Where a string breaks is a good clue to why.
- At the saddle or bridge: a sharp edge or burr on the saddle is a common culprit. Heavy picking and string fatigue concentrate stress there too.
- At the tuning post: usually caused by a kink or sharp bend during installation, or a rough edge on the post hole.
- At the nut: a nut slot that pinches the string can cause breakage or tuning trouble.
- Along the length: corrosion from sweat and humidity weakens old strings, so they're more likely to snap.
To reduce breakage:
- Install carefully. Avoid kinks and leave enough wraps on the post.
- Don't tune far above pitch.
- Change strings regularly, before corrosion sets in.
- Have a tech smooth any sharp saddles or nut slots.
Some strings simply work harder than others. On pedal steel, for example, the E9 3rd string fatigues and breaks more than any other.
Normal wear and breakage from use aren't defects. If you think a string failed because of a defect in materials or workmanship, our limited warranty covers that for 30 days from purchase. To file a claim, use the Submit Warranty Claim form on our Contact Us page and include where and when you bought the strings, plus photos if you can.