Constantly breaking strings.......

DulcetJones

I've been there, in my case it was the drummer in the band I was in.  He played LOUD, which caused everybody to turn up.  I eventually got a bigger amp(100 watt 4x10 Yamaha).  That solved it.  

simonbeckwith

Our drummer is a big hitter no doubt about that. 50w combo is more than loud enough to drown him out if needed though  

viz

Try the next gauge down (not up!!).

Your top string is an 11. I use custom lites, which are 9 11 16 26 36 46. So my 11 is tuned to B. You're tuning that 11 string up an additional 4th. Try 10s (or 9s). I haven't broken a string in years though I'm quite a light player anyway. 

simonbeckwith

I'll keep that in mind, cheers mate

guitars4you

simonbeckwith said:

Well after looking at my 2006 LP Studio the saddles are pretty worn, things have improved by wrapping around the tailpiece which reduces the break angle.

My Richie Kotzen tele is about a month old, I'm on my 3rd set of strings with that

I know many like the tailpiece down as far as it can go, but a tighter break angle, coupled with 'worn' saddles won't help with string breaking on the LP - Wrapping over the tailpiece will reduce the break angle and hopefully less breakage - Don't know how worn your saddles are - maybe  a pic will help but if to worn the replace accordingly

Doesn't help with the Tele though - should not be worn saddles on a guitar only 1 month old, but could still have  a rough 'slot at the contact point with the strings - Worth checking they are not breaking at the point of the bridge assembly where they come out of the base before the actual saddle

simonbeckwith

I reckon new saddles for the LP will help, I'll upload a pic of them next time one breaks.... 

I'll use the tip from @MattFGBI and use a broken string to run across the saddles of the tele. 

Fingers crossed! Cheers all! 

Hoof

As far as doing anything to improve your right hand technique, if you suspect that may be at fault, try actually using stiffer picks. I know it may sound counter-intuitive but I used to break quite a few strings playing a 11-54 set tuned to C standard with .73 tortex plectrums. Now I use Big Stubby 2mm Nylon picks I can't remember the last time I broke one. 

A stiffer, sharper pick will force you to play in a more precise manner. It'll feel weird at first but stick with it and you'll improve as a player and break less strings. I think a floppy pick just leads to a clumsier paying technique.

simonbeckwith

I've never been a fan of thinner picks,.88 is my limit. 

Adji

Hi man, I pick fairly heavy too and use a 3mm pick so lots of weight going into it. I rarely break strings and I'm using 9 - 46. As others have suggested if its always breaking in the same spot sound like there may be a burr or something on the saddles?
Could also try a drop of lubricant on the saddles too. Most people lube their nuts (ooh err) but forget about the saddles which is another real friction point.

simonbeckwith

Nice one @Adji I use pencil lead/graphite at the nut, I assume the same is fine for the saddles? Maybe I'll be better off with 10's, I shall investigate! 

mesatele

I have a similar problem. I keep breaking the E string on my favourite tele. Not in obvious places - not near the nut or the bridge, just half way down the neck and not where I am playing. The frets seem fine, no sharp edges or anything.

I bought a set of Paradigms but they are so expensive I'll need a special occasion to break open the packet.

simonbeckwith

Good to know I'm not alone! I daren't look at how expensive they are tbh, I try to buy string in bulk packs of ten to keep the cost down, £40 ish or thereabouts

Adji

simonbeckwith said:

Nice one @Adji I use pencil lead/graphite at the nut, I assume the same is fine for the saddles? Maybe I'll be better off with 10's, I shall investigate! 

Yeah man. Obviously it is my job to suggest our Lubrikit, but any lubricant is fine.

If you find there is nothing wrong with the saddles etc and you really do just keep hitting the strings 'too' hard (though I've certainly never come across it) maybe try our NYXL which are even more break resistant / tougher.

simonbeckwith

I've tried the NYXL and they break just as quickly as the standard Daddario strings.... I don't think it's a string issue per session, but either technique or a burr on the saddles, or both! 

Sassafras

Maybe try to keep your temper in check. Anger management classes can help.

mike_l

@simonbeckwith ; even a heavy handed fucker like me doesn't break strings, and you've seen how I hit strings. You need to lighten up.
My picking and fretting got much lighter by doing nothing but alternate picking exercises for a few weeks. Got to be worth a try.....

simonbeckwith

I'm 80% certain it's me, and then 20% on the saddles at the mo 

MattFGBI

Can you post a video of you playing? 

ICBM

MattFGBI said:

Can you post a video of you playing? 

https://68.media.tumblr.com/a77a700859d0f46004cfc2a30999608e/tumblr_n4ns9wz93W1qgqdyxo1_500.gif

simonbeckwith

ICBM said:

MattFGBI said:

Can you post a video of you playing? 

https://68.media.tumblr.com/a77a700859d0f46004cfc2a30999608e/tumblr_n4ns9wz93W1qgqdyxo1_500.gif

Pretty much!