I've never had a string break at the hog ring. I doubt that would influence string breakage as the string is only bent once when brought up to pitch. That's a great, simple idea Gary came up with! I use LPS 1 greaseless lubricant on my nut and bridge. I put on a set of strings shortly before the San Jose Jam 1 1/2 years ago and I haven't broken a string since. I don't advocate old strings, but I'd like to dispute the common belief that E9 w/G# can't be used on old Fender Cable Guitars.
The lubricant works very much the same as Gary's slippers by providing a surface "barrier" between the guitar and the strings. Just as Piston rings need oil to prevent scoring cylinder walls, keep just enough lubricant applied to do the job.
I'm off to Healdsburg for trail ride gig. The dust may spell death to my theory.
Patrick
