Breaking Strings

[77640]

I'm a Series I Owner (77-640). I have been breaking my rotosounds. Nothing new really, I've had the bass for several years and they always seem to break at the bridge right where the string comes over the saddle (nut side of the saddle). I notice it is squared-off there. ie sharp edges as opposed to curved where it seems to me would be a little kinder on the string. any comments? I thought about tenderly and slightly rounding off the edge with a small file. Then of course re-set the harmonics. What do you think?

[2400wattman]

Mark, it sounds like you know what to do and that should fix your problem. Just be careful not to file away too much as you could file it down low enough to screw up your string height in relation to your othe strings. Take care!

[crgaston]

May I recommend, instead of a file, a toothpick or other small, rounded object wrapped in 600 grit sandpaper?
 
Actually, you don't even need the object...just tear off a 3-4 inch by 1-2 inch piece(depending on which saddle you're working on) and roll it into a tube that fits your slot.  Then rub it back and forth in a shoe-shine motion over the corner only.  It'll knock the sharpness right off for you.
 
(Message edited by crgaston on October 15, 2006)
 
(Message edited by crgaston on October 15, 2006)

[olieoliver]

Good idea Charles.

[David Houck]

How long between breaks?
 
I break D strings, and right at the bridge.  There's a thread around here somewhere wherein I discuss this, with some nice photos.   I purchased a needle file and, with the aid of a lamp mounted magnifying glass, carefully smoothed the saddle.
 
In my case it made no difference.  I break strings because I play light strings very aggressively.

[David Houck]

If it's any help, here is the earlier thread.  Quite a detailed thread.  But again, in my case it wasn't the saddle or the strings, it's the fingers.