Why does my G string keep breaking?

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,Jan Burda
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 11:14 AM

Simply put, the third (g) string has MORE TENSION than the others on a steel stg. guitar. Guild owners know this all too well, as Guild specs call for a longer scale length (More tension at std.pitch). With nylon strings, the fourth(d) has the most tension. Of course, sharp edges, poor installation, and heavy bluegrass g-runs can take a toll as well.
    Buy the way......plastic coated strings from any maker do not "last" longer, unless you are of the few that have very corrosive bodily fluids on your fingers. Strings lose their tonal quality due to work hardening. Change tunings often, play hard.....Help the string industry

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,highlandman at work
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 09:26 AM

Seriously though folks....
Another thing to look at -- check the peg holes. I have seen that the G string, being small and fairly high tension, can form a slit into the side of the hole toward the bridge. If this gets bad enough it increases the breakover angle which in turn leads to more breakage.
On the other hand make sure the string is breaking where it passes over the saddle and not where it comes out from under the peg. If the latter then see if the eye splice is protruding out from the peg. If it does (and you are using the right strings) then the inner face of the inner bridge may be indented, allowing the string to come out too far. This is easily fixed with a small brass plate attached inside the body to reinforce the inner bridge. Or you can shade-tree the job by threading a #4 brass washer down the string to bear against the inner bridge (but then you have to feed the string up from inside the guitar).
-Glenn

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,highlandman at work
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 08:58 AM

>or ...you will get no response to the tuning key...
>...until finally, *PING* G string broken.

Usually what happens when I am twisting the wrong key.
-Glenn

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 04:48 AM

Okay Kevin :-

I stood on the platform at Midnight
when they told me my Mom's dog had died.
I'd just gone there from the Taverna,
where I'd found out my Sweetheart had lied.
I was yodelling about all my sorrows
when a "PING" nearly took someone's sight!
Oh why does my G-String keep breaking
when it's Country and Western tonight?

Quack!
GtD

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,G
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 06:55 PM

Quote:
______________________________________________________________________
Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: John Hardly
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 10:54 AM

The G sting has a unique problem -- it is wound, but its core is no bigger than the two tiny strings beneath it. That would be okay (where breakage is concerned), especially as it is under less tension than those tiny silver colored ones, except that...

...the problem with the G string is that it IS wound and, as such, creates quite a bit more friction at both the nut and saddle ends.

And, as if the friction problem weren't enough, the windings (also finer than the windings of the other wound strings AND under MORE tension -- more pounds of pressure per square inch brought downward on the saddle and nut) themselves become driven into the softer material of the nut and saddle, thereby embedding the string in the soft material.

Ever notice how, almost unique to the G string, when you try to fine tune the string you will get no response to turning the tuning key...you will get no response to turning the tuning key...you will get no response to turning the tuning key...

...until finally, *PING*, the string's windings release from the nut and you go from one degree flat to six degrees sharp?

The finer windings, tiny core, soft material...

G strings are murder.
______________________________________________________________________

or ...you will get no response to the tuning key...
...until finally, *PING* G string broken.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Bounty Hound
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 06:40 PM

Just to point out, the core of a G string is thinner than the top E, the winding does not give it any tensile strength, so perhaps not suprising that G is the most common string to break.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 05:59 PM

This happened to me too. I had a guy in a music store replace the strings not two days ago and {POP} The "G" string broke again. (This was the same string that broke originally). Grrrr

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,Bill the sound
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 09:05 PM

I once met a stripper that had the same problem

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,jeff
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 12:23 AM

The 'ping' sound is fron the string popping against small grooves in the nut as it's tightened. The grooves are caused by the force of even normal playing. I used to put a piece of string cover paper in the slot then tighten the string until it broke through the paper. Then I'd tear away the excess and the ping would disappear. Afterward when I had the time and money I'd have the slot dressed by my trusted luthier until the slot got so worn I'd have to replace the nut. Did this every couple of years when I was gigging 20-25 days out of a month.

Would venture the reason for g string breakage at the bridge has much to do with the force of one's strum. My problem was similar until I'd developed enough restraint in my attack. That plus I started letting the sound system do the work.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,tshanley
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 09:20 PM

My Washburn 12 string keeps snapping g strings just between the tunning head and the nut. The guitar has a built in tuner besides I know what the string is suppost to sound like I'm tired of spending money on strings. the guitar is only a year old email me with a response [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 04:13 PM

Excellent Kevin.

