Forum: music.stackexchange.com
Tags: <electric-guitar><maintenance><strings>
Title: How can I stop my electric guitar strings from rusting so quickly?
Question: I suffer from hyperhyrdosis which means my hands sweat quite a lot. The problem is that because of this my electric guitar strings seem to rust quite quickly because of this. Is there anything I can do to stop my strings from rusting so easily? Perhaps a spray or solution I can wipe over even after or before use.

Answers:
sents: text: The one and
text: just about only suggestion I have is to use coated strings such as Elixirs.
text: I used to have 'em on my #1 and #2 acoustics, and I liked the feel of them.
text: I never had your problem, so don't know if that's an acceptable solution to you.
answer_details: author: music.stackexchange.com/users/195/Dave Jacoby
score: 19
sents: text: You can use for example GHS fast fret to clean the strings before and after playing.
text: This should do the trick...
text: Also wash your hands before playing.
text: As VarlogRant points out coated strings will be better as well.
answer_details: author: music.stackexchange.com/users/None/
score: 6
sents: text: Some alloys are more resistant to rust and corrosion as well.
text: Nickel strings are available and should be quite resistant.
answer_details: author: music.stackexchange.com/users/549/M. Werner
score: 5
sents: text: put on a new set of strings, and make it a habit to clean the strings after each use.
text: It'll keep dirt from building up and corroding the strings.
text: I recommend this: http://thestringcleaner.com
answer_details: author: music.stackexchange.com/users/755/aaron
score: 3
sents: text: I have the same problem you do.
text: If I forget to wipe down anything metal I've sweated on, it rusts/pits/etc.
text: I experimented with different brands of strings and found that of the uncoated strings, DAddario lasts the longest for me.
text: Also, Old School Aqua Velva after shave works great to clean up the strings after a session.
text: I sprinkle a little on a lint free cleaning rag and wipe down each string after each playing session.
text: I still have over half the bottle of Aqua Velva
text: left that I bought in roughly 1985.
text: Use it sparingly.
text: Hope this helps.
answer_details: author: music.stackexchange.com/users/570/JimR
score: 1
sents: text: Guitar strings are, to an extent, sacrificial.
text: As in, they're not expected to last too long.
text: When I was gigging often and regularly, they would get changed every other gig.
text: The tone of new strings has that 'twang' that older strings have lost.
text: Pro's change every gig, but they can afford it !
text: Washing your hands before and even during your play time will help,and keeping the strings dry is also good.
text: I used to play with a guy who would splash French chalk (baby powder to you and me) all over guitar , strings and hands (and us if we were in range!), to lubricate and keep his strings dry.
text: WD40 is a water repellant, good for spraying on strings after playing,
text: BUT - slip something under your strings, over the fretboard to stop it reaching the wood.
text: It may not be detrimental, but could be seen as mental.
text: Completely off the wall, you could try surgical gloves that are a good tight fit, for at least part of your practice time.
answer_details: author: music.stackexchange.com/users/2808/Tim
score: 1
sents: text: Someone I know carries Talcum Powder (I think this might be the same as baby powder?)
text: as part of his electric guitar "kit bag" and is very fastidious about using it to keep his hands dry.
text: So you might try that.
answer_details: author: music.stackexchange.com/users/15313/Mr. Boy
score: 1
sents: text: Does anyone use the "eyebrow" trick?
text: Basically just rub your fingertips against your eyebrows
text: , that oil adds a nice slippery feel as you slide across the (mostly e B G) strings.
text: Admittedly this doesn't prevent rust, but I thought it worth mentioning since it helps the strings feel "less rusty".
text: I've tried Finger-Ease lubricant, and there's no comparison.
text: I know it sounds dumb, but give it a shot you might be surprised.
answer_details: author: music.stackexchange.com/users/36001/brandonch33se
score: 0
sents: text: When I moved back in with my parents living near a lake after living in a third floor apartment in the city my guitar strings rusted stupidly quickly.
text: You have to remember that the humidity in your region is going to affect your strings.
text: Strings that I could go two months with no rust in my apartment would rust after two weeks living with my parents.
text: Sealed container, wiping your strings, buying coated strings, these usually work.
answer_details: author: music.stackexchange.com/users/40193/Matthew
score: 0

Summary of the answers:
Some people prefer coated strings and others find uncoated strings last longer. However, all agree that the strings must be cleaned regularly, preferably after every use. Washing hands before playing is another good tip. 
Coated strings may help with this issue. Talcum powder on the hands may reduce sweatiness. Make sure you wash your hands before playing and wipe the strings after playing. Products such as GHS Fast Fret are available to wipe strings, or even use cheap after shave.