Black fingers from strings
- Thread starter jermlilly
- Start date
haole
Well-known member
I've never heard of that before from any strings, whether black, red, gold, or any other color. 
If they're the strings that came with your uke, chances are they're cheap and not very good. Swap them out for any reputable brand (Aquila, Worth, D'Addario, Ko'olau, Kala, Hilo, etc) and you shouldn't have that problem anymore.
If they're the strings that came with your uke, chances are they're cheap and not very good. Swap them out for any reputable brand (Aquila, Worth, D'Addario, Ko'olau, Kala, Hilo, etc) and you shouldn't have that problem anymore.
dnewton2
Well-known member
I have never heard this one before.
It might be cheap strings. I will assume it is the stock strings that came with it. It may be that the fret board has something on it, dirt or something. Try taking a papertowel, tissue or TP and rub it up and down the strings to see if the strings turn black. then try rubbing it on the fretboard. if you can isolate the problem it will be easier to fix. Probably something needs cleaned though.
It might be cheap strings. I will assume it is the stock strings that came with it. It may be that the fret board has something on it, dirt or something. Try taking a papertowel, tissue or TP and rub it up and down the strings to see if the strings turn black. then try rubbing it on the fretboard. if you can isolate the problem it will be easier to fix. Probably something needs cleaned though.
Last edited:
cpatch
Well-known member
It's either dirt, as others have suggested, or someone used marker to change clear or white strings to black because they liked the looks.
Renaissance-Man
Well-known member
I known about this. Your finger tips turn black because one of your strings is unplated, aluminum wound. The black is aluminum oxide. It's not necessarily cheap.
Lanark
Well-known member
Could also be the fret board. (If the blackness isn't in neat little lines that could only be attributed to strings.)
russ_buss
Well-known member
this has happened to me before when i had that one wound C string. sounds like that might be the case with the OP as well.
cpatch
Well-known member
And all these years I thought that high school chemistry was a waste of time. I should have paid more attention.
Ukuleleblues
Well-known member
It's the sign of the Devil.....seriously, sometimes espcially if you have a ebony fretboard, they will dye the wood to make it more uniform. Very common.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Finishi...ints,_and_stains/Black_Fingerboard_Stain.html
That black could also be dye from your fretboard...or the aluminum string as stated.
jermlilly
Well-known member
The C string is wrapped but why would that cause my fingers to turn black? Its my strumming hand that turns black so i dont think its the fretboard. It happenes the most when i pick the instrument rather than strumm. So now if thats the case how can i fix it?
cpatch
Well-known member
Change the strings.
hoosierhiver
Well-known member
When I set up a uke,I wipe the fret board down with an orange oil,sometimes it gets very black from what I presumed was maybe dyed wood dust or maybe it is just the dye from the wood.
Lanark
Well-known member
jermlilly
Well-known member
Thats a great idea. Wash my hands before they get dirty. Huh, never thought about that. Some kinda logic yo got there my friend. But hey I'll take yours as well as some others suggestions,including my pal cpatch,and change the strings! Thanks to all! much appreciated!
Jimmy
Well-known member
Builds character.
cashew
Well-known member
Um.. I think he's referring to your strings being filthy... which would cause black hands.... Have you attempted to clean your strings?
seeso
Super Duper Moderator (Retired)
Welcome to the forums, jermlily.
I may be mistaken, but it sounds like you're being sarcastic to people who are trying to help you. If so, take this as a friendly reminder to be nice. If I'm mistaken, disregard this message.
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