Acoustic Guitar Strings >:O

grass132456 · #1 10-11-2011, 05:18 PM

So I play the acoustic and it seems as if the guitar strings break more frequently than they should. I typically use phosphorus bronze light gauge strings.

The first set was when I got the guitar, a Yamaha, and their coated strings. After maybe 2 months, I broke the G string.

So the GC dude said that some D'Addarios because they are pretty decent, but after like a month or 2, and the G string broke again.

So now I am on my 3rd set, some Elixer nanowebs. I heard that the G strings of Elixers break the most for some reason that no one knows, but the 1st two sets, the G string of both broke. So I a hoping that these strings can last longer.

After these break, I am going to try some coated EXP's. If this frequent breakage? Should I get a heavier gauge? If I do get a heavier gauge, what is the difference in sound, tension, etc?

JTE · #2 10-11-2011, 07:14 PM

How often do you play it? How hard to you hit the strings? How much do you bend the G string? All those are factors on how long the string will last. I use D'Addario mediums (13) and bluegrass guages (light top/heavy bottoms) and keep them on for between three months and six months. I've used them since 1976 and never had breakage problems. I haven't broken a guitar string- either electric or acoustic- in about five years. But if you have an aggressive strummng/picking hand, if you bend strings a lot, and if you play it often they'll go a lot quicker.

Now then- where on the string do they break? If it's along the length at different frets, it's probably something you're doing with bends. If it's at the bridge saddle, then make sure the saddle is smooth and even, and that the string is properly anchored in by the pin.

John

grass132456 · #3 10-11-2011, 07:17 PM

How hard do I strum? Hmmm... Is there a measurable force? In my perspective from 1-10, 1 being like just barely making a sound and 10 breaking the strings with one strum, maybe a 6 or 7? I use a .6mm pick. As for bending, I don't bend strings.

()smoke() · #4 10-11-2011, 07:25 PM

where along the length are the strings breaking?

grass132456 · #5 10-11-2011, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ()smoke()

where along the length are the strings breaking?

Both times right at the bridge.

**SoComSurfing** · #6 10-11-2011, 09:16 PM

A) If they're all breaking at the saddle, it sounds like you've got a burr.

B) Elixer went through a spell about 8-10 years ago where their Gs all had weak cores. It got to be such a problem that they were actually putting 2 strings in each pack for a while. They acknowledged a few months ago that the G problems are back and they're making efforts to fix it. In the mean time, it's a good excuse to try out something different if you want to experiment a bit.

JTE · #7 10-12-2011, 08:40 AM

OK, since they're breaking right at the saddle, I'd start with getting some 0000 steel wool, taking the saddle out of the guitar, and buffing the bridge to remove any small burrs on the saddle. If it has pits in it from the strings, look into getting a higher quality more dense saddle cut correctly for the guitar.

John