Do strings have a use by?

[jimi]

Just put a new set of strings on my LP. Pack of foil sealed GHS Boomers thats been sitting in my gig bag for maybe a year, and there's rust spots on a couple of the strings.

I dont change them very often, so usually have packs of strings sitting round for a while, but thought a sealed pack should last on the shelf for a while. If theres a use by on them Im gonna have to stop buying them in packs of sets, and start buying them fresh.

[Slowy]

GHS are packed in envelopes? If so, they have a shelf life . Brands like D'Addario that are sealed in long life packaging last a lot longer.

[GrantB]

Yes, strings form rust spots even when sealed. I have some RB's that are maybe two year sold, vacuum sealed...all the plains have rust spots.

[Danger Mouse]

Oh bugger, I'm about to give BG a guitar to do a set-up and the strings I'm supplying are maybe 5 years old? Sealed in plastic, but even so... may need new strings then.

[Vince]

Yes, strings form rust spots even when sealed. I have some RB's that are maybe two year sold, vacuum sealed...all the plains have rust spots.

So, if they're vacuum sealed, what causes the rust?

[jimi]

Each string was in an individual paper envelope, but the whole set was in a foil packet which I would assume would be water tight.

For additional annoyance, the old strings on it were playing perfectly, despite being on there almost 2 years. The new set have a bit of fret buzz, so I'm gonna have to get it set up again anyway.

[null_pointer]

yep unless vaccum sealed they'll oxidise eventually - enough moisture in the air for that to happen over time

[JHorner]

all strings are as fresh upon opening as they were the day they were made

If i ever open a pack of ernie balls and they come out rusty, they'll be hearing from my lawyer!

[jimi]

pretty annoying when you've bulk bought strings and know that odds are the next 4 packs in the bag are gonna have rust spots too. ~$40 down the drain.

[GrantB]

Yes, strings form rust spots even when sealed. I have some RB's that are maybe two year sold, vacuum sealed...all the plains have rust spots.

So, if they're vacuum sealed, what causes the rust?

Correction, not vacuum sealed. Just sealed. So I guess any moisture evident at time of packing, no matter how insignificant will have an effect

[Bg]

Oh bugger, I'm about to give BG a guitar to do a set-up and the strings I'm supplying are maybe 5 years old? Sealed in plastic, but even so... may need new strings then.

what gauge do you want? I have some here, maybe elixir and EB's...

[Bg]

oh and there's a musicplanet round the corner in greenlane

[Zaulkin]

Store them in an airtight container with some silica gel, and buy the sealed packs. Preferably in a dry cupboard too. They'll last a while. I buy the packs of 10 and haven't had any issues.

[Danger Mouse]

Oh bugger, I'm about to give BG a guitar to do a set-up and the strings I'm supplying are maybe 5 years old? Sealed in plastic, but even so... may need new strings then.

what gauge do you want? I have some here, maybe elixir and EB's...

12 - 54 I believe. We can open them when I drop the guitar off (D'addarios, so sealed in plastic), if there's any issues I'll get some more.

[Bg]

yeah, I won't have those hanging around haha.