| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
El Barto
= Song DB Master =
USA
4020 Posts |
 Posted - 02/20/2005 : 19:46:40
|
Any guitar techs out there who can give advice or reasoning as to why my new acoustic is constantly breaking new strings? Most specifically the G and B strings which always break at the bridge. I have a Takamine ESF-48C and I use D'Addario EJ16's (same as FB!) and play with Fender Heavy picks. I have another lousy acoustic with a fucked up nut with old-as-hell strings and no matter how hard I play, they will not break.
I guess I just wasn't made for these times. |
|
|
frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2005 : 04:15:55
|
the only thing I can think of is maybe there are some sharp edges on the guitar (nice it is too), especially around the bridge
don't know if this helps el barto as you've probably checked it out already |
 |
|
|
frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
|
|
Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2005 : 05:37:44
|
My band does a jam on Nadine in Spanish and I usually end the song with three strings broken at the neck so I'd be interested in any advice too.
--
"Here love," brakes on a high squeak, "itīs not backstage at the old Windmill or something, you know." |
|
|
|
frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2005 : 09:40:45
|
quote from a source:
Guitar strings may break for one of the following reasons:
1. The foremost reason is that the string is simply over-tensioned. A string is made to be tuned to a certain pitch and it can be tightened only slightly higher. If you keep tightening a string too much, it'll break at some point.
2. The type of strings you use may not be the best choice for your guitar and setup. Try different brands, different sets of tensions, etc. The super-light strings are easy to break if you use a lot of bending.
3. As a string gets older, the chance of breaking increases. The string simply loses its strength and is more vulnerable to tension or any force added to it.
4. Strings get broken more frequently among the players who strum extremely hard! Strings can also be more easily broken by a strong attack or heavy picking. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't sacrifice your style or change the way you strum, though.
What can you do? First, replace strings before they get too old. If you strum very hard, you may want to consider using heavy-gauge strings instead of light ones.
Does Frank use a heavy pick? |
|
|
|
Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2005 : 09:46:14
|
Sounds like it.
--
"Here love," brakes on a high squeak, "itīs not backstage at the old Windmill or something, you know." |
|
|
|
ivandivel
= Cult of Ray =
394 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2005 : 14:25:38
|
| I'm a heavy picker (strummer?), but when i started doing gigs the extra tension was just enough to constantly break strings (i have a tendency to break the a-string). I had to buy back-up guitars and play with ultra-thin picks, and ended up with broken picks and bleeding fingers. I'm trying to adapt a new strumming style now, but it's hard since i've been playing this way for many, many years. |
|
|
|
frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 04:57:24
|
i just find no give in heavy picks. I use a jaguar with original saddles, so the strings are constantly slipping.
i use fender thin picks for my acoustic and just plug it in if i wanna be louder.
my own personal taste, i don't use heavy picks for acoustic. the strings and bridge takes a right hammering.
how's it going El barto?
found a cure? |
|
|
|
Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 05:44:22
|
I like the 3.5mm gypsyjazz picks by this fellow at www.wegenpicks.com, handcrafted in Holland. They're expensive but sooooooo worth it, those little babies just slide off the strings.
--
"Here love," brakes on a high squeak, "itīs not backstage at the old Windmill or something, you know." |
|
|
|
clamhammer
- FB Fan -
Canada
1 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2005 : 07:45:52
|
I use Heavy pics and slam the shit out of my guitar and I almost never break strings on my current guitar. My old acoustic however use to break strings all the time. Whoever said sharp edges is bang on. There was a spur I guess you'd call it on my bridge and it is what was causing it. I used a thin nail file and it cured the problem.
First Post. Hello all.
_______________________________________________________
Hide nothing and fools will search everywhere. |
Edited by - clamhammer on 08/23/2005 07:47:14 |
|
|
|
Scarla O
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
947 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2005 : 08:11:44
|
Good afternoon clamhammer :)
---------------------------------------
the tips turn down oh my vicious thumbs... |
|
|
|
Kirk
= Cult of Ray =
USA
633 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2005 : 09:31:18
|
My guitar strings tend to break a lot becuase I'm always experimenting with alternate tunings.
Loosen, tighten loosen, tighten... it's not too friendly with strings. |
|
|
|
Ziggy
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
2463 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2005 : 03:24:17
|
| I use Dean Markley bronze 12s on my acoustic, and usually play with one of those orange Dunlop picks. Tempted to try out a few other string types as described above though. |
Edited by - Ziggy on 08/24/2005 10:51:21 |
|
|
|
hammerhands
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1594 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2005 : 11:39:56
|
quote:
A string is made to be tuned to a certain pitch
If you buy a single string they sell it by its thickness. |
|
|
|
Kirk
= Cult of Ray =
USA
633 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2005 : 21:26:39
|
| I figure, if you shred at the guitar, you shred your strings. |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Acoustic string breakage
