Locking tuners/Broken strings

[JB_From_Hell]

I had a set of Sperzels on a Peavey Strat copy for close to 15 years. Took the strings on and off constantly for mods, no issues with breakage.

My PRS S2 has popped two Ds and two high Es, after maybe two or three times of tightening and loosening them. My first thought is a burr on the peg, but there’s about 2mm of string sticking out before the break.

Any ideas?

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

I have always had that problem with locking tuners. Whenever I loosen the strings, and then I retighten them, they break. It's been the same with PWs, Grovers, Gotohs. That's why I prefer non-locking Grovers and Gotohs on my guitars right now.

[NegativeEase]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

Hey JB, post a pic of the Post and Holes -I was thinking some metal burrs from when they were casted too, but nor sure if that's not it. What kind of strings?

Also, not surprised that you had no issue with Sperzells, they are still hand made in Cleveland by the same family who invented locking tuners, there quality is better on an average day. They're a mom and pop operation (the kids run it now) and they just didn't have the money to defend their patent internationally -so people like Reverend Guitars just stole their tuner design an had them made over seas and cancelled their OEM contract with Sperzells.

[ICTGoober]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

Probably a burr on the hole or the pin.

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

The first set was D’Addario XT 10-46. They broke the first time I tuned them back up after a pickup swap. The second set is regular SIT (Power Wound?) 11-50. They broke the second or third time I tuned them again.

I’ll get some pics. I’ve had plenty of strings break from slackening/tuning them too many times, but it seems odd they seem to be breaking beyond the post.

Also, the XTs were on for maybe 3 days before I swapped the pickups. The SITs were on for a little over a week.

[InbredJunk]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

I had that problem with some grover locking rotomatics. Just on the high e. Turns out, the way I strung it, and wound it up, at pitch, the string sat at the very edge of the string hole. A small burr, that I couldn't feel, was the culprit. A needle file fixed it just fine. Just soften the edges around the hole. Works like a charm

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[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

I’ll give that a shot. Like you described, it doesn’t feel like there are any burrs. I did leave a little slack in the two strings I replaced this time.

[Mincer]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

Never had a problem with Schallers, Sperzels or Gotoh locking tuners. I've seen people really twist super hard on the lock, and I'd believe that could cause it.

[ehdwuld]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

Never had a problem with Schallers, Sperzels or Gotoh locking tuners. I've seen people really twist super hard on the lock, and I'd believe that could cause it.

I could see that putting a flat spot on a plain string and creating a weak point

[Francois]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

I like the Sperzels and the Schecter.
I do not like so much the ones that need a coin to lock them (Grover).

[InbredJunk]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

I like the Sperzels and the Schecter.
I do not like so much the ones that need a coin to lock them (Grover).

Grover makes a set with the thumb wheel on the back as well. They are very nice tuners.

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[ehdwuld]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

I have some GOTOH and Grover top locking tuners
They work just fine

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

Probably a burr on the hole or the pin.

You need to read his post..."2mm of string sticking out before the break"!

NOT a bur in the hole.

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

It's hard to imagine the strings constantly breaking where you say they are breaking...2mm beyond the hole. At that point it is just a smooth straight pull on ANY tuner. Can't be a bur at the hole if it's breaking beyond the hole.

[Mincer]

Re: Locking tuners/Broken strings

Maybe it is the hole and the 2mm is just stretching? Beyond the lock point, there is no tension or force on that part of the string, right?