Strings breaking

Jasaoke · Post by **Jasaoke** » Wednesday Oct 13, 2010

I have an Epiphone Fying V (Les Paul hardware) that keeps breaking strings. I recently switched out the Tune-o-matic, thinking that I had a burr on the saddle. This didn't help at all. The strings keep breaking at the saddle. Can anyone tell me what I might be missing?

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Wednesday Oct 13, 2010

I always had that problem and found the solution a few years ago with GraphTech String Saver saddles. They really do work:

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

You can get the most common sets for Tune-O-Matic for $25 and lower. I have them on all my adjustable bridges...even replaced the stock saddles on a Pigtail Adjustable Wraparound.

Jasaoke · Post by **Jasaoke** » Wednesday Oct 13, 2010

I've read about them but been skeptical. Thanks for the advice. Seems a very reasonable price, too.

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Thursday Oct 14, 2010

You want to be careful to get the right model. They have charts on the website and you can also email them if your aren't sure.

I think the Epi hardware is one of the common ones.

tonefight · Post by **tonefight** » Thursday Oct 14, 2010

I'll second the graph techs but also wanna mention a few years back I was having problems with strings breaking. Quit using Ernie Balls and very rarely break a string now. Not sure what strings you are using but you could try changing brands.

Jasaoke · Post by **Jasaoke** » Friday Oct 15, 2010

I've been using D'Addario for years and years solely for their longevity. Early in my guitar career, I experimented with a wide range of strings and gauges, looking for "my sound" and found out that the biggest differece I noticed (aside from playability of different gauges) was that the D'Addarios outlasted everything else hands down. Perhaps they've switched their formula? In any case, I've already ordered String Savers so we'll see how that goes. I'm intersted in the teflon idea. I suppose that the brass saddles and nickle/steel strings is one of those "disssimilar metal" situations that could lead to untimely corrosion of the string...

Jasaoke · Post by **Jasaoke** » Sunday Oct 24, 2010

Update! I put the String Savers on and noticed a significant improvement right away. (yeah, the life expectancy before them was only around 90 minutes for my D string!) The really didn't even sound too different. Thanks again!!