Guitar Strings

[butcherbilly1324]

I have just fitted new fender light guage strings to my strat, the problem is that the tips of my fingers are getting very black, i have tried cleaning them with a dry rag, and that is getting dirty to i have changed the strings many times before and never had this problem is there another way to get them clean, i bought these stings off the internet could that be the problem.
Any help would be appreciated thanks.

[MarkRae]

I've known people to boil their guitar strings to get rid of the gunk which inevitably builds up over time, so you might try that. I'd go back to the manufacturer and ask either for a refund or a replacement set...

[4candles]

Who was the dealer, and were they suspiciously cheap, and perhaps not genuine Fenders?

[butcherbilly1324]

The strings were in a fender package, they were a bit cheaper also they were in one plastic package not individually packed.

[butcherbilly1324]

Thanks fender62

[Ankou]

it's oxidation - oils and acids in your skin corrode the nickle on the strings causing the black residue. it happens more often with lesser quality brands.

you should wash hands before and clean the strings after. you might want to also get some lemon oil on the fretboard as grime can sit there and taint the strings.

[butcherbilly1324]

Thanks Ankou, Ihave never had this problem before after fitting new strings, it is years since i last used fender strings, i normally use ernie ball slinkies and never had a problem with them, maybe it is a bad batch, the thing is the tone i am getting is good, they are just so dirty...