Broken strings

[Kristos]

Hi Everyone,

I'm using Super Slinky strings on a US Strat and a LP copy. I play Clapton and Peter Green style blues........... well I try to!. I'm breaking the first strings on both guitars after around 5 or 6 hours of playing, maybe less. The frets are dressed and nicely polished on both guitars and the strings break in different places or even unravel the bobbin at the bridge end. I've accepted that this is the life of the string but I've now got numerous packs of strings with the first string missing as I don't want to change the whole set when one breaks. Is it possible to buy a number of single gauge Ernie Ball strings. When I buy single strings at a music shop I don't know what I'm getting and they charge a fortune compared with buying a set. I used to use Rotosound just for the extra 1st string but I'd rather stick with Ernie Ball if I can get a supply of "9" strings.

Does everyone have this problem or is it just the way I play?

Chris

[GHWelles]

Maybe you need to go up a gauge to regular Slinkys. Sounds like you are striking the strings pretty hard if they are breaking in different places. If it makes it too hard to bend the stings, then de-tune one half step.
But there are dealers that sell single Ernie Ball strings.

[Kristos]

Funny how you get stuck in a rut. I've used Super Slinkys for years and never thought to go to regulars. I'll give it a try and detune if I need to. Thanks.

[bkrumme]

I think it may be the way you play, but there could still be a problem with the guitar. You might check to make sure there aren't any burs on your bridge. If there's a deep groove where the string goes over the saddle, it may contribute to string breakage.

You can buy single Ernie Ball .009 strings from Ernie Ball's Shopatron site if you're in the USA (click the "store" link at the top of the page), and you should be able to get them from your local Ernie Ball dealer.

You could also try the Ernie Ball RPS or Coated strings. They will definitely eliminate the string unwinding at the ball end. The coated ones last a really long time, too.

[GHWelles]

Funny how you get stuck in a rut. I've used Super Slinkys for years and never thought to go to regulars. I'll give it a try and detune if I need to. Thanks.

There are other benefits to going up a gauge. The tone is different. Robin Trower uses a heavy gauge then tunes down an entire step to facilitate his bends. He like s the loud tone of the big strings. Me, I like the tone of Super Slinky gauge, but I am trying to play with a pretty light touch nowdays so don't break many strings.

[paranoid70]

I was breaking strings all the time - I used Super Slinkys too. I found that going up a gage in string did not help me. Rather I went from a Heavy pick to a Medium pick and haven't broke one since.

[TNT]

Yeah, it's "not" the strings for sure!!! I use 9's #2253, and I play EVH, Journey, Boston etc. . . . NEVER EVER do I break any strings pre-maturely.

In addition, they LAST a looooooooooooooooooong time. Double check the entire string travel off the guitar, you'll find the culprit.

Love em'!!

[RyanC.]

I've been playing Slinky's for over a year exclusively. Never broken a single string FWIW.