Bass strings rusting

[L]

Hi!
A few weeks ago I noticed the very top and bottom of my bass strings rusting.
I have tried a few different anti-rust products but nothing has worked.
If anyone has tips on this issue please let me know!
Thanks

[paul-knoke]

How old are the bass wires?

[L]

They are all the original bass wires that I got with my harp which was 6months ago.

[paul-knoke]

How old is the harp, then? Ideally. bass wires should be changed every 2 years. They have a limited life span, and being in humid or polluted air can shorten it. If the strings are rusty, they are probably also dead, and should be changed.

[L]

My harp is 6months old.

[brian-noel]

There are tarnish-resistant bass wires that most players use. Just buy a new set and replace them with those.

[Saul Davis Zlatkovski]

No, the tarnish-resistant strings sound lousy, except for the bronze ones. You should not use any product on the strings. Might it just be discoloration? They should not rust at all. Silver strings will eventually tarnish, and you can rub them with a damp cloth or a nylon scrubber, gently. Copper strings will get greenish. If the tone gets dull, then it is time to replace them. Tarnish-resistant strings also have to be replaced every two years or less, so they really are no help. Where did you get this harp? It must have been sitting around a long time.

[Gretchen Cover]

Tarnish resistant wires sound fine, Saul. I used those on my recording, I live in Florida and they are a must-have.

Back to basics here: What model harp do you have? Was it purchased new or used? Do you know the brand of wires in the harp? Where do you live? More info on your harp, please.

[balfour-knight]

Thanks, Gretchen, tarnish resistant wires are my favorite, too, and are a must-have during our damp Summer months here in North Carolina. I heartily recommend them, L, and would also like more info.

[L]

Here is some more info about my harp!
It is a 36-string Carbon Fibre purchased new.
I am not sure about what brand the strings are but If I had to guess I think they would be Pirastro.
I live in a humid climate so I was already a bit worried for my harp I keep it located in the coolest room of the house and during summer the fan was always on and the room kept well ventilated.
Hope that answers some questions!

[Gretchen Cover]

It sounds like you do not have air conditioning. I would not worry about the rust for a while, but at a year old, I would change all the strings. Use the tension suggested by the manufacturer or post your specific brand harp in a new post and ask what strings other harpists use. For now I would also buy or make a cover with a natural, breathable fiber. Synthetic fibers hold moisture in. You should keep a cover on the harp when not playing if you do not have climate control.

[balfour-knight]

L, the only carbon fiber harps I know about are made by Heartland Harps, here in North Carolina. While I do not care for the tone of them, Dave does make them out of rust-proof materials. If he made your harp, you should check with him to find out why the strings are rusting. Then, if you restring, in about a year as Gretchen suggested, use tarnish-resistant strings.

Best wishes,
Balfour

[L]

Thanks so much for the tips about the cover
I will look into some breathable fabrics!

[L]

I definitely think I will restring in a year as Gretchen suggested.
Thank you for the replies Balfour!

[balfour-knight]

Best wishes to you, and in your restringing next year!
Balfour

[Author]

Posts