So I bought a Ibanez RG550 over a year ago. It was rusty as hell, but replacing screws and some loose parts was easy and all was while. Until recently. For some bizarre reason my guitar is corroding like there's no tomorrow. Strings have this insanely thick layer of crap all over them after just a week. Why on earth? I've heared smoke ain't too good for strings, and that may play a part, but the guitar is standing exactly near the window which is always opened, so it shouldn't be that bad. If you all could see it you wouldn't believe it. Anyone having idea ideas?
can we see how it looks like
Nope, if I could make photos I would have spammed this place full with them. :lol:
It's the acid in your hands and the humidity. Mine does it sometimes too, just wipe the neck down when your done playing
but the guitar is standing exactly near the window which is always opened,
If the corrosion you are talking about is not just on the strings but on the screws, pickups, bridge etc. get it away from the window. I bet you are getting a lot of moisture through that window.
In other words I support Fumble Fingers comment on humidity
I have noticed my strings get REALLY bad, totally black. Its probably because i dont wash my hands before i play, and never wipe down the fretboard. Its like total night and day when i replace them.
What's the air quality where you live? That open window might not be so good for anything.
"A cheerful heart is good medicine."
Arjen,
you live on the coast (Groningen, isn't it? and even Emmerich ain't that far from the briny) - sea air - salt in solution - manky strings! :?
I started with nothing - and I've still got most of it left.
Did you know that the word "gullible" is not in any dictionary?
Greybeard's Pages
My Articles & Reviews on GN
Greybeard has a point.
Even low humidity in a salt air evironment will cause rapid formation of rust.
I would suggest, if possible, keep your guitars in a closed room with a dehumidifier. It may cost a bit for a good model that you can set a specific humidity level but may be worth it to protect your gear.
Also, do you leave your guitar plugged into your amp? Sometimes having a good grounding path can increase electrolysis and other forms of corrosion.
Something to consider...
Laz
I have a thought on a different tack. (i guess not quite a different tack, Laz posted as I was typing.
Some dis-simmilar metals will promote corrosion. If metal pieces have been replaced with a different type of metal, corroision can be sped up. So if you are screwing a plate on to your guitar with screws of a different metal both would rust more quickly than alone.
just a thought
Good luck.
Cheers,
Max
Arjen,
you live on the coast (Groningen, isn't it? and even Emmerich ain't that far from the briny) - sea air - salt in solution - manky strings! :?
That is what I was going to ask. I used to live 1 hour from the west coast when I was in grad school. I still had certain metals corroding...usually cheaper metals though..
I have been to Gronigin several times. it isnt that close to the sea.
I do think having the guitar under an open window in te sunlight is a major nono.
sun has UV and that'l ruin a finsh and color n no time.
the fresh air could be a problem as it is loaded with dust.
Gronigin is a rather clean city compared to some in the USA.
it sounds like a combination of things:
open window storage
dirty hands
not wiping the strings AND guitar down after playing
does he have a cat. ? maybe the cat is coating it with it's spray?
then we have imps, eleves and trolls. lots of them in Holland.
they like spice cake, but that's uusually for St Nicklaus day. right? :)
i get numerous strange spots on my varnished classical guitar wood.I don't know what the heck is the reason.Sometimes i use a towel to keep the sweat out and still the damn round spots and strange lines :evil:
that's really bizzare man.
you must have a gnome around or cat pee.
sorry to hear about the mystery.
maybe you should keep them in a case when you dont play them.
