Hey! I started with a Stella with Black Diamond strings too!
i remember my fingers getting black stains on them from the
strings way back when...i am glad to know i am in good company-
i guess it is a good way to get started..if you don't get
injured or discouraged, you might continue on to make great
music!@@
and i still do occasionally re-pair and re-string with strings
that i have re-tied to the ball end. i don't cut them off at the top
like i used to cuz then there is enough left to move down if
they break at the saddle, which mine tend to do...guess there is
a burr under my caddle somewhere!!
reduce, reuse, recycle...
now my chosen brand of guitar and strings is martin....
let the music continue!!