Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze

steelvibe · #1 03-26-2019, 02:34 PM

I’m a fan of these especially on certain guitars and man do they sound great on my Journey OF660. But after about 43 min. of trying to nail a Tommy Emmanuel riff I realize I’m changing color!IMG_1874.jpg

Brucebubs · #2 03-26-2019, 02:43 PM

Looks like the carbon is falling out of your guitar.
Soon you'll have just the fibers left.

Only kidding, it's the exact same black you get when you polish aluminum.

EverettWilliams · #3 03-26-2019, 02:54 PM

Body chemistry is funny, those are my main strings and I’ve never had this issue. Or I’ve never played that hard.

steelvibe · #4 03-29-2019, 11:23 AM

Well sometimes strings will do this when fresh, although not as pronounced as this...at least that has been my experience. These continue to make my hands and fingers so black. Even my daughter noticed and commented on it.

It's a shame really because they really do sound great, even right out of the pack. However i don't want this oxidation on my Sunday best. Don't think i will be buying them again.

jaymarsch · #5 03-29-2019, 12:07 PM

There is a particular brand of 80/20 strings that I tried years ago - cannot even remember the name now. The only time that strings turned my fingers black. Skin chemistry and metal alloys - indeed can be a strange combo sometimes.

Best,
Jayne

volman · #6 03-29-2019, 12:34 PM

I tried a lot of different strings on the Doerr Solace sinker redwood guitar I just sold and landed on the aluminum bronze medium-lights. I really liked them and will putting a set on my PRS Angelus soon just to see how they work with it. I did get some of that black marking on my left fingertips the first time or two I would play after a re-string, after that it was fine. If you think they work well on your guitar, then give them some more time to see if they quit leaving marks on your hands. If they do it every time...move on.

ctvolfan · #7 03-29-2019, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelvibe

I’m a fan of these especially on certain guitars and man do they sound great on my Journey OF660. But after about 43 min. of trying to nail a Tommy Emmanuel riff I realize I’m changing color!Attachment 20806

I think that is from the aluminum in them. I have noticed the same. I don't care cause I am loving those strings! I've had them on a couple of my guitars for weeks now and they still look new. Except for the set on the one I keep in my case with a humidifier. They have turned darker.

brandall10 · #8 03-29-2019, 12:44 PM

Yep, had the same issue. Stop happening after a few days.

steelvibe · #9 03-31-2019, 11:22 AM

Okay, forgiveness is a virtue.

These strings sound so good I just had to give them another play and I’m so glad I did. I usually use Dr. Stringfellow on uncoated strings but I haven’t used Dr. Stringfellow on these ABs for a few plays now- only been wiping them down after playing. The black residue is present but not nearly to the extent it was. Apparently Aluminum Bronze does not like getting wet. So these strings will stay on, carrying on with just playing with clean hands and wiping down when done. The tone is still there in spades right now- they just rumble on the OF660 without being noisy or brash. LOVE them!

wrench68 · #10 03-31-2019, 12:28 PM

I get this from Ernie Ball AB's also, but it doesn't seem to keep them from sounding great for about eight months at a clip.

Oldguy64 · #11 03-31-2019, 12:36 PM

I love them in most of my guitars.
But especially on my OF660.
They aren’t as bright and shiny coming out of the package.
But they sure do sound good.

bluetweed · #12 04-01-2019, 04:27 AM

They might sound great but Aluminum absorbed thru the skin cannot be good for you. I'll stick to my Monels.

steelvibe · #13 04-01-2019, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluetweed

They might sound great but Aluminum absorbed thru the skin cannot be good for you. I'll stick to my Monels.

True, but i'm convinced that carrying about in life and the simple act of breathing is risky in and of itself

bluetweed · #14 04-01-2019, 08:55 AM

enjoy in good health and play well!

jpmist · #15 04-01-2019, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelvibe

Okay, forgiveness is a virtue.

These strings sound so good I just had to give them another play and I’m so glad I did. I usually use Dr. Stringfellow on uncoated strings but I haven’t used Dr. Stringfellow on these ABs for a few plays now- only been wiping them down after playing. The black residue is present but not nearly to the extent it was. Apparently Aluminum Bronze does not like getting wet. So these strings will stay on, carrying on with just playing with clean hands and wiping down when done. The tone is still there in spades right now- they just rumble on the OF660 without being noisy or brash. LOVE them!

Digging out my 40 year old Chemistry degree, I think you've hit on the right plan for your strings. The coating should help stop oxygen from corroding your strings which is what seems to end up on your hands.

I can only recall this happening to me once after my 322 was in it's case out of the rotation for a few weeks. I have dry hands, so it hasn't been an issue for me. But I'm a big fan of the EB's and pound the table often for hog tops. I'd have sold off my beloved 322 if it were for the Al Bronze strings.