My E String keeps breaking.

Nexus1012 · #1 03-20-2010, 06:33 PM

I've been playing bass for almost a year now, and I recently bought a new bass because I though it was better than my old one.

But anyway when I put on my E I let it set and stretch. Then when I begin to tune it UP or DOWN to E or D it snaps. This has happened 4 different times. I dont think it is the strings they all have been Slinky Erine Ball. Last night I was able to put a thick A string, .085, on there I can tune it up and down to E and D. I asked a friend of mine and a couple of other bass players and they have all said they dont know what the problem could be. It breaks at the tuner. I dont turn the tuner fast, I turn it very slow. I trim them all right, measure it so the string goes around the Tuner 3 times. Anyone ever had this happen or know what is wrong with it?

countrybass007 · #2 03-20-2010, 06:53 PM

Check your nut, sounds like it might be holding the string so tight that as you tighten it the string isn't sliding through the nut. Double check the tuner to make sure it doesn't have a sharp spot that's cutting the string. If the bass is from a music store, take it back to them and tell them your problem. If it's a new instrument I would think this would be a warranty issue. In 45 years of playing I've never encountered this problem.

ack · #3 03-20-2010, 07:01 PM

Check to ensure that your E-string tuner post doesn't have a burr on it. If the point where the string is bent over the post before the first winding is very sharp, it could be cutting into the string at that point.

JLS · #4 03-21-2010, 10:20 AM

Are you winding the wound part of the string around the gear? That is to say, the thickest wound part, not the thinner part? If so, you're guaranteed string breaking.

gregwatts2008 · #5 03-21-2010, 10:44 AM

I have seen something like this before, but it was a tiny burr on the bridge saddle. Get a magnifying glass and take a look at the nut.

lunarpollen · #6 03-21-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregwatts2008

I have seen something like this before, but it was a tiny burr on the bridge saddle. Get a magnifying glass and take a look at the nut.

No, it's breaking at the tuner...