. If your strings are just "rusty"-colored and you're not losing tone, tuning stability, intonation, etc., it's not that big of a deal.

In the case of the D'Addario EXPs, no change, at least nothing I'd consider detrimental tonally or feel-wise. You should definitely try a set.

I have a lot of clients who swear by Elixirs. I detested them when they first came out ... in addition to sounding muffled to my ears, they left wax particles and shards/dust everywhere, guitars looked like they had dandruff. The current Elixirs don't shed like they used to and they sound better, they appear to be using a modified coating and less of it. But they still "feel" coated to me and the tones are somewhat lackluster compared to the EXPs. But other folks absolutely love them, so YMMV.

I'll have to give the EXP's a try. I use the Elixir Nanowebs currently but I've always liked D'Addario strings so I may end up preferring those. Thanks for the tip.

Don't keep them in the case. Or throw in dessicant into the case. This is very strange

Dust off those rusty strings just
one more time
Gonna make em shine

sorry...

That's weird. Is it actual red rust?

Rory Gallagher had an unusual blood type that caused his sweat to be very acidic. It took most of the finish off of his strat. LINK

Use this, or something similar.

Wipe you're strings down and keep those silicon bean bags that come in shoe boxes and junk with your guitars (they soak up moisture in the air). At least that's what I do