G-string always snap while slapping

[GooseBumps]

Hello everyone!

I got a Stingray bass and my G-string always snap from the end of bridge while slapping and I'd like to know why is this? Is it because I slap too aggressively with too thin strings? Or because my bridge is ****ed up somehow? I really don't know so please share your experience and tips about this. I mainly use D'Addario XL Nickel Round Wound 45-105 or 50-105 string set. Bass strings are not cheap in Finland and I study at the moment, so can't be arsed to spend 30-40€ on new string set every week.

Thanks in advance.

 

[maddog]

You've given no indication of the amount of force you use while slapping nor that there is anything visibly remiss with your bridge. Upon this lack of information I'm going to go the easy route and say you are slapping too hard.

Take it for what it's worth.

 

[shakinbacon]

most times I've had G string trouble was when I didn't provide enough wrap around the machine head post.

Only once did I actually break a string due to playing too agressively. I was REALLY yanking hard on it.

If its occurring regularly you may be playing too hard or have a sharp burr somewhere (possibly on the machine head). String consistency is very very good for the name brands these days... especially Ernie Balls. So I doubt it is a string manufacturing issue.

 

[maddog]

...or have a sharp burr somewhere (possibly on the machine head).

most likely, not this. The OP eludes to it snapping at the bridge.

 

[shakinbacon]

most likely, not this. The OP eludes to it snapping at the bridge.

good point maddog... I should have read it more closely

There could be a burr at the bridge though.

 

[maddog]

There could be a burr at the bridge though.

true enough.

best bet is to get someone in the know to check over the bass and the playing style.

 

[RobertB]

I slap quite a bit, and while I've never found it necessary to use huge amounts of physical force to get an aggressive sound, my slap style is often aggressive ... and I've never ever broken a string. It would seem to me that, barring any other issues you may discover, if it does come down to just the amount of force you're using, it must be on the excessive side, especially considering the string gauges you're using.

Where do you typically pop/pluck? Near the neck or closer to the bridge, where the string tension is higher? I think most slappers tend to gravitate toward the heel of the neck, but just checking. Could be a factor.

Besides tweaking your technique to get the attack you want without physically taxing the bass as much, maybe try some stainless steel strings. If you like a bright, aggressive sound, you might love steels, and find that they give you more of that sound with a less forceful attack. I love 'em, personally.

Good luck.

 

[Musicman Nut]

Hello everyone!

I got a Stingray bass and my G-string always snap from the end of bridge while slapping and I'd like to know why is this? Is it because I slap too aggressively with too thin strings? Or because my bridge is ****ed up somehow? I really don't know so please share your experience and tips about this. I mainly use D'Addario XL Nickel Round Wound 45-105 or 50-105 string set. Bass strings are not cheap in Finland and I study at the moment, so can't be arsed to spend 30-40€ on new string set every week.

Thanks in advance.

First Off Scrap those D'Addario I used to break them and I play in a damn Country Band, Second what year is your Stingray, The early ones Had problems due to the way the strings came out of the bridge meaning 1976 to late 77 Bridges, other then that if it's strings thru just check where it bends coming out of the Strings Thu because if it's sharp file it smooth.

 

[sitonmybass]

Nothing like breaking a G-string, I always say.

Man, I sure wasn't much help, was I?

 

[TNT]

Goose, easy answer to your question!!

1. You simply need to "set" the bass up correctly. You should never break a string no matter how hard you slap!

2. You also need to string up with Ernie Ball strings!! Wait till you feel and here the difference.

Now, with that out of the way, get back to studying!

 

[GooseBumps]

My Stingray is made 2006. I slap near the neck, so I don't think that's the problem.

Im gonna scrap those D'Addario for stainless steel strings and use less physical force. No visible sharp burr in bridge, but Im gonna file it a little bit to see if it helps.

Thanks guys!

 

[Stephen]

... No visible sharp burr in bridge, but Im gonna file it a little bit to see if it helps.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Seriously, one major point in troubleshooting is to change only one thing at a time. Of course it's up to you in which order you look at either your strings or playing style, but I do recommend leaving the files in the tool box for now.

By the way, where exactly did the strings snap?