A bent string, is a spent string.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 24 Mar 2002 8:10 am

The nuts and bolts of the problematic 3rd string breakage lies in its delicate .011 gauge make-up. Perhaps the average steel guitarist has not taken into account the inability of the string to sustain the unreasonable trauma inflicted upon it. To even imagine semi-looping the steel spring wire at a ninty degree angle, warrants intervention, and modifications. The third string has subjected many steel guitarists to countless hours of frustation. Where will it end? The solution is to recognize the third string for what it is. Then proceed to measure the stress points accurately, and relieve the tension by mechanical means. This would feature less angle at the changer, plus a carefully placed mini-compression spring in front of the string ball. The device would tend to reduce the over-kill of the steel picks. Raising the string's pitch at the opposite end of the steel guitar with a "Golo" will surprisingly reduce string trauma. The flimsy third string would be raised at both ends, 1/4 tone.
Larry S.

The air question is difficult.
1. This is a fireside chat subject. Many unanswered questions of the like would follow.

Bill H. [This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 24 March 2002 at 11:34 AM.]

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 24 Mar 2002 9:16 am

"Why is there air?"

Bill Cosby posed this same question many, many years ago. He came to the conclusion that it was developed for the inflation of volley balls.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=852403967

http://www.cdmo.com/cgi-bin/cdmo/9362-468882-?FiXeLAWQ;;21

------------------
Lee, from South Texas[This message was edited by Lee Baucum on 24 March 2002 at 09:18 AM.]

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 24 Mar 2002 9:40 am

"Why is there air?"

I can't tell you why,... only where.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 24 Mar 2002 10:17 am

Hot Dusty Roads?"

chas smith · Post by **chas smith** » 24 Mar 2002 11:24 am

Hot Busty Broads

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 24 Mar 2002 11:34 am

Jimbeaux, I don't tell no tales!

Jeff Lampert · Post by **Jeff Lampert** » 24 Mar 2002 11:58 am

why is there air?

'cause it elps keep the sun off ya ead, mate.

Sam White · Post by **Sam White** » 24 Mar 2002 12:07 pm

Just take a little sand paper and W/D40 with you when the string get a little rusty it works.
Sam White[This message was edited by Samuel E. White on 24 March 2002 at 12:09 PM.]

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 24 Mar 2002 3:27 pm

I dunno, Larry. I'm a city boy, and I stay at home.

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 24 Mar 2002 4:01 pm

Jim, I want NO excuses, I just don't like to roam!

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 24 Mar 2002 4:31 pm

And I don't like being alone!
(are we done yet?

)

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 24 Mar 2002 4:36 pm

Aw Jim, I thought you might like to do a verse and a chorus of "Everybody's Wrong!"

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 24 Mar 2002 5:56 pm

I would have, but nowadays Clancy can't even sing...

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 24 Mar 2002 6:06 pm

I guess I'll just LEAVE!

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 24 Mar 2002 7:00 pm

Well, when you do, Larry, be sure to go and say goodbye, or you'll have to pay the price (for what it's worth).

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 25 Mar 2002 3:55 am

OK Jim, you win!! I can't go through this AGAIN, so this is the LAST TIME AROUND!

[This message was edited by Larry Miller on 25 March 2002 at 03:57 AM.]

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 25 Mar 2002 5:30 am

For sale 12- .011 (not bent), MAKE OFFER.
Solved the 3rd string breakage problem. Removed the B pedal rod. Video instructions to follow.[This message was edited by Reggie Duncan on 25 March 2002 at 05:33 AM.]

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 25 Mar 2002 6:32 am

Earnest B.

More than likely, the excessive third string breakage will continue to try the patience of steel guitarists, unless.... at last.... someone who has taken the study of metals seriously, and has the knowledge to produce a break-resistant string. At this point, no further thoughts need to be wasted on a proven fact. The 3rd string's tenacity, simply does not begin to serve its purpose when it is subjected to the G# pitch. Great efforts should be made to explore an alternative metal, or alloy, which would resist breakage far beyond the common steel string as we know it. The E9th chromatic tuning would then be virtually free of the third string blight. The second option is turning to precise mechanical devices.

Bill H. [This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 27 March 2002 at 06:45 AM.]

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 25 Mar 2002 6:52 am

I've heard of a '69 Emmons D-10 9/6 with the original strings still on it. Hey, you couldn't beat that with a drum stick. 33 years on a .010 !! That what they were using back in '69; weren't they ??

Regards, Paul

Drew Grice · Post by **Drew Grice** » 25 Mar 2002 11:04 am

Some practical advice. When you see it starting stretch really quickly, move you hand quicker.

Rich Weiss · Post by **Rich Weiss** » 25 Mar 2002 3:50 pm

I feel like listening to some old Buffalo Springfield songs for some reason.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 25 Mar 2002 7:34 pm

Don't go there, Rich. Flyin' on the ground is wrong.

Rich Weiss · Post by **Rich Weiss** » 25 Mar 2002 8:33 pm

Jim. Sit down. I think I love you.

(anyway, I'd like to try)

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 25 Mar 2002 9:05 pm

Fuggedaboutit, Good Time Boy. You don't want me: I am a child, and besides, I'm hung upside down.

Rich Weiss · Post by **Rich Weiss** » 25 Mar 2002 10:23 pm

Yes, I know that about you. I too have been Burned, and with both feet on the ground.