Breaking Contrabass Strings

tuttletune · #1 11-07-2010, 11:01 AM

I've had my bridge raised recently. The E string is at about 1/2 inch, the G at 5/16. I play arco and pizz (sometimes slap). About a month ago I bought a new set of Pirastro Flexocor, the last set was on for at least a year. And I've broken 2 of the strings! The A and D. One at the bridge and the other at the nut.
Are the strings too delicate? Is there something my luthier did wrong? Or is this just normal with slap and high tension?

Thanks.

kurt · #2 11-07-2010, 11:51 AM

It's not normal with slap and high tension. I slap a lot, I've broken about 4 strings over 10-12 years with all kinds of different strings. I used medium gauge helicores on my eminence bass for 4 years with the strings on and off all the time and never broke one. I've never used flexocores but as far as I know they don't have a reputation for being weak. I suspect there's a problem with the setup. If there's sharp edges on the bridge they could cause a string break. How long have you been slapping?

tuttletune · #3 11-07-2010, 12:15 PM

I've been slapping for a few years now, and I'm not a maniac about it. But I don't think my technique has drastically changed in the past month. If the problem is my technique, what might the signs be?
And if it's the set up, why did one string break at the nut and one at the bridge?

kurt · #4 11-07-2010, 01:45 PM

Hmmm. If you've been slapping for a few years and didn't have any problems it's probably not that. I think a lot of beginning slappers pull the string too hard rather than using speed to snap the string. were you using flexocores before? If you had thinner gauge strings on before and your luthier didn't file out the bridge/nut slots it could pinch the string and cause a break. Yeah I'm not sure about the bridge versus nut thing. Did your luthier make any adjustments to the nut and bridge? I suppose it could be faulty strings but it seems weird that there would be 2 in one set. Sounds like your action , while on the high side, isn't extremely high. Maybe someone who's used flexocores more could chime in?

tuttletune · #5 11-08-2010, 08:48 AM

I was using the same type of strings before. And they were on for over a year without a problem. I guess that it looks like I should talk to my luthier again.

Thanks.

davpal · #6 11-18-2010, 10:27 AM

Maybe the grooves in the nut & bridge need more lube such as graphite.... also a change of string gauge might cause the string to bind in the groove too. Not likely if you've used the identical strings before.