Frequent string breakage - any suggestions?

english_bob · December 2014

I'm having serious problems with string breakage on an old MIK Avalon dread. Always the G and D strings, always at the bridge, and always within a few weeks of fitting (only a few playing hours). The guitar is only played once or twice a week or less and stored in a Hiscox hard case the rest of the time.

The obvious culprit would be the bridge (stock plastic compensated saddle), but I can't feel any rough spots- should I be able to?

Other than that, what else could be causing it? I use a very heavy pick (V-Picks 2.75mm) and a fairly heavy right hand, but I've been playing like that for years with no problems except when strings were visibly worn out already. I've been using Fender Dura-Tone strings, but I think I switched to those before I started having problems.

Do I just start a process of elimination until I find something that makes a difference, or is there a better way to get to the root of the problem?

How easy is it for a layman with no specialist luthierin' tools to fit a new bridge saddle on an acoustic and come out with a playable instrument?

lincolnblue · December 2014

I had the exact same problem on my Breedlove a few years ago. I ended up filing the bridge slightly where the G string went over it to create a tiny groove for it. That seemed to make a big difference. Just be careful and do very small file movement as you don't want to over do it.

It's worth looking at strings too. I love Elixirs and still use them on my Breedlove as it's now retired to home/recording use. But, my Faith, which I play at church twice every Sunday I use D'Addario strings. They have a slightly different tone, but I have found they last longer - 6 weeks rather than 4 weeks.

ICBM · December 2014

Usually plastic saddles do get indented by the strings and this can cause a tiny sharp spot.

It's very unlikely you need a new bridge saddle. All it should need is polishing with a small piece of fine sandpaper (somewhere between 300 and about 1000 grit should be OK) to make sure it's completely smooth.

english_bob · December 2014

Marvellous. I'll dig out my finest sandpaper. Is there any benefit to switching the bridge for a "better" bone or tusq one? Tuning stability is fine, tone is too. Or would that be a waste of time unless I replaced the nut too?

MattFGBI · December 2014

If the tone is fine then stick with what you have until it either wears out or you feel it could be better. Bone saddles do make a difference but that will vary from guitar to guitar. You often need a few changes (nut, saddle, bridge pins etc) for it to add up to a real difference.

As ICBM says, it's probably just a rough edge and once that's gone you should be good for a while.

english_bob · December 2014

OK. Replaced the most recent breakage (G) during the week (left the rest as only just re-strung the thing a week or two ago and barely put any wear on the strings yet), sanded down the bridge saddle with 600 grit paper until I couldn't even feel the tiny dents I was sure were too small to do any damage to anything.

Guitar survived its outing on Sunday morning without incident. We continue...

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Frequent string breakage - any suggestions?

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