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Post subject: Normal wear?
Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 11:58 am
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I've been learning on a Squier Affinity P-bass packaged with the Rumble 15 amp for about a year.

I've noticed that the strings have become discolored on the frequently used fret positions for C, F, and A. I thought it was dirt from my fingers, but the strings appear copper colored, almost like I have worn the chrome off the strings. Is this normal wear? Or is it a sign of low-quality strings that need to be replaced?

The frets are now scared from the strings, but still function properly. I think this is normal wear, but could it be that I am pressing down too hard?


-Paul


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Post subject: Re: Normal wear?
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 8:07 am
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The discoloration is probably rust. As far as fret wear, Affinity's aren't the highest quality bass. Nothing wrong with it, I own a Squier VM Jazz.

If the wearing is an issue for you, go to flat wound strings.

If not flats, I think new strings of any type will make you happy.


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Post subject: Re: Normal wear?
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 7:31 pm
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I think the standard Squier factory installed strings are nickel coated steel.

I must have worn off the nickel and now the steel is rusting.

Does this change the sound? Can this simply be ignored?

How do I know when is it time to change the strings?


-Paul


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Post subject: Re: Normal wear?
Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 9:47 am
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If your strings are rusting now, it's probably a good idea to change them.


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Post subject: Re: Normal wear?
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 11:01 pm
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Change the strings,a year old even left unused strings will dull out,you can take a scrubby sponge with the coarse green stuff on it to go over the frets and get off the tanish(green yucky stuff aka:the funk)then put some lemon oil on the rosewood to perty it up and re-hydrate the wood,let dry and restring.
RIGHT AS RAIN,learn some preventive maintainence it will serve you well and add longevity to the life of your bass.

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Post subject: Re: Normal wear?
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 4:45 am
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Ever try boiling strings? I haven't but some claim it's the way to go.


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Post subject: Re: Normal wear?
Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 3:10 am
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oxfan wrote:
Ever try boiling strings? I haven't but some claim it's the way to go.

I've also heard it only works once or twice and if you keep boiling the strings on a regular basis they will turn to scrap. It's supposed to dissolve and remove the dirt from the grooves of the roundwounds. Never tried it myself.


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Post subject: Re: Normal wear?
Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:57 am
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all here gave you good advice. Depending on the music you play, you might want to try stainless steel strings. If you lean towards heavier music, stainless is the way to go. Go for quality strings. I myself use DR strings - hi beams med .45 - .105. If you decide to go flats, I can't help you, since the only flats I've ever used is the Fender flats .50 - .110. Good luck!

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Post subject: Re: Normal wear?
Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 11:21 am
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No need to make it any more complicated than necessary. Screw boiling. Just get new strings.
BTW unless the tarnish (if indeed that's what it is) is really severe, it's not a problem.
Again, just get new strngs.

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