String Breakage, 140 and 150

[tommy jo cote]

My 140 and especially my 150 are breaking strings at the bridge. Can anyone suggest how I can minimize this problem? I was told I could sand down the bridge contact area with the string with some fine emory cloth, but am reluctant to try any modifications until I hear from a few of you experts. I love the sound of the Heritage, but may have to go back to the Fender Strat if strings keep breaking like they have been. I am using Ernie Ball 10 sets. If I go to 11s, which I have on the Strat, do I need to have the whole guitar set up by a pro, or can I just put them on and start playing. Many thenks, Friends

[Gitfiddler]

Since your strings are breaking at the bridge area, there may be a tiny burr or imperfection inside of the groove or on the interior sides of the saddle where the string rests. Take a look with a magnifying glass. I bet the strings break during heavy bends and they are only the G, B or high E breaking. If so, it means that the string may be rubbing on the inside the saddle's groove. Filing them gently may solve the problem.

 

Now one of the DIY dudes around here will have to direct you to the perfect part from Stew Mac to do this.

 

Also, have you considered changing string brands? Try one of the sets made of Pure Nickel and see if that helps.

 

Finally, my 150 Ultra came to me modded with Graphtech string saddles. No breakage. No tone deterioration that I can tell.

[tommy jo cote]

Thank you, Friend, for your kind advise. I am grateful. The strings that break are mostly E and B, but have had some G and D breakage also, hence my confusion. I will try the other strings, any opinion on going to 11s??

[big bob]

send it to me. I'll fix her right up for ya! should only take about 6 months

[pushover]

If it makes you feel better.. I keep breaking my g-string

[big bob]

If it makes you feel better.. I keep breaking my g-string

 

I'll do one better at the pspII, I broke my A-string.. ouch!

[cod65]

I have a roller bridge on my 140. no string breaky

[brentrocks]

I have a roller bridge on my 140. no string breaky

 

yup....that is another nice thing about the Schaller bridges

[tulk1]

I'll do one better at the pspII, I broke my A-string.. ouch!

And with a loud SNAP!!!! IIRC.

 

And on the string breakage, it's always been either a burr in the saddle (most likely) or poorly wrapped ends (cheap strings) for me. Well, once I broke a B bending it to the low E, but that was what I was trying to do. That one slapped me silly when it broke.

[mars_hall]

I agree with the burr at the inset being the likely cause of your problem. Try dragging the loosened string back and forth through the slot to clear the burr or cutting edge.

 

If you have an extreme problem, you could change the insets to String Savers, depending on your bridge.

 

http://www.graphtech.com/products.html?CategoryID=3

 

 

Going to a higher gauge string likely will mean adjusting the height up slightly followed by moving the insets for intonation. You can probably do this yourself. Just read up, apply normal playing pressure to the 12th fret with the guitar in the normal playing position (usually the hanging position of a strapped guitar) and use a decent tuner to see the slight differences between the open and fretted notes. Move the inset screws in small increments. You can do it.

[Saminc]

I recently was given a 1970 FG-150 12 string. Beautiful tone; not that impressed with Matons' consistency these days. I'd tell him to look for a good used one.

[Millennium Maestro]

My suggestion would be to install 13's on the guitar and never break a string again... Just joking!!

 

Guy

[Thundersteel]

I concur. There must be a burr or rough edge or something that is causing the strings to break. I've NEVER had that problem on ANY guitar I've had, so that must be the reason.

 

I'll do one better at the pspII, I broke my A-string.. ouch!

 

That's what you get when you play Judas Priest on a semi-hollow!

[Peter Cl]

My suggestion would be to install 13's on the guitar and never break a string again... Just joking!!

 

Guy

 

My 150 is usually strung 13-56. Plays great!

 

Years ago, when it still had the original roller saddles, I used to string it lighter for Rock 'n Roll and the top E would not stop breaking.

I installed String Savers and they worked great. I haven't bothered to change back since.