Breaking G's

[theroan]

I play a warwick thumb 5. Its relatively new(used but new to me). I do a lot of slap and pop, I've broken a couple of G's within a month. Is this normal cuz of all the slap or should I get it checked out?

[Jazzin']

Where do the Gs breeak? Bridge? If so, it is probably the bridge.

[theroan]

Ya they break at the bridge.

[bassybill]

Broken strings is usually down to wear at the bridge or nut because of a rough surface cutting into the string, or REALLY over-physical playing. If this isn't your first bass and you didn't have a problem before, you need to get the bridge sorted out (may well be a sharp edge on the G saddle or, less likely, where the string is anchored).

[MysticMichael]

If the problem isn't at the bridge or the nut, then you really need to lighten up your technique...

MM

[Figjam]

Sounds like a rough edge on the bridge

[ebe9]

I read the following trick somewhere. When stringing/re-stringing your bass take a clutch penicil and "draw" in a bit of the lead into the saddles of the bridge and at the nut.

This is because Graphite is a very "slippery" substance and allows for the string to move a bit move freely at the the bridge and nut.

[rusty66]

I had the same problem with my thumb 5 a few years back. An old bass tech showed me an easy fix & its been great ever since. Just take 6 inches of one of your old G-strings and rub it back & forth through the string saddle for about 20 seconds or so. This flattens any sharp edges down & the groove is the perfect fit for your g-string. Ive never had any probs with mine since I did this. Saves money on tech's too!!!
Rusty.

[theroan]

Thanks guys, this is all extremely helpful!