Weird phenomenon with DR strings

sometypeofplay · #1 12-07-2008, 09:24 AM

I don't know if this is a problem that anyone else has, but I've got a 4 string jazz bass with a Hipshot Detuner on the E string. Drop it down to D, no lower, and back up to standard pitch. Any time I string it up with DR Hi-Beams 45-105's, after about 2 shows the E snaps on me. I also string up with Ernie Ball Slinky's 45-100's and never have the same problem. I play live a lot, and love the sound of DR's, but can't afford to replace strings that often. Does anyone have any suggestions?

dmusic148 · #2 12-07-2008, 09:30 AM

Where is the string breaking?

sometypeofplay · #3 12-07-2008, 09:34 AM

It's breaking at the bridge. I have what I would consider a medium set-up, so there are no extreme bends in the string. And the bass has a BadAss II on it.

lowendgenerator · #4 12-07-2008, 09:47 AM

That is interesting. I play pretty much the same setup, BAII, Hipshot, etc. I have yet to break a string. I'm willing to bet there's a burr or a sharp edge somewhere that's wearing away at the string. 9 times out of 10 thats the cause of strings snapping at the bridge.

brstma · #5 12-07-2008, 09:59 AM

I had one (E) snap at the bridge once just from playing. I just put a new set on and it had an insert with a warning about winding the string slowly and without twisting or the core may snap easier. I don't remember seeing one before but I probably never even read it

I think it's only the Hi Beams round core but I've been using the same set for years and this only happened once. I imagine using a Hipshot would increase the chances of snapping.

I was thinking of trying the Lo Beams next time

dmusic148 · #6 12-07-2008, 10:01 AM

OK. Is it the exposed wire by the ball that's breaking? If so you'll need to chamfer the back of the hole where the string goes through a bit. I just had a look at my BAII and the hole is quite small, and I can see that the exposed wire has actually dented the metal around the hole.

sometypeofplay · #7 12-07-2008, 10:11 AM

The wire around the ball is still intact, it breaks over the saddle. I would think that it was a burr, but I don't have string break issues with a lighter guage string made by a different company. This was also not isolated to one set of strings, Friday night (the most recent incident) was the 6th time in the course of the last couple of months that this has happened. I've heard about rubbing graphite on the nut, does this also work on the bridge?

lowendgenerator · #8 12-07-2008, 10:14 AM

No, I don't think rubbing graphite on a burr will fix the issue. Burrs aren't hard to get rid of, take some used string and rub it in the groove with some pressure, or steal your girlfriend's nail file and give it a light once over.

patzilla83 · #9 12-07-2008, 10:15 AM

is the BAII slotted?

dmusic148 · #10 12-07-2008, 10:22 AM

OK. It's simple. If it is breaking there, there is only one reason it can happen--the bend is too great. Some strings handle more bend than others. But E strings handle it worse than the other 3.
Have you verified that the intonation is correct? I ask because if you set the saddle way, way back it increases the amount of bend, possibly leading to this problem. If your bridge is properly installed, you should have about 1 1/4 inches space between the saddle and backplate.

sometypeofplay · #11 12-07-2008, 10:42 AM

The BA II is indeed slotted. There is no extreme bend over the saddle, the bass is set-up like a dream, and maintained often. It does have almost an 1 1/2" gap between the backplate and the saddle crest. My guitarist was John Michael Montgomery's tech for years and a wizard at set-up, repairs, anything that is needed, and he is dumbfounded by this problem. I do wonder if based on dmusic's comment that the lighter guage string, the less tension created by constant tuning/de-tuning/re-tuning and hence no breakage. Or if it is just the materials used in the string itself that doesn't lend itself to the abuse. (On a side note, I checked out your profile, and I would really like to see some pics of your basses) I'll try a little rubbing on the saddle and see if I can remove any burrs that might be there. Thanks guys. I love the resource that this place provides.

sunbeast · #12 12-11-2008, 07:23 PM

Hi-Beams are round-core strings vs. most roundwound strings which are hex-core (including Slinkys). This makes them a little more sensitive to twisting/wrapping/etc...I'd guess this is the difference- if the bend over the bridge is being pulled or twisted in a weird way when you detune/retune, it will pull on the outer string wrap in a way that might not happen with a hex-core string (as I'm assuming it is just the outer wrap thats breaking and not the core?). One thing to always make sure of when putting on new strings is to not wrap them over the tuning peg, but to use the tuner to bring them to tension- wrapping them leads to twisting of the string, which will be accentuated when loosening/tightening on a regular basis.

Just a possiblity!
Karl

birdxofxprey · #13 12-15-2008, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunbeast

I'm assuming it is just the outer wrap thats breaking and not the core?

- the OP hasn't said which part of the string is breaking, but it probably makes a difference is how the situation is assessed. so, what's breaking - the wrap or the core?

tbwilson · #14 12-15-2008, 09:48 PM

i dont buy DR string just for that reason. they seem to break easier then most. i think its got something to do with the handmade part

bass-shy · #15 12-16-2008, 08:46 PM

Really? I've never had any issues with any DR strings. They have proven to be the most consistent, long-lasting and great sounding strings I have ever used. Different strokes I suppose.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbwilson

i dont buy DR string just for that reason. they seem to break easier then most. i think its got something to do with the handmade part