Why do my strings die so fast?

[Insomnia_Junkie]

I have used everything from GHS to Slinkies, to Daddarios all the sets have snapped within the first 3 or 4 months or so (and that's playing every other day or so) could it be my bass that's affecting this? I doubt it's my playing style, although I play some metal every now and then, it's mostly smooth fingerstyle. I am trying some DR coated strings now to see how long these ones will last. I've heard of guys that have had the same set of strings for up to 6 month to a year and with their prices I'd like to keep mine as long as I can any ideas?

[fetfet]

what kind of bass do you own? I pummel my strings, but mine usually stay with me for around 4-5 months. It could be possible that your bass is putting unnessecary pressure on the strings.

[73jbass]

If you're breaking that many strings,you're either setting something up wrong,or you're playing way too heavy.I've played bass since 1981,and never broken a string.And I don't have a light touch. My guess is you technique needs tweaking.

[ehque]

If your strings are snapping at the bridge you might have a burr cutting prematurely into the string. See if there are any sharp edges on your bridge, and file them down if they contact the string.

[b to g is yummy]

where are your strings breaking? is it always at the same place?

[mikeboth]

If you can't solve the string-breaking problem by working on your bass or technique, checkout the strings from webstrings:
http://webstrings.com/electric_bass_strings_index.html
They're cheap and pretty decent; cheap enought to put on a new set every month.

[JustOpenYourMind]

Like everyone said, It could be two things:

1- You play way too hard.

I doubt this one since you said you play smoothly

2- If it's always the same string or strings that break at the brigde, it might have a burr that is denting the string on the saddles. I would check that and get it removed.

Unless the player is bashing at his strings, normally bass strings shouldn't break. In the years I've been playing, I've broken maybe two strings and it was from tuning them too high when I was inexperienced.

[JTE]

Do basic trouble-shooting. Is it the same string(s)? At the same place? That would help determine what's going on. Is the core breaking or is the wrap wire unravelling?

If the core is breaking, don't worry about burrs on the saddle. For the core to break from a burr, the burr would have to cut through all the layers of wrap wire to chew up the core wire. If it's the core snapping at the saddle, then look at the gauge of string you're using, the angle the string makes at the bridge, how hard you hit the strings and how close to the bridge you're hitting them.

If the wrap wires are coming off at the bridge, then check the saddle for burrs and snags.

If the strings are breaking at the tuning machines, then make sure you're putting them on correctly and that there aren't any burrs up there. If they're breaking where you pick/pluck, then investigate your technique.

And know that some people's style of playing is going to contribute to string breakage. If your technique is agressive and you like strings with thick single wire cores, you're going to be breaking strings.

jte

[Insomnia_Junkie]

Originally Posted by JTE

Do basic trouble-shooting. Is it the same string(s)? At the same place? That would help determine what's going on. Is the core breaking or is the wrap wire unravelling?

If the core is breaking, don't worry about burrs on the saddle. For the core to break from a burr, the burr would have to cut through all the layers of wrap wire to chew up the core wire. If it's the core snapping at the saddle, then look at the gauge of string you're using, the angle the string makes at the bridge, how hard you hit the strings and how close to the bridge you're hitting them.

If the wrap wires are coming off at the bridge, then check the saddle for burrs and snags.

If the strings are breaking at the tuning machines, then make sure you're putting them on correctly and that there aren't any burrs up there. If they're breaking where you pick/pluck, then investigate your technique.

And know that some people's style of playing is going to contribute to string breakage. If your technique is agressive and you like strings with thick single wire cores, you're going to be breaking strings.

jte

Well my Black Beauty's just broke last night It has to be my bass like most of your guys suggestions. I can't afford to play bass with strings breaking like this, I just bought these strings 2 months ago! I have even been babying them with nothing but smooth fingerstyle, plus the fact that they are coated and supposed to be long lasting has me convinced that it's my bass.

I have a Fender Jazz 24, and when my strings break they ALWAYS flop and unravel at the saddle:


In fact, now that I think about it, I'd say 95% of the time it's always the E string that breaks. Would a "burr" be the groove the string sits in on the actual saddle? If it is, it seems smooth with nothing to scrap or stress the string that I could find. Unless I am looking at the wrong spot. Could tension be the culprit here?

[ghiadub]

Try stringing the bass thru the back of the bridge instead of thru the body. At least on that E

[BenitoBassolini]

The break angle from the string through is probably putting unnecessary pressure on the strings. Your best bet is to try stringing through the bridge, at least on the culprit strings.

[doktorfeelgood]

Originally Posted by BenitoBassolini

The break angle from the string through is probably putting unnecessary pressure on the strings. Your best bet is to try stringing through the bridge, at least on the culprit strings.

Yeah I'd agree with this. If you're gonna be stringing-thru-body, you need a taperwound E string at least. Either that or just string thru the bridge. The break angle thru the body with a regular string is too great for that big ole' honkin' E string.There might be a way that you could still use those strings and string thru the body, but it would involve modifying the hole in the bridge plate where the string comes thru. And if you don't have experience with that kind of thing, you'd need to find a luthier that does. Otherwise, either string thru the bridge or use the taperwound. Check the Fender link. BTW, your pic was really good for diagnosing the problem. Peace )-(
http://www.fender.com/products//sear...tno=0738250006

[Insomnia_Junkie]

Okay thanks guys. If I start stringing the E through the bridge I mind as well do that for all the strings then. In terms of tone I'm not going to be sacrificing anything am I?

[Jazz Ad]

You may get a better tone or maybe it won't change anything. Hard to say.

[Ampeg SVT]

thats odd, I have never had that problem, actually I did snap a Elixer G string the same day as my friend snapped his on his Ibanez.

Also I know for a fact Fender does ship some String through Body basses with untapered sets.

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by ghiadub

Try stringing the bass thru the back of the bridge instead of thru the body. At least on that E

+1 - Agree

[John Wentzien]

Never broke a webstrings.com
Definately string it thru the bridge..that looks like a pretty harsh angle on the E string.

[Tommy Hagen]

Yes, it looks like it's the angle. String it through the bridge.

Tommy

[Insomnia_Junkie]

Got a set of hybrid Slinks and strung em all through the bridge, just need to do some fine adjustments to the action and intonation, I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks again =)