Help: Particular string keeps breaking on electric!

[s00p3rm4n]

My Frankensquierstrat's B string keeps breaking, right at the string saddle. It's starting to get expensive since I recently switched to Infeld strings (amazing!!!). Does that indicate that it isn't set-up properly, or is it something else?

Thanks in advance, slutz...

[BostonBassist]

Did you check the saddle to make sure you have no sharp edges? Even slightly sharp edge could cut it when it's vibrating. A couple strokes with a small file usually does the trick...

[Johnny Favorite]

[nigel saunders]

Originally Posted by BostonBassist

Did you check the saddle to make sure you have no sharp edges? Even slightly sharp edge could cut it when it's vibrating. A couple strokes with a small file usually does the trick...

I agree about the sharp bridge plus you could put some 'Nut Sauce" on as well.
cheers

[bencahill]

If you work a low-gauge wound string (.015 or so) back and forth in the saddle you can feel if it "sticks". Keep pulling it back and forth until the passage is smooth.A little more forgiving than filing.

[Blast9]

Another option - get some Graph Tech saddles - nice sustain, nice tone, no string breakage!

[Enginearing]

surprised it took 5 posts to get to graphite saddles...

[s00p3rm4n]

Thanks for the replies, all!

I did check the string saddle with a hand lens in decent light, and there were a few noticeable pits. I've got fine sandpaper and eliminated them - we'll see if I break that string again.

Will the graphite saddles necessarily give me more sustain (since I do, on occasion, enjoy a whammy or two)? And what do they do to the tone?

Speaking of improving my tone, I've got to recommend these g-d Infeld strings for electric guitar. Those German bastards apparently wrap their strings with magic (or Hitler's ashes, or something), and the strings give a noticeable increase in gain and evenness in tone. It's already inspired me to play with slightly less of each of my effects - and wayyy less compression. But they're expensive (like $10 a set IIRC) so you can understand my consternation in consistently breaking one of them. Anyway, thanks again slutz.

[Blast9]

I really like the tone of the graphite saddles! Big fat tone, somewhat like brass.

The sustain is noticeably more than other saddles (I have a strat and it is really noticable compared to the trad saddles)

[Tibbon]

Don't forget a #2 Pencil!

Seriously, anywhere the string touches, just take a pencil and rub it there until there's a bit of powder on the surface. They sell 'string graphite' stuff at the store, but a 5 cent pencil does the job the same.

Also use it in your nut, and under your string tree. Better sliding of the string will help prevent binding, breaking and will allow the guitar to tolerate harsh bends easier.

[dewey decibel]

Originally Posted by Tibbon

Don't forget a #2 Pencil!

Seriously, anywhere the string touches, just take a pencil and rub it there until there's a bit of powder on the surface. They sell 'string graphite' stuff at the store, but a 5 cent pencil does the job the same.

Also use it in your nut, and under your string tree. Better sliding of the string will help prevent binding, breaking and will allow the guitar to tolerate harsh bends easier.

+1. Anywhere the string touches anything....