Snapping E strings a little too often

[CloZer]

Hey all,

Just a query about my musicman stingray. I play in a band www.fulc.co.uk and we are giggin all the time.

Now i seem to be snapping my E string a little to often for my liking always at the bridge, the string just seems to un-wind. this has left me in the **** mid way through a few gigs swapping to my ibanez back up half way through songs, apart from once where i had to hold the E in my teeth lol

Any ideas why this would happen tech wise with the bass or am i just playing too hard at times?

im looking into getting a hip-shot d-tuner for it as i do swap tunings twice throughout a set usually. could this have something to do with it?

 

[bovinehost]

Couple of thoughts.

1. Check the saddle for a small burr or defect. You'll need some type of magnifying device. Easily fixed with sandpaper if that's what it is.

2. Don't play so hard. Turn your amp up and use your hands to control your tone and your volume. (You'll thank me for this when you get old like me.)

3. Try changing strings. Some are more durable than others. Constant tuning and detuning can have a detrimental effect on their lifespan.

My overriding suspicion is number 1, however.

 

[ebb soul]

I'll bet it does have a lot to do with it!

 

[thumper]

I agree with Bovine on all 3.

#2 for instance,great advice given, not only will you thank us oldies in the long run but by playing softer you will achieve faster playing,smooth transitions,and most importantly you will be able to achieve low action with no buzzing...Im asuming ofcourse that when you say you play hard your action is very high???

Also on string choice try using ernie ball strings (if your not already) Ive been using them for ever and believe me thats a long time and i thump and thump Hard...never had one break on me...I some times pull the string way out of tune when i pop the g string from thumping sometimes as far out as E.....But never breakage...AAAHHHH you gotta love ernie ball strings.

Thumper

 

[ebb soul]

Yeah, but strings don't like to be tuned up and down alot. S'why I have so many guitars, one fer each tuning...C,D, E, G, excetra. [I don't think a guitars neck likes it alot either]

 

[CloZer]

thanks for your replies.

I do use ernie ball strings. slinky 105. Ive tried many strings and found them to feel the best. Ive had a look at the bridge my self and i cant see anything but ill get someone with more knowledge to have a look.

My action is quite low as it is.

Im using an ashdown mag 400 amp with a 4x10 marhsall cab at the moment but im currently building a 1x15 cab to go with it out of an old "session" 4x10 cab.

i think if its not my bridge it must be me plaiyng hard which i find difficult to avoid during our frantic stage show heh


Ill get the bridge checked out tho.

Thanks for the advice!