We need a bridge, though

The spell I created is broken,
The magic I built up is gone,
An extra loud twang, and an almighty bang
Means I'm standing up here all alone

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 11:29 AM

I feel lonely and lost and forsaken,
In the spotlight I'm here on my own,
It seems all that I had has been taken,
And all my defences are gone.
One more time I can hear my heart breaking,
I know it was bound to go wrong -
Oh why does my G string keep breaking
When I'm singing a beautiful song?

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 07:42 PM

Actually, I can hear a song in there as well.

I hear a plaintive country song in 3/4 ...

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 07:37 PM

Still waiting for the song.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 07:18 PM

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: McGrath of Harlow - PM
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 09:11 PM

Great title for a song though, isn't it. Almost writes itself.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: McGrath of Harlow - PM
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 06:38 PM

Sounds like a song title doesn't it?

The memory is always the first thing to go, Kevin ...:-)

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 06:38 PM

Sounds like a song title doesn't it?

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Aeola
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 03:12 PM

Nuts & slots !!! Just don't play with it!!!

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 10:49 PM

The advice about graphite in the nut slot is excellent. IF you have trouble getting the pencil into the groove, there is a liquid graphite sold in gun shops and that also works.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 06:55 PM

From: Louie Roy - PM
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 04:57 PM

For what it is worth I had this problem several years ago I took it to a luthier and he found out right away the neck was slightly bent

now I am really intrigued.

what kind of bend in the neck would cause a G string to break ?

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: breezy
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 05:53 PM

what is your style of playing, what do you use, a pleckie, thumb pick,

bet you use one of these and not just yer bare thumb

What make guitar you got ?

Has it been 'set up' by some one who knows how? with an easy action or are you having to press hard into the frets?

do you only accompany yerself? I think not.

What songs do you sing?

Do you play with others? if so in what kind of scenarios?

I am willing to waive consultation fees in this case

I used to break strings regularly but havent done so for ages - years even - and I play/perform on average 20 - 25 hours a week.

I still may not be able to help, but more info is required

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Don Firth
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 05:38 PM

I rarely break strings. I play a classic (nylon strings), and if a string breaks, it's invariably the D, which is the thinnest of the wound strings.

I've never had one break while I was playing the guitar. I discover it when I open the case, and there is the string, hanging slack and broken at the bridge (the most acute bend in it's entire length).

It's happened maybe a half-dozen times in 56 years of playing the guitar.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 05:25 PM

I took sminky's advice from oct 08 and reshaped the saddle. String breaking has become much less frequent

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Louie Roy
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 04:57 PM

For what it is worth I had this problem several years ago I took it to a luthier and he found out right away the neck was slightly bent he corrected the problem charged me 50.00 but I never had the problem again it is something you might look at

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,Ian Gill
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 02:48 PM

Loads of interesting theories and good advice here. As a player of [eek] 40 years I am philosophical about this now. I have had this problem on and off for years - more so with Stratocaster type guitars strung through the back but with acoustics too. Keep plenty of spares and buy a string winder thingy is my advice. It's a bit like punctured tyres - nothing for ages then 3 or 4 at once. Pencil lead in the saddle and nut is a wise move, though. Or you could take up the melodeon...

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 01:22 PM

Every so often, on threads like this, a real gem emerges, in this case the post from John Hardly, which is right on the money, and which bears repeating.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: John Hardly - PM
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 10:54 AM

The G sting has a unique problem -- it is wound, but its core is no bigger than the two tiny strings beneath it. That would be okay (where breakage is concerned), especially as it is under less tension than those tiny silver colored ones, except that...

...the problem with the G string is that it IS wound and, as such, creates quite a bit more friction at both the nut and saddle ends.

And, as if the friction problem weren't enough, the windings (also finer than the windings of the other wound strings AND under MORE tension -- more pounds of pressure per square inch brought downward on the saddle and nut) themselves become driven into the softer material of the nut and saddle, thereby embedding the string in the soft material.

Ever notice how, almost unique to the G string, when you try to fine tune the string you will get no response to turning the tuning key...you will get no response to turning the tuning key...you will get no response to turning the tuning key...

...until finally, *PING*, the string's windings release from the nut and you go from one degree flat to six degrees sharp?

The finer windings, tiny core, soft material...

G strings are murder.

absolutely spot on.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 06:59 AM

When changing guitar strings, it's worth taking a little extra time to give the nut slots and bridge grooves a quick rub with a soft lead pencil. This seems to make tuning easier, as well as reducing breakages on the more vulnerable 3rd and 4th strings.

