I Keep Breaking My Strings

MadModBassist · #1 07-17-2009, 01:47 PM

I've been having some serious string-breaking issues. Every now and then I'll break different bass strings, and just about 20 min ago I broke my A string. This means I've broken my D string 3 times, my E once, and now my A once, and not the G.

The thing is, I always break them near the bridge. They seem to unwind themselves near the bridge. I'm using a mix of Ernie Ball and DR Hi-beams, gauges 105-45 I believe. Am I just plucking too hard? I have a Flea/Entwistle kinda thing going on and I play pretty hard, so my dad said I'm just breaking strings because of that. My guitar shop also said it's because I play so often and hard that this happens, but I'm not sure.

Because of this latest incident, I'm beginning to think this is true, as I checked for burrs last time I replaced a string. I pulled each string out and used an emery board to kind of sand down the grooves the strings go in, so I thought if it was a burr problem that'd get rid of it. But now, with another string broken, after the burr fixing (or maybe I didn't fix it?), I'm thinking I just need a heavier gauge, which sucks because I love using light gauges.

So, I guess I have three theorems. Which do you think it is?

1. Burrs still there.
2. Playing too hard/need heavier strings
3. This is normal after a month or so of heavy playing & I should just live with it.

SpamBot · #2 07-17-2009, 01:49 PM

Burrs still there. I would recommend just buying a new bridge.

electracoyote · #3 07-17-2009, 01:50 PM

If you're absolutely certain it is not a burr or string-break issue at the saddles, I would have to go with #2. Still, that is remarkable. 45-105, not the lightest gauge out there. I would take my bass to a qualified tech for advice. Let him look at the instrument and watch you play. A good tech can tell you what's wrong.

Bloodhammer · #4 07-17-2009, 02:10 PM

It's the Ernie Balls. Those break like crazy on any instrument. I don't know about DR's - never used 'em before...

I'm currently using Knuckleheads and I could probably shoot an arrow with my low B, but that's just me. What kind of bass are you playing?

LowBSix · #5 07-17-2009, 02:16 PM

It may be burrs and/or playing too hard.

Technique = tone....

I like to let headroom do a lot for me. I'd say your father has wisdom. Is he a musician?

Davecg2 · #6 07-17-2009, 02:19 PM

Its not the EBs... especially since you said your breaking DRs too. Like others have said take it to a good guitar tech to check the bridge. But honestly if you know for a fact that your attack is very aggressive tone it down a bit. I play aggressive stuff too and you dont have to have a heavy attack to get a heavy sound. Learn to play lighter and let your amp to the work, thats what its there for. If you play finger style, itll help big time when you start playing long gigs anyway. theres no way in hell i would be able to play a whole show playing as aggressively as i used to. now that i kick the amp up a bit and play light my fingers and forearms dont burn out on me. Your going to really struggle with dynamics when playing with a band too, you have to be able to adjust your attack on the fly to compliment the other instruments correctly. If your breaking strings that often and theres not a problem with the bridge, you definitely need to change your playing style not the gauge of the strings. Ive broken 1 bass string since ive been playing bass (only 2 yeas but still) and thats because i was learning to slap and pop and was popping way way way too hard.

josbroek · #7 07-17-2009, 02:20 PM

i use daddario rounds and i only broke one in 2 years, that was when i drove through the snow on my bycicle with my bass (who was freezing cold

)

dmusic148 · #8 07-17-2009, 02:21 PM

I'll bet you a dollar it's because the bridge saddles are too high, creating a too-sharp bend in the string. The 'unwinding' you speak of happens when the core wire breaks, not the outer wraps.. My guess is there is a shim in the neck pocket you need to remove. This will raise the action a bunch. Then lower the saddles till the action's back where you like it. Betcha.

LowBSix · #9 07-17-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davecg2

Its not the EBs... especially since you said your breaking DRs too. Like others have said take it to a good guitar tech to check the bridge. But honestly if you know for a fact that your attack is very aggressive tone it down a bit. I play aggressive stuff too and you dont have to have a heavy attack to get a heavy sound. Learn to play lighter and let your amp to the work, thats what its there for. If you play finger style, itll help big time when you start playing long gigs anyway. theres no way in hell i would be able to play a whole show playing as aggressively as i used to. now that i kick the amp up a bit and play light my fingers and forearms dont burn out on me. Your going to really struggle with dynamics when playing with a band too, you have to be able to adjust your attack on the fly to compliment the other instruments correctly. If your breaking strings that often and theres not a problem with the bridge, you definitely need to change your playing style not the gauge of the strings. Ive broken 1 bass string since ive been playing bass (only 2 yeas but still) and thats because i was learning to slap and pop and was popping way way way too hard.

