• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

1st strings that broke in more then 30 yrs. DR strings

D

darkstorm

Oct 13, 2009
7,321
85
www.myspace.com
#1
DR neon strings on the bass. The D string popped at the nut while playing. Core broke, outer wrap a elongated slinky now. Checked nut as best could for any burrs etc etc. No sign of any. Seems perfect smooth on close exam. Maybe possible the force of string pop knocked out what rough edge on nut? Kinda stumped. The strings had been loosened and retuned and moved off the nut a few times since Ive had the bass. Due to truss rod tweaking, & shim install for better action. Which I know can sometimes weaken a string at critical points like nut and bridge saddle. For now I'll put it down to that as probable cause. Since normally I dont take strings off and on over and over.

Ive had dr neon bass strings on two other basses for near 6 months with no breakage so no pattern of weak cores that Ive noticed. Maybe was the evil goblins trying to make me think I should get a 2nd bass for backup again? Lol.

Anything besides several times loosening string and removing from nut slot) or no longer there nut burr that could have cause the core to break at nut? I dont do any heavy string bending, pick 100% of the time, Bassically light touch for fretting and light to medium pick force. Light string bends, taps, light to moderate hammer ons, etc for fretting hand stuff.

Btw the string sets been on the bass since Jan 7th so around 3 and half months.
 
#3
I use regular DRs and they are the best strings I have used in 27 years of playing. Now their coated strings are not my favorite. I use black beauties on my Darth Vader Squire deluxe active jazz V. The first set i got had a dead B string. Emailed DR and they sent a new one free of charge. I wouldnt use again. Too plastic feeling and not a fan of the tone. Now I switched to Aurora coated strings and I REALLY like these. Definitely will use again.
 
#5
I only use DR, so the only strings I break are DR. Usually, it's the core of the B string that goes, after heavy usage over a year. However, I have also experienced a string breaking shortly after install due to wrap movement at the nut, but they replaced the string and I have never gotten another bad set.
 
#6
I'd say if you get a year of heavy use out of them, you're way ahead of the game. I replace mine every 2 months or so. I had a bad B string on my last set of Black Beauties, snapped as soon as it got a little tension on it. DR made it right and FedEx'd a new one to me, so props to them. I like the Black Beauties, but I think Sunbeams are MY string.
 
#8
ehque said:
To be fair, I only install strings once, and rarely need to tune them at all, so I think I put then under a lot less strain than the OP. I also have a relatively light attack.
Click to expand...

Thats my norm, just on then left till next string change. Only reason strings got loosened a few times was getting setup to optimum for truss rod and neck shim. No reason future string changes would be other then on once and off once when changed next time to new set. I think your prob right though that the repeated on off weakened em at nut. I was in too much of a hurry to get the dr strings on rather then being smarter and getting shim done first with stock strings as strings used for getting it where needed.
 
#9
I've been have a lot of problems with my B strings breaking upon install...Been playing for nearly 20 yrs and have always loved DR's..Their customer service is great and always sent new B's with no questions asked but it is happening way too often for me! Just broke a B on a new set of sunbeams (i usually play hi-beams). Worst thing is that I was planning on using these to record tomorrow!!!! Don't think my next set will be DR!
 
#10
david3821 said:
I've been have a lot of problems with my B strings breaking upon install...Been playing for nearly 20 yrs and have always loved DR's..Their customer service is great and always sent new B's with no questions asked but it is happening way too often for me! Just broke a B on a new set of sunbeams (i usually play hi-beams). Worst thing is that I was planning on using these to record tomorrow!!!! Don't think my next set will be DR!
Click to expand...

CRIMP CRIMP CRIMP! Read the instructions, folks!

Crimp them, wind them slow, and don't use them on 'small post' tuners!
 
#12
I will kudos DR customer service .. they have responded to me with no questions asked and always polite ... in fact I have a string to return to them they are so efficient they sent me an extra not needed ...
 
#15
mmbongo said:
CRIMP CRIMP CRIMP! Read the instructions, folks!

Crimp them, wind them slow, and don't use them on 'small post' tuners!
Click to expand...

How exactly does crimping the string so the outer winding don't unfurl relate to the core wire breaking at the nut?

And I have used Hi beams with my 3/8ths string posts tuners with no problems at all.

I think that these guys probably just came across a bad set of strings.
 
#17
I used DR sets, sunbeams and black beauties for about 3 years with no problems, great strings!

TI Jazz flats, i managed to break 2 E strings and 1 A string on my fender jazz. loved the sound but obviously the design of the string didn't suit my playing, nor did the price with such frequent replacements! (yes i bought single strings but still adds up)
 
#20
ramones365 said:
forgive me if I'm wrong, but aren't you supposed to change strings every two months or so?
Click to expand...

Nope, change strings when they are starting to get dull sounding or just before. For me and my previous fave strings Rotosound swing66 thats about once every 3 and half to 4 months. The Dr neons, cept for the the set changed due to string break, seem to be going for good 6-7 months before Id be tempted to change them. Perhaps a little longer.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back