When a string does give out, it usually happens when I'm thrashing the box in a futile attempt to compete with massed fiddles and squeeze-boxes. However, in more sober moments, it does seem to me that beyond a certain point, hitting the strings harder doesn't actually produce any more volume. so, if volume is your highest priority, you might consider taking up the fiddle, the accordian, or even the bagpipes.

Alternatively,if you want to get a little more volume out of a guitar without battering the strings quite so hard, I can recommend fitting a set of brass bridge pins.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,Narm
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 05:56 AM

Sound's like the slots in the nut were not made with a proper file. There are nut slots and there are nut slots!
Making those slots properly takes a special file that is shaped so that the string is held in a slot that "fits". The strings on any string instrument are measured very accurately with a micromater in thousandths of an inch. And the slot must be filed accordingly. The string must fit properly in the slots to sound right. Cutting those slots is also important. The slot should be made so that there are no sharp edges yet narrow enough to not allow the string to vibrate in the slot.
The files can be purchased from places such as Stewart McDonald. They are pricey yet for a dulcimer you need two sizes at least. I simply suggest that the slots were not made with the proper tools. They need to be made with, fret slot files". Or just find a shop that does have these files to make you a new nut. You can also go to Stew Mac and look for free information re nut making. They have some good proffessional information free!
Also string length for a wound string should match the fret board length. You need to know the distance from nut to nut and the string should be designed to fit a dulcimer for that length. Especially wound strings! You might want to look up string installation instructions for any stringed instrument. Installing strings properly is important. If you would take the time and research that issue you might be surprised how important it is! I was! Good luck.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,deadfrett
Date: 11 Oct 08 - 11:14 AM

You might try using a plain string as opposed to a wound one. Also, changing your pick attack angle may help.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,Dave MacKenzie
Date: 10 Oct 08 - 09:32 PM

G-string: this is perhaps one of the oldest verbal jokes in musical circles due to that fact that most stringed instruments are tuned so that one string is a relative G, eg: EBGD (violin), EADGBE (guitar). cf 'Air on a G-String' by J S Bach. On the guitar it is also the string which breaks most often.

Notes to "The Dying Folksinger", c1968

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: The Admiral
Date: 10 Oct 08 - 10:42 AM

Heavy petting?

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Will Fly
Date: 10 Oct 08 - 04:14 AM

I recently had a problem with Elixir strings - constantly breaking on the G on different guitars and in different areas of th string. Other guitarists had reported on the same problem with Elixirs - and I didn't have this problem with, say, D'Addario EXPs, Martin Lites, etc.

I raised the question with Elixir who were sympathetic, if non-committal about the possible reasons - and mailed me a couple of free sets. I'm now trying them on a new Larrivée and, so far, have only broken a D string (but that was at a real thrash ceilidh session).

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Hamish
Date: 10 Oct 08 - 03:51 AM

Folks have asked (and you've told them) where the string breaks. We don't yet know when it breaks. If it during tuning (a particular problem if you retune from standard to/from open D a lot. Or anything that uses an F# on the third string) then I'd recommend a bit of pencil "lead" (graphite, really) in the nut. That will help reduce the friction problem. If it's during playing, then... see previous answers.

--
Hamish

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Songster Bob
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 10:24 PM

Unless there is a sharp edge on the saddle under the G string, you might try changing brands of strings. Someone mentioned Elixers, and they were known to have a problem a few years ago with breaking strings, and that problem may have recurred.

But I would carefully check for any roughness or sharpness under that string. The side where the strings exit the pin-holes should be butter-smooth. Someone mentioned putting the saddle in backwards, which would put the sharp edge under the string, and any sharpness or roughness is a problem.

It is unlikely that you are suddenly playing differently, different enough to start breaking strings. I assume you didn't used to do this? If not, it isn't your playing, and it has to be something mechanical between the string and the saddle.

Bob

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 09:11 PM

Great title for a song though, isn't it. Almost writes itself.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: kendall
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 07:40 PM

In all the years I've played guitar, I only broke one string, and it was the G. That was on my old Gibson D 45.
I've never broken a string on my Taylor, and I think I lean on it pretty hard. Some bluegrass picker is always borrowing it and they really get on it, still, no broken strings. Maybe Martins are built that way so they can sell you their over priced strings? :-)

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Jayto
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 07:18 PM

I had that happen once then I dropped 10 pounds and it stopped doing that lol jk.

