Breaking strings - need advice

[bigjilm123]

Hi everyone,
I've been playing guitar for 20 years, and I just recently got into a much heavier style of picking. I'm really bashing the crap out of the strings, and they're breaking all over the place (mid-string, at the nut, saddles, picking area, 4th fret - everywhere I'm breaking the G/B/high E strings mostly, but I broke my A yesterday as well. I usually break one string per jam session, which is inconvenient but not enough to change my style.

Since I'm really enjoying this new style, I don't want to let up on the picking. I'm using Fender Heavy nylon picks, and 11 gauge strings. I have a locking nut, but I've immobilised the once floating bridge.

Can anyone recommend an extremely strong set of strings? I'm open to going to 12s, if that's what it takes.

Thanks!
BigJilm

 

[bigjilm123]

No advice? Someone must know something about the relative strength of strings?

Anyone? Bueller, bueller?

 

[SteveB]

Have you tried tortoise shell picks instead of Nylons? Maybe that will have some effect on your string breakage.

I've never heard of anyone ripping up strings the way you're describing. Just what is this new technique? DO you hold the pick steady and swing the guitar?

 

[Dargin]

Have you tried our RPS strings?

 

[bovinehost]

DO you hold the pick steady and swing the guitar?

I would like to see that done.

 

[Oldtoe]

I've taken to playing with a hand mixer myself.

 

[bigjilm123]

Have you tried our RPS strings?

I haven't, but I'm willing. Are they stronger than Slinkys? I'm using the Slinky 11's right now, but I broke another string last jam.

This may sound stupid, but are 12's stronger than 11's? I would think that the overall strength of the string is greater, but they're at higher tension. I've googled around, and haven't found anyone stating that they're stronger, but maybe it's too obvious.

I think I broke more 8's and 9's than 11's, but it's pretty close I think.

>Hand mixer

LOL. That's awesome.

No doubt about it - I'm strumming the strings too hard. I can tone it down, but it's not nearly as fun. Plus, if I start jumping around, it's far easier to pick hard - otherwise, I risk missing the strings altogether.

I never played punk before, mostly prog rock and blues, so I was always more reserved in my playing. My band is playing a fair bit more punk these days, and thrashing the guitar is alot of fun

-jimbo

 

[bigjilm123]

Have you tried tortoise shell picks instead of Nylons? Maybe that will have some effect on your string breakage.

I've never heard of anyone ripping up strings the way you're describing. Just what is this new technique? DO you hold the pick steady and swing the guitar?

I'll give the tortoise shell picks a try. I might have a few kicking around (under a couch, I'm sure).

> hold the pick steady and swing the guitar

If you think that'll work, I'll try it. When I'm famous, I'll give you credit.

 

[shamus63]

Slightly off the subject ~ are the EB Bass Flats ribbon-flats (like the TI Jazz Flats), or are they just regular flats?