progress/string questions

Steve Collins · From: Alaska, USA

I am one month in to my new relationship with PSG, and it is getting more and more exciting every day. after that first frustrating week when everything felt totally foreign, the picks hurt, and i couldnt find changes to save my life, thing started to dawn on me. there was enough light ahead to keep me going forward. im playing through a bunch of basic songs and progressions, finding new positions, and man, it is fun.
anyhow a question, i am about to place a string order, in addition to a couple of sets, i want to purchase any individuals that may be common breaks. what are commonly broken strings i may want to order extras of? i see folks mention 3rd string breakage, any others? thanks, steve

Georg Sørtun · From: Mandal, Agder, Norway

Depends on what pedal/lever changes you have and how you use them, but having an extra 3d string should normally do.

If you don't want to change the entire string-set too often - only practicing eagerly at home for instance, it may be wise to order 2 extra 3d strings to be somewhat on the safe side.

Or, you may do as I used to do for years: add extra turns onto the tuning-peg and re-use the 3d string when it breaks. Since that string usually breaks on top of the bridge/changer from being bended, the end-piece can on many steels be tied onto the string-end and be hooked up at the changer again - as long as there's enough string-length for this.
Such re-use of 3d string ensures that string is "pre-stretched", so it will stay remarkably well in tune when re-used and last as long as a new string. Not wise to try that "trick" for other than 3d string though.

Larry Bell · From: Englewood, Florida

Just to let you know -- most players don't reuse the 3rd string after it breaks at the changer end. In almost 40 years of playing I've never refurbished a string. I buy SIT 011's in bulk for about 25 cents each ($2.90 US per dozen from juststrings.com). I can afford to use a new one. securing the broken string to the ball end would take more time than it's worth, PLUS a fresh string is more important/useful than a pre-stretched one, IMHO.

I DO add extra turns, but not for that reason. If there is a slight burr in the hole through the shaft on the tuning key, this can cause breakage at that point. Just to be safe, I add enough turns to ensure that the string is wound around the shaft, clear of the hole.

On the E neck of most guitars, 3rds and 5ths are the most commonly broken, followed closely by the 4th. I always keep a dozen of each in my seat. As inexpensive as they are, change them often. As Georg mentioned, changing the 3rd, 4th, and 5th more often than the wound strings can be a good idea.
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Stuart Legg · Posted 7 Oct 2011 8:38 am

Don't bring extra strings to the gig. If you break a string just pack up and leave. nobody needs that kind of stress.

Disclaimer: Quote from a forgotten source

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

I keep a full set in the case. I have broken strings 3, 4, 5 and 10 on E9th over the years.

> Note that Stuart Legg (above) doesn't actually play.
> He just tags along with his Dad, and he likes to go home early. Razz

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Dick Wood · From: Springtown Texas, USA

I think Ted Solesky boils his and reuses them.
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Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

I keep a full set for each neck and extra 3rd and 5th strings. I have on occasion broken a 10th string, but as seldom as that happens, I use one from the set and then the next chance I have at home, I change out the rest of the strings from the set.
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Bo Legg · Posted 7 Oct 2011 4:53 pm

If you play a Sho-Bud you should also include a box of Band-Aids and a flashlight.
If you decide not to take Stuart's advise and think you just have to replace a broken string be sure your mic is turned off before you start. That is if you didn’t cuss when the string wrapped around your finger.

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