+1 last broken string on a gig for me; 1981
last broken string; 2007 while putting 'C' string on a 6er while talking to someone....

Greevus · #10 07-17-2009, 02:44 PM

I'm an aggressive pick player and I still break strings. It's usually after a while of beating them though. It could be your bridge, your technique, or either one. I doubt it's the strings. I've never noticed a weaker brand in over 20 years. I agree with the posters above about working on your right hand technique. You can't learn to play too smoothly or cleanly. I would recommend seeing how lightly you can get away with the note and practice that way for a while. It can level out your attack. I also have carpal tunnel, so learning to lighten up a bit in my attack and gripping of the pick have helped a lot. I love the sound of banging a chord though. Doubt that will ever change

LowBSix · #11 07-17-2009, 02:54 PM

I went to The Dick Grove School of Music in Studio City in 1986.
Joel DiBartolo (Tonight Show band at that time) was the "Dean of Bass"... He's now teaching at a University in Arizona...

He had us practicing with no bottom, highs cranked and playing as light as possible without making any squeaks, clicks or clacks... By the team you go back to normal tone it's a beautiful thing....

Joel always professed smooth and clean, wide dynamic range, take care of hand position so you can play to the grave!

Remember: Spanking and slamming vs. articulation, tone and dynamics....

Davecg2 · #12 07-17-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowBSix

I went to The Dick Grove School of Music in Studio City in 1986.
Joel DiBartolo (Tonight Show band at that time) was the "Dean of Bass"... He's now teaching at a University in Arizona...

He had us practicing with no bottom, highs cranked and playing as light as possible without making any squeaks, clicks or clacks... By the team you go back to normal tone it's a beautiful thing....

Joel always professed smooth and clean, wide dynamic range, take care of hand position so you can play to the grave!

Remember: Spanking and slamming vs. articulation, tone and dynamics....

good advice, i make sure i never play with a compressor because i read somewhere that paul mccartney said it can turn into a crutch, i might have to start practicing with the lows turned down now too.

electracoyote · #13 07-17-2009, 04:27 PM

I know pictures are not the best diagnostic tool, but if you can post a couple of side angle shots of your bridge so we can see how the strings break over the saddles, it might help.

MatticusMania · #14 07-17-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bloodhammer

It's the Ernie Balls. Those break like crazy on any instrument. I don't know about DR's - never used 'em before...

I'm currently using Knuckleheads and I could probably shoot an arrow with my low B, but that's just me. What kind of bass are you playing?

Dude, Ive used Ernie Ball Super Slinkies (light gauge 40-100) ever since I bought my 2nd pack of strings 8 years ago and Ive only ever broken maybe 2 strings in all that time.

MatticusMania · #15 07-17-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

I'll bet you a dollar it's because the bridge saddles are too high, creating a too-sharp bend in the string. The 'unwinding' you speak of happens when the core wire breaks, not the outer wraps.. My guess is there is a shim in the neck pocket you need to remove. This will raise the action a bunch. Then lower the saddles till the action's back where you like it. Betcha.

I would say this is more likely the problem, and not the strings themselves. First string I ever broke happened just like this.

MadModBassist · #16 07-18-2009, 11:16 AM

Thanks for all the feedback guys!

@SpamBot: I was thinking of getting a new bridge, but last time I went to my guitar shop they said the bridge is fine at a glance, but just a glance.

@the people who said I should take it to a tech: I think that's just what I'll do, as my shop said they could do that for me and it'd only take a few days.

@LowBSix: My father is a pretty wise man. He started bass before I did, but couldn't stay dedicated, but does no a bit about music in general. He also watches a lot of Seinfeld :P

@dmusic: Huh, shams...I don't want Vince messin' with my bass :P I'll definitely bring those up when I go to the shop today.

And lastly for people that need a picture of the way the bridge and everything is set-up, here's a few. Can't tell for the life of me why my camera couldn't focus just this time:

electracoyote · #17 07-18-2009, 11:46 AM

Again, I want to emphasize that (blurry) pics are not the best diagnostic tool, but my gut reaction is, those strings are breaking pretty gently over the saddles. The A string looks a little magoo, but again, it's hard to tell from these pics.

Tech visit for sure. Make sure he takes the time and patience to watch you play for him, and go flat out like you do just before a string breaks.

G00D+~VIBES · #18 07-18-2009, 11:49 AM

Are you twisting the strings when you put them on the bass? This might cause alot of spiral tension/torque compromising the integrity of the strings as well. Just a thought.

Foamy · #19 07-18-2009, 11:52 AM

As a dad, let me say this....
Your dad is correct! Trust him on this!

electracoyote · #20 07-18-2009, 12:22 PM

Is that A string broken?