How long has it been since you last broke a string?

[rockdoc11]

In thinking about it today, I don't think I've broken a string in perhaps 15 years (playing out perhaps two to three times a month).

But decades ago, I remember breaking one or two strings every year.

Has my playing technique improved? Are strings sturdier? Are bass bridges better?

Just random musing . . .

 

[buldog5151bass]

I've been playing since about 1978, and have never broken a string, gigging regularly for decades.

 

[SAlcott]

I had a bass guitar D string break in '71, and a double bass D in the mid '90s. That's it.

 

[Lobster11]

Only time I ever broke a string was while installing and tuning a new set absent-mindedly while simultaneously watching TV and carrying on a conversation with my wife.

Lesson learned: Do not install and tune new strings absent-mindedly while simultaneously watching TV and carrying on a conversation. (Or, don't get married?)

 

[Paulabass]

22 years. I remember where I was.

 

[Kro]

Never.

Which now means it'll happen tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[tindrum]

1985. I was about to change my strings and wanted to see if I could break one. It took forever but I got the G to finally snap. GHS Boomers on my old Westone Thunder I.

I can imagine ever breaking one while playing. I've never even broken an electric guitar string in the 20 years since I picked up also playing guitar.

 

[GIBrat51]

On a bass? Never... In general? The last time I tried to re-tune a set of 9's on my Telecaster clone; the last time I tuned the "medium" gauge strings on my long scale banjo (real bummer; those strings are scarce); the last time I re-tuned my mandolin... Maybe I should stick to bass...

 

[Killed_by_Death]

yesterday:

DR Hi-Beams

• Killed_by_Death
• Jul 4, 2019
• winding length too long

DR Hi-Beams do NOT fit on an Ibanez Mikro!

Disclaimer: This is not a problem with DR, it's a problem with putting a string on a Mikro that's too long for it.

 

[Inara]

I broke a few strings back in the 90s, when I was slapping a lot. I don't think I've broken one this century lol.

 

[catcauphonic]

Exactly never

BUT I've only been playing (nearly everyday) since 2013, and I've gravitated towards the 55-110 sets in the past year+

 

[blindrabbit]

I broke a D string at my gig last week. I think I’ve broken, oh, about 3-4 other since getting back into actively practicing and gigging over the past decade. So what’s that, about one every 2 years or so? Usually it’s G strings I break, but I have broken at least one of all of the others (not in the past decade, but since I started playing many moons ago).

I usually carry 2 extra sets of strings with me just in case.

 

[Tad]

In 1983 I broke a G string.

 

[Paulabass]

I forgot my spare set on a gig I brought one bass. I worried about it all night. Not good for the peace of mind.

 

[REV]

I've broken one string in my life. Thankfully in a rehearsal.

 

[climber]

25 years+

 

[Mordamir]

I broke a string just last week... on my violin.

 

[TheReceder]

D string a couple months ago. No back up bass and my extra strings were in a trailer 3 blocks away.
The good news... only the drummer noticed. Sucks to play without a d sting.

I hadn't broken a string for close to 35 years.. now I carry a spare bass and a spare set of strings every gig.

 

[stigbeve]

Been playing bass about 15 years and have never broken a string.

 

[bumperbass]

Not once since 1968.