Strongest strings available?

[Mobay45]

Hi guys. I'm making a stop by over from the bass forum to ask for some help. My rhythm guitar player keeps breaking strings right and left. It's not the same string over and over, so it's probably not a bridge saddle burr. At the last show we played, he broke two strings on two different guitars. He's not real internet savvy, so I'm posting this.

Unfortunately, he doesn't play MM. He has a USA strat. The latest strings he has been using are Dean Markley .011s. We made him use a thin pick last night after breaking a G string and an A string. He didn't break any more after that, but we have a show next Friday and I want to take every precaution we can.

Just let me know if you know anyone who has had this problem and what they did to solve it. He prefers to play with a medium pick, but I don't think we're going to let him until we can find a solution.

It probably comes down more to technique than anything, but that's something that he can't change by next Friday.

 

[kbaim]

Guy broke an A string? Was he strumming with wire cutters?

Very rare.

Sounds like maybe he should boost the amp volume a bit and be a tad less aggressive on his guitar.

Also make sure guitar is strung properly, with about 3 wraps around pegs.
And have a 2nd guitar handy if possible.

 

[Mobay45]

Guy broke an A string? Was he strumming with wire cutters?

Very rare.

Yeah, that would be like me breaking a G string and that's only happened once in 25 years of playing.

 

[Warg Master]

huh huh huh uhu huh uh uhu h u"G" String


Sorry, I had to

 

[koogie2k]

WOW.....broke two in a night.....that is very rare. I have only seen that happen once. My buddy broke two. One right after the other in the same song....weird. Anywho, he's using 11's?? That is rather thick in gauge. Is he bending the heck out of the strings or what? I have snapped a "D" string using a set of 10's once. But I bent the crap out of it showing off...heheh...ooopppsss.

Burrs? Maybe but I doubt it. Maybe take the guitar to a tech for a once over...possibly something I don't know.

Is he aggressive on the strings? Maybe he should ease up on the heavy handedness. I actually pick lightly but only through practice.

I say amp volume up, remove the anvil from his pick hand, play with less attack aggression.

My 2 pennies.

 

[PurpleSport]

Where are they breaking?

If at the ball end, he should try the Ernie Ball RPS line (RPS = Reinforced Plain Strings). They actually put a wrapping around the ball end to shore 'em up - helpful if you have a Kahler or other trem that puts stress down near the trem block. Yes, I know, he broke a wound "A" too, but at least this might help keep the odds up for at least one less string from going bye-bye...

Something else to consider is stainless steel wound strings instead of nickel wound. I used to use 'em when I lived in Florida because they rusted less and lasted longer in that awful humidity down there. The downside is they tend to sound a bit bright, so he may have to do a bit of EQ-ing to get his tone sorted back out, but then again he may like the edge they provide too. Maybe not the ultimate solution in his case, but at least worth a try.

Lastly, how often does he change his strings? If he's not doing it before every show, he's asking for problems...

 

[Mobay45]

Where are they breaking? Lastly, how often does he change his strings? If he's not doing it before every show, he's asking for problems...

Thanks for all of your input. I've about come to the conclusion that he needs to turn up his amp and lighten up with the pick.

To Purple Sport - They usually break at the bridge. The strings that he broke last night I know were just put on in the last week.

Thanks again guys.

Larry

 

[OrangeChannel]

Also.....have him invest in a set of graphtech saddles. That should cure his issue. The light pick thing might not be his thing considering he;s probably used to the feel and tone of a heavier pick (it makes a difference).

 

[Jimi D]

Ya, light picks are yucky! But seriously, breaking strings that heavy at the bridge is really unusual. I'm thinking he's palm muting a lot and has really acidic sweat (some people do) and he's just wearing them out. The best thing he can probably do is change to EB RPS strings AND start changing them at an interval that gets them off the guitar before they break - start with once a month (easy to remember; first of the month, change your strings!) and shorten the frequency if required. I've read guys on other forums saying their sweat is so acidic that they have to change their strings weekly or they burn right through them...

 

[Bassplyr]

I've read guys on other forums saying their sweat is so acidic that they have to change their strings weekly or they burn right through them...

Geez, wouldn't want to shake THEIR hand!

 

[koogie2k]

I change my strings almost weekly. Not to sweaty hands, just I wear them out from playing so darn much. JimiD, that is a good point you brought up though. I wasn't suggesting a "light"or thin pick, just don't pick the strings like you are trying to saw through them....ease up I say a little.

 

[OrangeChannel]

When I used 11's and teles in the post hardcore band I was sawing as well as shredding. Still didn't break anything to. I had GRAPHTECHS!

 

[koogie2k]

Sensei OC has spoken...for one day I will snatch the pick from your hand! hehehehe

 

[Mobay45]

Thanks for all of your input. I will get with him today and pass along your suggestions.

Larry