Understanding and Reducing Guitar String Breakage: Tips and Tricks

As a seasoned guitarist with over 60 years of experience, I can attest that while guitar strings 'die' more often due to factors like dirt, rust, lost elasticity, wear of the winding, unintended use, and other wear and tear, the issue of string breakage is a very specific concern.

Common Causes of String Breakage

Typically, the thinner and unwound strings are more prone to breaking. This is often the result of the string coming into contact with a sharp edge, a burr, or other types of sharp surfaces, which can cause the string to fail over time due to the cutting action. In contrast, thick wound strings are more protected because their windings shield the delicate core, making it less susceptible to breaking.

Locating the Breakage Point

When a string breaks, it usually occurs directly at the saddle. Less commonly, it can occur at the tremolo fulcrum plate (if the guitar is equipped with an electric tremolo) or near the machine head tuners. By identifying the precise location of the break, you can take steps to prevent future breakages.

Deburring and Smooth Contact Points

Deburring and smoothing out sharp and jagged contact points around the breakage location can significantly reduce the likelihood of future breakages. Tools like abrasive cord, sold by Stewart MacDonald and others, can be helpful. However, a simple method is to use old broken strings or fine files to rework snag points. I have found that by doing this, the lifespan of new strings can be increased by about threefold before they break. Even with good tools, a second pass might be necessary, but often, just one pass does the trick.

String Attachment Techniques

Reviewing your string attachment techniques, especially for the tuning pegs, is crucial. Ensure you have the correct number of wraps to achieve tuning stability while reducing stress and fatigue on the strings. Some useful resources include YouTube tutorials from Stringjoy, Fender, Taylor, and other repair experts. These tutorials can help you track down and smooth out string break points, such as those at the saddle or other critical parts of the guitar.

Conclusion

Effective guitar string maintenance is key to preventing costly and frustrating breakages that can disrupt your playing experience. Follow these tips to ensure your guitar stays in top condition and your strings last longer.

Additional Resources

String Joy: Guitar String Maintenance Tutorial Fender: Stringing and Tuning Your Guitar Taylor Guitar: How to String a Guitar