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So, I play hard. I break strings pretty often - it's not uncommon for me to change strings every two-three weeks.

Now lately, the breaks come more often. I've gone through one pack a week the past four weeks! It's not just the same string either...sometimes it's the low E, sometimes the A, and on less occasions its a D.I have no idea whats causing this. I'm using the same type and brand of strings. In fact, a pair of the same strings actually lasted me for almost two months during the summer. Granted, I played a little less then during the summer, but as a whole I played more during that time period than in a singular week.

Anybody have any guesses at what's going on?

what brand of strings and what guitar are you using

Are they always breaking at the same place?

Check for any burrs on the saddles or such...


Originally Posted by Tux789what brand of strings and what guitar are you usingD'Addario .0105 - .048

Schecter PT Elite guitar.
JeffB: Will do. Yes, all break at the same place - right at the saddles.

sounds like your saddles are a little sharp. you could take a small file to the spot where the string breaks over the saddle, smooth it out a little bit. That'd probably fix most the problems. Other than that, check out grapthech string saver saddles. Got em on a few of my guitars and I've never broken a sting on any of em.

I wouldn't do that- take a piece of broken string and run it through the saddles to round out the burrs.

Jake- String Saver Saddles. Best $30 in gear stuff you'll ever spend.

I just installed some GT saddles because of the same problem.

I noticed a dramatic increase in sustain and a very noticeable improvement in note definition.

The only thing is, they aren't as heavy sounding as steel saddles, but alot more defined.

Btw, I ordered mine from Matt (martinsixstringcustomes) here at this forum, and it was a pleasure doing business with him, so you might want to consider going through him, instead of the giants, GC, SA, etc etc.

1 for GT saddles - best investment I ever made


Originally Posted by The Golden BoyI wouldn't do that- take a piece of broken string and run it through the saddles to round out the burrs.

Jake- String Saver Saddles. Best $30 in gear stuff you'll ever spend. 1 on the graphite saddles. I have replaces these on nearly every guitar that I own and I have not broken a string on any guitar with graphite saddle since.

At one point, I started having the same problem as you, and had to do several things.

First, you're allowing yourself to become heavy handed and it's essentially a poor technique habit to fall into. You don't need to dig in that hard, and you should work on lightening your touch. You can still have a percussive attack without abusing the strings the way you are now.

Second, go ahead and buy a set of Graphtech stringsaver saddles, and make sure to order the right ones for a Schecter. You need to verify whether the bolt goes down the middle of the saddle piece, or if it's offset to one side, like American Std saddles. Make sure to verify that before you order.

To me, Heavy picks sound the best, but they also abuse the strings more. In order to fix your heavy handed technique, start using a medium pick at the same time. It'll force you to lighten up a bit.

Another thing to consider is that the heavier the gauge of string you use, the easier they break. 11's break easier than 10's because of the higher tension......although you're using a good gauge, 10.5's.

The main thing is to start lightening your touch.......I forced myself to do that, and coupled with Stringsavers, I don't snap strings anymore.


Originally Posted by GearjoneserAnother thing to consider is that the heavier the gauge of string you use, the easier they break. 11's break easier than 10's because of the higher tension......although you're using a good gauge, 10.5's.

I did not know that!

Good info

We've been over this, Jake... stop picking so hard!!!


Originally Posted by Gearjoneser
First, you're allowing yourself to become heavy handed and it's essentially a poor technique habit to fall into. You don't need to dig in that hard, and you should work on lightening your touch. You can still have a percussive attack without abusing the strings the way you are now.

I have to agree. The only time I've ever broken strings while playing was with an OFR, and they'd break at the saddle, and even then; it was only the high strings, and they were old.

People who break low E's, A's, and D's really just pick too goddamn hard for their own good. Not only does it keep your control of the isntrument to a bare minimum, it breaks strings often.

Not to totally disagree with picking hard, but Clapton earned the name 'Slowhand' because he dug in so hard he constantly broke strings ... which he would replace onstage while the crowd engaged in a quot;slow hand-clapping.quot;

Jimi and Page played pretty hard, as do other greats.

So it's up to you; if that's a part of your sound/style you may or may not want to change.


Originally Posted by Gearjoneser
Another thing to consider is that the heavier the gauge of string you use, the easier they break. 11's break easier than 10's because of the higher tension......although you're using a good gauge, 10.5's.

I don't know if I buy that. A properly adjusted neck and bridge should be able to compensate for set of 11's easily. A thicker string is inherently stronger by commen sense. I would look more closely at the saddles.
Another thing, I'm not saying that anybody here doesn't get good tone with string savers, but after using them for about a year I decided that I was missing something in my tone that I always had with a traditional nickel set of saddles. I felt I lost a little bit of the zing in my tone. But I do have to admit I broke fewer strings. Don't get me wrong I still broke some, but not as many. Now I have vintage replacement set of Fender saddles and I never break a string. But I do play 12's tuned down to Eb, maybe that has something to do with it. Even so, I would venture to say that there's more tension on my neck than a lot of guitars with 10's or 9's.

if you're worried about the tonal change, ferraglides seem to have the opposite effect - they brighten things up slightly, i think! worth a look, but i love mine to bits they turned a generally nice looking axe into my #1 sounder and player

tom

Buy the graphtec saddles. Then spend $10 a pack, and buy the Snake Oil Strings. You'll get at least 6 months use out of a pack, and they'll sound like new. Best strings on the market.


Originally Posted by Jeff_H

buy the Snake Oil Strings. .

I've heard alot of good things about these strings, where does one buy them?


Originally Posted by TrilogyI've heard alot of good things about these strings, where does one buy them? from : localhost/www.sobstrings.net/

Wow jeff, if I paid $10 for a set of strings that I liked for 6 months, that would be crazy...
I'm buyying about $30 worth of GHS's in 6 months right now, which doesn't seem bad to me.

Rock On!

Edit, they don't sell 'em around here, so would they be hard to get?