Why does my G string keep breaking?

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: quokka
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 10:35 AM

I keep waiting for this thread to degenerate into smut but it hasn't yet...maybe they're waiting for me to put my two cents in!
I reviewed a gig where the guy broke his G string early in the set, but luckily he had a couple of a capella numbers prepared ( one of them in Gaelic) and of course I couldn't stop myself from letting everyone know that it was the guitar's G string that broke, not the underwear! I don't know if he'll forgive me - it was in a family magazine! And yes, he was cute.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 09:57 AM

I'm guessing it may be the angle of the string over the saddle (and simply replacing the saddle may not cure the problem).

This article (with photos) explains the issues - you'll need to scroll down a bit.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: JedMarum
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 09:39 AM

Yes - where does it break? At the nut or at the bridge?

The G string is the one that most people break. It is the lightest weight of the wound strings and is the place where most players strike hard.

If you are breaking at the bridge, it is likely that you are striking the string with too much force. That's hard to change, but here're a few tips:

Strings break more easily when they are old. Keep new strings on your guitar.

Use a lighter weight pick. I switched to using the nylon picks. They have a little more give - even using the same or heavier guage, they are easier on the strings.

You try to strum with a bit less power, and higher over the sound hole as opposed to closer to the bridge.

Carry plenty of extra G strings!

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 09:32 AM

I was breaking D strings once.

You know that asymmetrical white plastic piece near your right hand(the one that falls out when you change strings)? I had put it in backwards, so that the D string was raised too much. Or something. An employee in the music store turned it around, and the breakage stopped.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 09:24 AM

It breaks at the bridge, but as I said I have replaced the saddle and still only the g ever breaks.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 09:24 AM

AT THE SADDLE!

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 09:09 AM

First thing we need to know is WHERE the break occurs - windings, nut, bridge etc.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 09:09 AM

You need to lose weight?

Seriously, I once watched someone very experienced complain that he had broken 2 new strings while fitting them on a viola. He had replaced the end holder, and used too much gut - the string was thus breaking at the point when the hardening was - i.e. he was bending it in the wrong place - thus, is the string too long?

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 08:53 AM

Sharp edge on the saddle ?

eric

Subject: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 08:44 AM

The rest don't. I have even replaced the bridge saddle a few months ago but still the g breaks at the saddle. Any ideas?