"Ask Bud!"
Question:
What can I do to reduce string breakage?
Answer:
All strings will break eventually since they are constantly stressed when you play. Here are 4 major causes of excessive string breakage #&40;in no particular order#&41;:
- Sometimes the string itself is weak or defective. Try a different brand and use the same gauges.
- Strings that break at the posts of the tuning machines usually break because there is a burr on the post or because you have not wound the string far enough away from the hole. Check the post for burrs and remove them with emery cloth or very fine sandpaper. Cut your strings an extra one inch or one and one-inch longer to move farther away from the post hole.
- Strings that break at the keyhead do so for several reasons:
For both of these two situations, check the roller and fix the problem. This should reduce your breakage problem.
- The rollers have a burr.
- The roller is "frozen' (doesn't move freely).
- The angle from the roller to the tuning machine post can contribute to string breakage. The steeper the angle, the higher the breakage rate. There is nothing you can do about this.
- Strings that break at the control bridge (pickup end) usually do so for the following reasons:
- The winding or wrap that accommodates the string ball is defective.
- Burrs or rough spots under the string on finger surface. Remove the burrs as described above in #2.
- Probably the most common cause of string breakage at the control bridge is: picking too hard. Work on " lightening up" your touch and let your electronics do the work for you.
These are some of the most frequent causes of string breakage. As you can see, a lot of string breakage can be reduced by properly maintaining your guitar and improving your "touch."
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