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spkirby

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 3, 2004
Messages
1,273
Location
UK
Grrrr...

I've never broken so many strings in my life since I got my Axis a few months back!! Since its had one careful previous owner I would have expected any issues with the bridge saddles needing to be worn in done and dusted. However I still break strings regularly, always at the bridge end. There's no sign of wearing or grooving on the saddles, it all looks normal, so I'm kind of perplexed by it all.

You could blame the player for being heavy handed but then I have an old floyd equipped washburn that has literally had the sh:t kicked out of it and I never break strings on it no matter how rough I am with the trem (and that floyd goes up as well as down!!!). Plus I use the same string sets on both (slinkies 9-42)

Needless to say I am WAY more gentle with my Axis so why the frequent breakages??

Steve
 

hbucker

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 11, 2002
Messages
707
Where at the saddle is it breaking? If it's on the saddle then you might have a friction problem or a burr. Sometimes I've had trouble with stings breaking on my Floyd guitars but it's been about a quarter of an inch in front of the saddle where nothing ever touches the string. I don't understand this and can't explain it. But I've had success in changing string brands. Some just last longer for me than others.

You might try changing the strings you use if yours are breaking in front of the saddles.
 

Jimi D

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Joined
Feb 27, 2003
Messages
1,962
Location
Ottawa ON
Have you removed the saddle and looked at the hole in the bridge plate where the string exits the body? Maybe there's some roughness/burring/otherbadandhorribleissue at the inside edge there that could use to be cleaned up?
 

spkirby

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Joined
Feb 3, 2004
Messages
1,273
Location
UK
Same thing as you were getting hbucker...about a 1/4 of an inch in front of the saddles so it might not be a saddle issue. Weird! What strings do you use now...I'm using the pink super slinkies (9-42).
 

hbucker

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 11, 2002
Messages
707
The strings I've had the most problem with is Carvin strings which are made by GHS. I'm not slamming the strings. I'm just saying they seemed to do this more than others.

But I've had no problems with the GHS Fatties or with Elixers. It's been a while since I used the Super Slinkys so I can't comment on whether they did that or not.
 

OrangeChannel

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Joined
Mar 2, 2004
Messages
2,686
Location
Long Island NY
i used to have a problem with the 11's doing that on the 'a' string, regardless of the brand (string or guitar). It's happened on a few of my guitars over the years. Setups can alleviate this. Happens more in the warmer weather here.
 

puppiesonacid

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 1, 2004
Messages
238
definetly check for rough edges throughout the whole trem. maybe buy some graphite lubrication and put some anywhere the strings touch metal. i am doing this on my petrucci and im currently seeing how it is working out. i am breaking more strings than i usually do on my petrucci, but i usually use heavier strings that this so im thinking its only my attack that is making this happen. but they are all breaking at the bridge, from the saddle as well.

God bless,

Tony
 

twinsrock365

Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2004
Messages
11
Location
ventura, CA
I have delt with this a lot. After many deep conversations with my guitar tech, we have come to this solution. The reason this is happening is that MM/EM slots where the string leaves the guitar body and goes over the bridge, is slightly smaller than normal. So, the string is not able to move at the base. This creates friction and the bridge saddle and then breaks. Most strings have a thinner weaker core but the windings are very strong. This is what makes the string real springgy. The key is to find a string with a thicker core and less windings. I have found that SIT strings are lasting for me. There is also a small company from Canada called Fire Wire strings. These are also great. I have been just going crazy breaking strings and these two brnds have worked for me. Hope that helps. Now back to our regular program.
 
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