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Breaking strings (on BYCU)

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(@redpoint)
Reputable Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 210
Topic starter  

So, I'm working on Bending the Blues. I've almost got it - I can bend with my pinky, although I use all four fingers on the pinky. Anyhow, I broke the high E string. I'm using 9s. Should I go to 10s, or am I just doing something wrong with my bend (i.e. try bending with 3 or 2 fingers instead of 4?)

Thanks


   
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(@musenfreund)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 5108
 

9s are fine. You probably just needed to change strings. The high E is one of the strings most susceptible to corrosion and breaking over time. Myself, I try to use two fingers for a full bend.

Well we all shine on--like the moon and the stars and the sun.
-- John Lennon


   
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(@redpoint)
Reputable Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 210
Topic starter  

Well, I actually had just changed strings this week, but maybe the strings themselves were old. I did buy them a few months ago.


   
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(@doc-gliss)
Eminent Member
Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 34
 

Another possibility could be that the bridge saddle for that string has a tiny burr in it that cuts into the string. (Assuming the string broke at the bridge.) If the new string doesn't last very long, you might want to take the guitar into a shop and have them look at it. Or, if you want to try it yourself, you can use a very small three-sided file and take maybe three or four gentle swipes through the V of the saddle were the string sits.

If the dude woke up this mornin', he's playin'.


   
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(@slejhamer)
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Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 3221
 

Where did it break? If it snapped right at the bridge or nut, there may be a burr which needs to be filed down.

"Everybody got to elevate from the norm."


   
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(@redpoint)
Reputable Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 210
Topic starter  

No, it happened to break right where I was bending it. I guess I should be more careful with bends! It's just annoying because I ran out of spare electric guitar strings...


   
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(@mrjonesey)
Honorable Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 470
 

Is there a burr or sharp edge on the fret?

"There won't be any money. But when you die, on your death bed, you will receive total conciousness. So, I got that going for me. Which is nice." - Bill Murray, Caddyshack ~~ Michigan Music Dojo - http://michiganmusicdojo.com ~~


   
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 Taso
(@taso)
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Joined: 21 years ago
Posts: 2811
 

lol

Did you bend it too far maybe? It's really uncommon to bend a string so far that it breaks, unless you have really strong fingers.

http://taso.dmusic.com/music/


   
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(@mrjonesey)
Honorable Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 470
 

lol

Did you bend it too far maybe? It's really uncommon to bend a string so far that it breaks, unless you have really strong fingers.

lol, I always cringe when I bend 1 1/2 to 2 steps.

"There won't be any money. But when you die, on your death bed, you will receive total conciousness. So, I got that going for me. Which is nice." - Bill Murray, Caddyshack ~~ Michigan Music Dojo - http://michiganmusicdojo.com ~~


   
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(@redpoint)
Reputable Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 210
Topic starter  

No, I only bent it a full step. There doesn't seem to be any burrs or sharp edges on the fret.


   
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(@alangreen)
Member
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 5342
 

Rotosound strings come with a free spare 1st string. It's a nice touch and it means you build up a small collection of spares over time

Best,

A :-)

"Be good at what you can do" - Fingerbanger"
I have always felt that it is better to do what is beautiful than what is 'right'" - Eliot Fisk
Wedding music and guitar lessons in Essex. Listen at: http://www.rollmopmusic.co.uk


   
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