I have a friend that is having the same problem on a Martin. He has done everything we can think of even changing brands, material, and gauge of strings. Sanding for burs everything but it never fails every gig he breaks at least 1 G string. Some nights he will go through 2 or 3 they keep snapping in the same spot but noone can figure out why.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 07:14 PM

For what it is worth: I had a situation where a client came in complaining about breaking G strings. After throughly checking out the instrument I played it vigoursly and could not break a string. When the client came to pick it up I asked him to play. In very short order he broke the G string. problem: He used a very light pick which totally wrapped around his thumb on the down stroke and he would hook the G string with his thumb and tear it off at the bridge saddle.. I convinced him to use a heavier pick and ease up a little bit. Problem cured.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: John Hardly
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 06:42 PM

If it's breaking at the nut or at the saddle it ain't the pick or the technique.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 06:24 PM

Don't tempt me...

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: alanabit
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 06:15 PM

I have had this problem in the past and while I don't disagree with any of the observations so far, I would tend to agree with Fortunato's comment the most. In my case it was definitely caused by poor right hand technique. In my case, using a heavier pick actually helped me to improve my technique, because I became more aware of the feel of striking the strings.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Escapee
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 05:36 PM

I play with a fellow who has this problem on three different guitars. He hits all three of them too hard. I lean toward the picking hand analysis as the most likely solution, although it's done my friend little good. Good luck, Robbie.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Gurney
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 05:32 PM

Martin Light strings?

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Fortunato
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 05:07 PM

Having suffered from the problem, I recommend analyzing your right hand technique. I assume that you are using a straight or flat pick and not fingerpicking. If so then it's likely that Jed has it right, the G string can receive the greatest impact in the down stroke.
To analyzye your right hand technique, let's say you're in C and you're alternating between the 5th and 6th strings on the 1st and third beats, and the 2nd and 4th are your down strokes. Conciously move the down stroke to contact the fourth string first as it forms a 'brush' stroke that encompasses the 4th and 3rd strings but strikes the 4th string first.

By aiming to strike in a focused way on the 2nd and 4th beats, you may cause your right hand to be more controlled. You may also find that there are melody notes on the strings that appear during the playing that you will want to accent. All in all, your right hand technique will benefit from focusing on where you strike and when.

cheers
chance

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 04:24 PM

Just curious - are you using Elixir Strings?

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 04:18 PM

Thank you all. that article looks like a real possibility, sminky. I will try reshaping the saddle next time I change all the strings.

I must say I was amazed that there was only one post with any hint of double entendre, what a civilised place this is.............sometimes.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: open mike
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 03:52 PM

sometimes there is a sort of spur where the string makes contact
and this needs to be smoothed down by filing or sanding.

also there could be a rough edge on the frets...
but that is not where your breakage is occurring.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 03:11 PM

What Jed said, particularly the part about using a lighter weight pick. I used to use heavy picks 'cause I was playing in a band and thought I needed a heavier pick for more volume. I broke G strings like crazy. Somewhere along the line I must've grown another brain cell or somethin' 'cause I switched to medium gauge picks, figured out how to get the same (or more) volume as from heavies, and rarely break a string anymore.

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: s&r
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 02:49 PM

Worth checking the fit of the guitar in the case. The Gis at the high point of the saddle and with a tight fitting case lid may be damaged while it's not even in use. I have had just this problem with a fiddle

Stu

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 11:06 AM

It may be a matter of guage. And I have noted that this is at the saddle and not at the peg, nut, string tree (if any) or machine head, or anywhere in between. Once you go below standard lights (that might be about a 21 thou G string) they are just a bit small to be tough.

However I'd wonder if it might be the breakover angle, or playing witha flatpick too close to the saddle.

Does it happen with all types of string?

Subject: RE: Why does my G string keep breaking?
From: John Hardly
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 10:54 AM

The G sting has a unique problem -- it is wound, but its core is no bigger than the two tiny strings beneath it. That would be okay (where breakage is concerned), especially as it is under less tension than those tiny silver colored ones, except that...

...the problem with the G string is that it IS wound and, as such, creates quite a bit more friction at both the nut and saddle ends.

And, as if the friction problem weren't enough, the windings (also finer than the windings of the other wound strings AND under MORE tension -- more pounds of pressure per square inch brought downward on the saddle and nut) themselves become driven into the softer material of the nut and saddle, thereby embedding the string in the soft material.

Ever notice how, almost unique to the G string, when you try to fine tune the string you will get no response to turning the tuning key...you will get no response to turning the tuning key...you will get no response to turning the tuning key...

...until finally, *PING*, the string's windings release from the nut and you go from one degree flat to six degrees sharp?

The finer windings, tiny core, soft material...

G strings are murder.