Strings

Old strings become lifeless and as they get old they can go “false” and require more tension to keep in tune thus putting excessive pressure on the instrument. . Replace them with fresh strings approximately every six months if using the instrument 30 minutes a day. Remove and replace each string one at a time.

Reasons Strings break – Strings today are manufactured to such high quality that it is almost impossible for a string to break without help. The following is a list of common locations where strings break and their cause.

Breaks at fine tuner: the string was installed incorrectly and the tuner sides are pinching the sides of the string causing it to break. See the instructions above for proper installation of soft centered thicker strings.

Breaks at the tailpiece slot: the string was installed into a tailpiece whose slots are too tight for the string and is pinching the sides of the string causing the string to break. Have a repairmen adjust the width of the slot for proper clearance.

Breaks or unravels at bridge: the bridge slot is either too deep or too rough and the string is being pinched. Have a repairmen adjust or replace the bridge.

Breaks or frays in the playing area: the string can wear from considerable use– some players change their strings as often as every 4 to 6 weeks due to the amount of playing time. The more you play, small amounts of the metal are worn away and the string gets thinner and can start to fray or break.

An uneven fingerboard can also cause this wear, have a repairmen resurface the fingerboard. Sharp fingernails or acidic skin can also eat through the metal jacket of the string.

Breaks at the nut: like the bridge, a rough or too deep notch in the nut can cause fraying or breakage of the string. Have a repairmen repair or replace the nut. Excessive tuning from improper fitting pegs (they slip often) can also cause breakage.

Breaks between the nut and peg: In almost every case, this breakage is caused by tuning the string too high. This is the weakest part of the string, where it goes from metal to thread wrapped, and an over-tuned string puts too much force on the string; strings are only capable of being tuned a couple of notes high.

Breaks where the string meets the peg: especially on the E and G strings, the string can get caught between the edge of the peg box wall and the hole for the peg. Be sure to properly wrap a string onto the peg so that the last winding does not forcibly press against the peg box wall.

Breaks in the windings on the peg: if the string hits the bottom of the peg box, it can be worn through. Be sure to properly wind the string without numerous layers over top of one another. If the string still hits, than the instrument should be taken to the repairman for more space to be added under the peg for proper clearance.