Degradation of Metal Guitar Strings: Corrosion-Induced Mechanical Damage and Electrochemical Analysis Under Accelerated Conditions

Metal guitar strings are essential components whose acoustic performance and durability are compromised by surface degradation, mainly corrosion. This phenomenon directly affects their mechanical properties, limiting their useful life. This study investigated the corrosion behavior and associated mechanical degradation of commercial acoustic guitar strings under accelerated saline exposure. Electrochemical testing, accelerated ageing and frequency sweep testing were combined to assess the evolution of corrosion resistance and apparent dynamic stiffness. The results demonstrate a progressive and substantial loss of stiffness and corrosion resistance in the exposed guitar strings. This study contributes to the understanding and prediction of corrosion-induced degradation in metallic acoustic components.