Repeated String Breakage

[mystogan468]

I have a Fender American Standard Strat 2012 that has a maple neck and it breaks e string very often. It broke 1 stock e, 2 Elixir 10-46 Nanoweb e's, 1 Elixir b, and 1 Fender Bullets e in 4 months. I'm kind of frustrated because it's a pain in the ass to buy new sets of string just to replace one broken string. The strings break on the bridge saddle. I have checked the bridge saddle for any sharp spots but I found nothing, everything is smooth. I would be very pleased to hear your suggestions

 

[El Supremo]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

Could be the climate (moist and hot I take it?), could be that your sweat is especially corrosive, could be that you just need a thicker gauge of strings.
Just try a couple of different brands of strings first. Daddario usually lasts me pretty long.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

You definitely DON'T need thicker gauge strings. You've already broken at least two #10s. That should never happen in a properly setup guitar. Also extreme climates and very corrosive sweat will not cause so many of the same strings ("E") to break at the same place in such a short period of time.

It's mostly the "E" string that is breaking. Whether you have noticed it or not, there IS a bur (sharp edge) on that saddle (and probably the "B" saddle as well). File it with a small, fine rat tail file. Then use fine sandpaper (300-1000 grit) to smooth and polish.

Also, you don't need to buy full sets to replace one string. You can buy individual strings of just about any size you can think of.

 

[mystogan468]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

Thanks for the advice, I'll try looking for burs in the saddle. Well, the problem is, they don't sell individual strings here, you need to buy a new set of strings. Sucks huh?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

Well, it looks like you are online, and there are online sources for single strings.

http://store.ernieball.com/p/010-electric-acoustic-6-pack?pp=8

I concur with the burr comment. I broke Gs way too often on my Epiphone Les Paul, and filing the saddle fixed the issue.

 

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

They ARE breaking at the bridge I take it, right? That's why you were looking at the saddles in the first place? That has to be it. If it keeps happening no matter what you try, there are replacement saddles that are specifically designed to reduce string breakage from a number of aftermarket hardware places. Worst case scenario you can give them a shot.
http://www.graphtech.com/products/product-categories/electric-saddles

 

[Archer250]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

I used to have strings breaking at the tuners. I couldn't find the supposed burs, yet it HAS to be there, why else would the strings break? After I replaced them, I took the old tuners for inspection and lo and behold! the bur was indeed there and was so small one could scarcely notice it.

Keep finding the sharp edges, or replace the bridge entirely and report your luck.

Oh, and how do you have your bridge set up? If you give us a picture, we might be able to tell if the break angle is contributing to the string breakage.

 

[hamerfan]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

Hi, i was always short on e strings. One day i discovered that i dont like the sound of new plain strings. Now i change the wound strings only and keep the plain strings for breakages.
BTW some string companys deliver 2 e and 2 b strings in their set. Unfortunatly i can't remember which one.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

Try using a small dab of Big Bend's Nut Sauce on the saddle where the string crosses. If you can't get the Big Bend's, you can try WD-40 or Tri Flow (apply with a Q-Tip), Carmex, Chapstick, white lithium grease, or plain ol' petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Even a TINY drop of 3-In-One or motor oil could work. You've got a burr there. The lube will help, but you need to file it, sand it, or replace that saddle.

Good luck!

Bill

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

Sometimes, it's not the guitar at all. Every player attacks the strings differently, and when your pick attack, pick, action, and string gauge aren't all calibrated to work together, you'll end up with broken strings, string warble, pick click, sharp notes, and all sorts of issues.

You may need to examine your playing technique, and decide what the best action, string gauge, and pick thickness you should be using.

If it continues to be a problem, I'd suggest Graphtech String Saver Saddles in black graphite or white Tusq. After installing those, you won't break any more strings.

 

[HALENisking]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

I think everything GuitarDoc said is spot on and should be all you need to fix the problem.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Repeated String Breakage

You don't have to buy a whole set to replace one. Just buy single strings.

Your technique is causing the breakage, and/or you have something abrading the string. The latter can be easily fixed with basic household tools and materials.