S I T strings breaking

[Doug Beaumier]

Lots of experience, Larry.

[Dave Mudgett]

I definitely try to stair-step windings like Doug shows here to put the break-off point well away from the tuner hole, and hopefully in-line with the nut slot. I think this is especially important for E9 3rd string G#.

But that has nothing to do with a string breaking at the changer, or anyplace besides at the tuner. As stated, since this is happening serially for a lot of people, the issue is probably due to a bad batch of strings.

Not related to this string breakage issue, but - I used SIT strings for electric guitar for many years until I measured the core of the wound strings with a micrometer, and found they tended to be thinner than other brands I sometimes used. Not necessarily bad - some people like a lighter feel. But I prefer more pushback. Hell, even my Teles have 12-52 with an plain 20 gauge 3rd string G anymore. And on pedal steel, a lighter core will generally give a lighter resistance, but require more throw (other variables the same). I generally prefer a bit shorter throw and am OK with a bit more resistance.

BTW - I've been using juststrings bulk singles for years - mostly as spares or alternate gauges for pedal steel. But I frequently make up full sets for guitar, slide guitar, and nonpedal steel - I often use non-standard gauge sets. I have had zero issues with them. Their adverts state that they're US-made, so that limits the number of possible actual string winding companies to a handful. I have always suspected GHS, but it could be one of the other big winders. And I suppose it's possible that they may change sources sometimes - again, they're very tight-lipped about it (as they should be), so nobody really knows for sure. But I just haven't had problems with them - certainly nothing out of the ordinary with respect to the many well-known brands I've used.

[Dennis Detweiler]

several decades ago, the word was, there were only three string manufacturers. Squire was one of them. I can't remember the others? All brands were made by one of the three manufacturers. When high quality stainless steel wasn't available, you got the bad batches for a while. I got caught up in the GHS bad batches.

[Brooks Montgomery]

BTW, I reached out to SIT and mentioned they might want to monitor this thread and take care of any complaints, and Tim from SIT immediately wrote back,

“Thanks for reaching out. We are working on this. Thanks for the heads up. Quality is our number one concern so it's always good to know if there are some complaints out there so we can handle it. Let me know if you had any issues and we can take care of that.”

[Travis Bubenik]

I wonder if this "bad batch" theory has anything to do with why I've been suddenly, inexplicably feeling just way more drag on my strings lately...I pretty much only use SITs and even when new they've generally felt smooth and fine after a couple days of wearing them in, but over the last few weeks I've tried a couple new sets that just do not feel right. Almost scratchy in places...I dunno. I could also be imaging things and blaming my poor technique on anything other than myself, lol.

[Ken Metcalf]

Hello Ken,
Today I mailed you some .011 gauge strings. When you get time, could you provide me with feedback on how they preform for you?
I appreciate you bringing to our attention about the string breaking issue.
This is a serious matter for us and we want to get it corrected.
If you have any questions you can email me direct.

Thank you,
Eddie Speedy
President
S.I.T. String Co. Inc,
330-434-9729
www.sitstrings.com

[Jon Jaffe]

I always use SIT strings, and since the 1980s, I have used 012 for the G# string on both of my guitars. I do not have a problem with string breakage. SIT has an excellent website for ordering custom sets and delivering them promptly.

[Jack Stoner]

I had a problem with SIT .011's about a year ago. Bought some new sets from Juststrings. The .011's sounded tinny and weak. Tried the .011 from the 4 sets I had and they all sounded the same. Measured all 4 with a micrometer and it they were .009. I had some single George L's .011 strings and they measured .011. Put one on the guitar and problem gone.

Contacted SIT and short story they sent me 4 new sets plus a dozen .011 strings for my trouble.

[Ken Metcalf]

www.sitstrings.com

[Ken Metcalf]

I emailed JustStrings and then SIT explaining the situation and included links to these forum subjects.
JustStrings said the strings were old.
SIT apologized even though they knew I had purchased through JustStrings and sent me 20 SIT 11s.
I will be purchasing strings through SIT direct and dropping JustStrings.

Thank You SIT
https://sitstrings.com/

[Jack Hargraves]

I've been using SIT strings on my pedal steel for years,(literally) and have never had a string break. I play a lot too.

[Richard Sinkler]

Worst strings ever! I HATE them. Even Ernie Balls (also bad) are better than these junk strings.

[Ken Metcalf]

I have used S.I.T. strings for more than a few years.
It seems like a bad batch from who ever is the bulk manufacturer.
There also have been similar complaints with other brands.
S.I.T. does not sell bulk strings by the dozen to my knowledge except for one string per package for 99 cents each.
My mistake was stating that because I bought S.I.T. string sets with JustStrings bulk strings at $3.00 per dozen from Just Strings.
I assumed the bulk strings were S.I.T. when in fact they were not.
Who makes which bulk batch is a slippery slope.
Click below.
https://tinyurl.com/BulkStrings

[Damien Odell]

Same issue for me with SIT recently. I was playing at a music festival and went through nearly 15 x .011's on both my Mullen RP and BMI keyless. I changed to D'Addario NYXL and haven't had a problem since. That was very inconvenient. I now have a permanent phobia of tuning the 3rd G# string to pitch as a result

[Jon Jaffe]

This topic is like your favorite pizza. I haven't had any problems with SIT strings. I have used .012 on my G# since Jeff Newman recommended it in the 1970s or early 1980s. I have tried D'Addario NYXL strings but have found them dull. Maybe that's because they're nickel instead of stainless steel. I have a pile of them in the corner for sale—cheap, cheap, cheap.

Now, here's my choice in pizza. I like New York-style foldable and greasy. My favorite toppings include pepperoni, onion, and anchovies.