1st strings that broke in more then 30 yrs. DR strings

darkstorm · #1 04-22-2011, 01:06 PM

DR neon strings on the bass. The D string popped at the nut while playing. Core broke, outer wrap a elongated slinky now. Checked nut as best could for any burrs etc etc. No sign of any. Seems perfect smooth on close exam. Maybe possible the force of string pop knocked out what rough edge on nut? Kinda stumped. The strings had been loosened and retuned and moved off the nut a few times since Ive had the bass. Due to truss rod tweaking, & shim install for better action. Which I know can sometimes weaken a string at critical points like nut and bridge saddle. For now I'll put it down to that as probable cause. Since normally I dont take strings off and on over and over.

Ive had dr neon bass strings on two other basses for near 6 months with no breakage so no pattern of weak cores that Ive noticed. Maybe was the evil goblins trying to make me think I should get a 2nd bass for backup again? Lol.

Anything besides several times loosening string and removing from nut slot) or no longer there nut burr that could have cause the core to break at nut? I dont do any heavy string bending, pick 100% of the time, Bassically light touch for fretting and light to medium pick force. Light string bends, taps, light to moderate hammer ons, etc for fretting hand stuff.

Btw the string sets been on the bass since Jan 7th so around 3 and half months.

pasta4lnch · #2 04-22-2011, 01:08 PM

fwiw the only string I've broken in ages was on a guitar and it was a DR coated string . . . the regular DR's on my J V are solid. been on there for a long time . . .

alexofc69 · #3 04-22-2011, 01:21 PM

I use regular DRs and they are the best strings I have used in 27 years of playing. Now their coated strings are not my favorite. I use black beauties on my Darth Vader Squire deluxe active jazz V. The first set i got had a dead B string. Emailed DR and they sent a new one free of charge. I wouldnt use again. Too plastic feeling and not a fan of the tone. Now I switched to Aurora coated strings and I REALLY like these. Definitely will use again.

mmbongo · #4 04-22-2011, 06:53 PM

Keep in mind that these strings are round core, and require a little bit of care before installing. You HAVE to crimp the string before cutting, otherwise what you describe happening can happen.

ehque · #5 04-22-2011, 07:15 PM

I only use DR, so the only strings I break are DR. Usually, it's the core of the B string that goes, after heavy usage over a year. However, I have also experienced a string breaking shortly after install due to wrap movement at the nut, but they replaced the string and I have never gotten another bad set.

mmbongo · #6 04-22-2011, 07:27 PM

I'd say if you get a year of heavy use out of them, you're way ahead of the game. I replace mine every 2 months or so. I had a bad B string on my last set of Black Beauties, snapped as soon as it got a little tension on it. DR made it right and FedEx'd a new one to me, so props to them. I like the Black Beauties, but I think Sunbeams are MY string.

ehque · #7 04-23-2011, 07:20 AM

To be fair, I only install strings once, and rarely need to tune them at all, so I think I put then under a lot less strain than the OP. I also have a relatively light attack.

darkstorm · #8 04-23-2011, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehque

To be fair, I only install strings once, and rarely need to tune them at all, so I think I put then under a lot less strain than the OP. I also have a relatively light attack.

Thats my norm, just on then left till next string change. Only reason strings got loosened a few times was getting setup to optimum for truss rod and neck shim. No reason future string changes would be other then on once and off once when changed next time to new set. I think your prob right though that the repeated on off weakened em at nut. I was in too much of a hurry to get the dr strings on rather then being smarter and getting shim done first with stock strings as strings used for getting it where needed.

david3821 · #9 04-23-2011, 04:38 PM

I've been have a lot of problems with my B strings breaking upon install...Been playing for nearly 20 yrs and have always loved DR's..Their customer service is great and always sent new B's with no questions asked but it is happening way too often for me! Just broke a B on a new set of sunbeams (i usually play hi-beams). Worst thing is that I was planning on using these to record tomorrow!!!! Don't think my next set will be DR!

mmbongo · #10 04-24-2011, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david3821

I've been have a lot of problems with my B strings breaking upon install...Been playing for nearly 20 yrs and have always loved DR's..Their customer service is great and always sent new B's with no questions asked but it is happening way too often for me! Just broke a B on a new set of sunbeams (i usually play hi-beams). Worst thing is that I was planning on using these to record tomorrow!!!! Don't think my next set will be DR!

CRIMP CRIMP CRIMP! Read the instructions, folks!

Crimp them, wind them slow, and don't use them on 'small post' tuners!

david3821 · #11 04-25-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

CRIMP CRIMP CRIMP! Read the instructions, folks!

Crimp them, wind them slow, and don't use them on 'small post' tuners!

I do all the above.....Just had some bad luck with DR's lately! Good thing they have amazing customer service

tjh · #12 04-25-2011, 06:59 PM

I will kudos DR customer service .. they have responded to me with no questions asked and always polite ... in fact I have a string to return to them they are so efficient they sent me an extra not needed ...

hyp.spec · #13 04-25-2011, 07:04 PM

I've been using DR Neon Green 5 string set for the past 4 months no problem!

Used Hi Beams and LoRiders too... never any problem.

dmusic148 · #14 04-25-2011, 07:05 PM

A burr can't cause the core to break, since the core cannot touch the burr.
Most likely it's a combination of loosening/tightening too many times, with a fairly steep break angle at the nut.
Or just a defective string. Happens.

Hopkins · #15 04-25-2011, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

CRIMP CRIMP CRIMP! Read the instructions, folks!

Crimp them, wind them slow, and don't use them on 'small post' tuners!

How exactly does crimping the string so the outer winding don't unfurl relate to the core wire breaking at the nut?

And I have used Hi beams with my 3/8ths string posts tuners with no problems at all.

I think that these guys probably just came across a bad set of strings.

loinmute · #16 04-25-2011, 10:49 PM

I am wondering if op's issue was due to the D string having the most tension in the set? I am speaking from EB and D'adarrio tensions as I am not sure of the DR specs.

jordie65 · #17 04-25-2011, 10:54 PM

I used DR sets, sunbeams and black beauties for about 3 years with no problems, great strings!

TI Jazz flats, i managed to break 2 E strings and 1 A string on my fender jazz. loved the sound but obviously the design of the string didn't suit my playing, nor did the price with such frequent replacements! (yes i bought single strings but still adds up)

ramones365 · #18 05-01-2011, 12:33 PM

forgive me if I'm wrong, but aren't you supposed to change strings every two months or so?

MuzikMan · #19 05-01-2011, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramones365

forgive me if I'm wrong, but aren't you supposed to change strings every two months or so?

You can for tone purposes but you aren't supposed to. Many player go years without changing strings becasue they like that old string sound.

darkstorm · #20 05-01-2011, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramones365

forgive me if I'm wrong, but aren't you supposed to change strings every two months or so?

Nope, change strings when they are starting to get dull sounding or just before. For me and my previous fave strings Rotosound swing66 thats about once every 3 and half to 4 months. The Dr neons, cept for the the set changed due to string break, seem to be going for good 6-7 months before Id be tempted to change them. Perhaps a little longer.