So here's my Problem: - I snap strings at the bridge everyda

[davester1234]

Yup. *Never fails. *Always right at the bridge. *
Why the heck does this happen? *Anyone got any advice?

[Skarekrough]

Think of the physics of it. *A string will break for one of two reasons:

The first is that there's too much pressure pulling it length-wise. *This is more common with over-tightening or making the high E a high B.

The second is that there is a force acting upon the string and causing a weakness. *This sort of thing is usually found in one general location, like the bridge. *Since it's happening fairly often then I'm assuming that there's something non-standard acting upon the string at the bridge and causing a break.

Check the saddle for any sharp points. *A burr in it can cause this and my best bet would be as such. *If you find the burr or sharpeed area the obvious answer is to smooth it over in some way. *A small metal file would be advised. *A Dremel with the right attatchment could make short work of it but I'd be reluctant to go so potentially overboard so quickly. *Your other option would be to replace the saddle entirely. *I'd only suggest this as a last ditch effort.

[Rich]

There's a third common cause for breaking string and that's too hard and steep a pick attack. [the only time I ever break a string is when I get too sloppy and heavy with my right hand] The last way, metal fatigue, I'd consider isn't the problem if you're changing the string everyday.

[musicdr]

What bridge do you have?Are you using a metal pick?How often do you change strings?All my guitars have lo-pros.I have encountered the burr in the saddle problem(7vwh).After gently filing the offending saddle(low e),no more problems.The only time I break a string is when I get lazy and don't change them regularly.A freind uses a metal pick and regularly blows out the low strings,though he is pretty heavy handed.

[davester1234]

I'm playing a 777vbk, obviously with a lopro edge trem.
I guess I don't break strings every everyday, but a couple of times a week....different strings, but always right at the saddle.

[musicdr]

Wow dude,you must be a playing maniac to break them that regular.

[davester1234]

no man, not at all. *okay, I'm very Vai'ish, in that I use the bar alot. *But its still no excuse for breakage on every string at the same area. *I can't remember the last time I broke a string away from the saddle.

[Rich]

Is the trem angle correct? If it's not it puts extra stress at the bend of the string at the saddle.

[davester1234]

hmmmmmmm..........

[musicdr]

Excellent point Rich.

[PiratesJem]

This is more than likely irrelevant, but I'll divulge regardless. *I too had problems when I first got my 7vwh. *I was using Daddario .10's at the time, and was snapping strings once a week. *I was jamming with a buddy who just finished up at GIT, and he suggested that I try his newest discovery: ghs boomers. *I switched, and haven't snapped a string in ages. *This probably doesn't relate in your situation, but who knows? *

[Guitarlos2]

I dont know, but Boomers do kick * *I use em and rarely break strings. *On the other hand, I used a set of Ernie Balls once a few months back and broke 2 within 3 weeks....

Rich does have a good point though, check the trem angle. *Too much of a downward angle puts mega stress on the strings.

[davester1234]

well, the bridge sits above guitar level, just like in the pix showing the way its supposed to be on the site. *I'm thinking there's some crud in the saddles. *2 strings in 3 weeks?? bwaahahahaha!!! *That would be an accomplishment worth documenting for me. *:biggrin:

Pardon my ignorance, but what are boomers?
(seems like every topic that comes up, I'm the guy askin whats this mean, whats that mean!! Sorry folks!)

[Guitarlos2]

GHS Boomers, just a different brand of nickel wound guitar strings. *Everyone has a different preference when it comes to strings, but Ive been happy using these for years. *They sound bright and full, and seem more resistant to breakage.

[musicdr]

I've been using DR's,can't remember last time I broke a string.Probably when I had the burr in the saddle problem.