Synthetic string breakage

[fdeck]

Question: Are synthetic strings (e.g. Obli's) any more likely to break than steel? I have been playing on Spiro's forever, and have never worried about carrying spares. Would this be advisable with synthetics?

[Marcus Johnson]

I've never broken an Obligato, but I didn't stay with them very long (like ten years) . Knock wood, I have Evahs on the bottoms now.

The only string I've ever broken was an Anima. I played out the gig without an E string... made me rethink my place in the universe. I've known folks that have broken Spiros... none of them are immune. That said, if you want bulletproof great sound, Spiros are the way to go.

It's probably always good to carry spares.

[AMJBASS]

I've broken Obligatos, and Dominants. Once a Spiro E, but it was on and off so many times that it was pretty beat up. I think that if you take good care of your strings, and leave them installed for the life of the string you shouldn't have too much of a problem. Spirocores(and Superflexibles) are the most durable that I have found...

[drurb]

I've had Doms spontaneously break even thought they were well cared for. Using Spiros now. I always carry spares, regardless of what's on the bass.

[tornadobass]

I've been using Sensicores on my BugBass EUB for about 6 months now without any breakage or wear.

Mainly, they need to be tuned up a tiny bit before each use and the bridge occasionally needs to be tilted back to the full upright position.

[eerbrev]

The only strings I've broken were Dominant Solos. I had a High A and a Low F# snap on me at the peg box. I'm a poor University student and needless to say, I was extremely unimpressed ( The High A was on the first day).

[Don Higdon]

Originally Posted by fdeck

Question: Are synthetic strings (e.g. Obli's) any more likely to break than steel?

Other things go wrong before they break, in my experience. The sound just goes to s--t.