Changing 3rd string from .011 to .012

[Joseph Lazo]

The third string snapped the other day and I went to get a replacement. All the shop had was a .012. I put it on and tuned it at the key. When I was tuning to the raised note, it snapped. I didn't even get it all the way from G# to A.

So, my question is this: Can I go up one string gauge, as I attempted to do, without making some adjustment in the undercarriage? I've got a set of E9 strings with a .012 3rd on order and don't want to flub this again.

[Pat Chong]

I've used a .012 for 3rd string for a long time without snapping. A smaller string needs more stretching to reach the note than a larger string. Even though .011 isn't much smaller than .012, it might apply. Check your tuning as you press the pedal or lever. The break may have been caused by overstretching or simply a bad batch of strings......Pat

[Tucker Jackson]

Hi, Joseph.

Yes, should be able to switch a 3rd string from an .011 to a .012 with no problem. As Pat said, you might have just gotten a bad string (it occassionly happens in runs of strings), so try again with another string, preferably from a different manufacturing run. Try a different store or brand.

When tuning the pedaled note up to "A," you will need to back off of the tuning nut a little bit. A thicker string requires less travel than a thinner one to hit a given target note. Back off that nut before stepping on the pedal for the first time to tune it.

Did the string break right at the tuning post? Be sure and measure off about 5 inches beyond the 3rd string's post before cutting the string. The reason: when a 3rd string is tuned up, you want a bunch of extra wraps on the tuning post -- enough wraps such that the point where the string exits the post is not over the hole. Sometimes, the edge of a hole can be sharp enough to create a future failure-point as the 'weakest link in the chain'. This is really only an issue on a 3rd string -- and it doesn't happen that often, but it costs you nothing to safeguard.

[Joseph Lazo]

Tucker, thanks! I did have what I believe to be an ample amount of wraps around the tuner post (which is where the string broke), but I recall that when I had finished wrapping the post the string was right near the hole...maybe even right above it. I didn't like the look of it, but the string made a direct line from the tuner post to the nut, so I didn't think it would be a problem. Now I know!

I ordered a 6-pack of .011 strings last night just to play it safe.

[Dave Meis]

There's a good video on the Mullen site for stringing a third string. When I'm stringing the third string, I press the B pedal and take it up to F#.. you can watch the note drop on the tuner as you hold the pedal down..it'll fade a lot. Work the pedal a few times, then press B and take it G, G#, then A, working the pedal a few times at each increment. Seeing how much the string stretches at each note, you can see how going straight to G# and mashing the pedal with the string un-stretched, it's trying to go to C or C#. I've been using .012s for years, and really prefer the sound.
Hope this helps...

[Jon Light (deceased)]

Only thing I'll add is that while yes, you will need to tune the 3rd string B pedal for the different gauge string, the amount of difference is not so much that there is any danger that an un-adjusted pull would be sharp enough to break the string. It's not like it's pulling to A#.

[Joseph Lazo]

Dave, thanks! I like that string stretching routine a lot. Will try it next time.

After I put on a string, I always stretch it by lightly tugging upward at several points along the fretboard before even starting to tune.

[Joseph Lazo]

Got my .011 singles tonight and am pleased to report I got one on and tuned up with no breakage!

[Dave Meis]

Got my .011 singles tonight and am pleased to report I got one on and tuned up with no breakage!

Now get to work!

[Roger Crawford]

I think that you would enjoy the difference a 12 would make if it hadn’t broken. Keep that in mind next time you replace an 11.

[Joseph Lazo]

Roger, yeah, pretty sure I'd like the .012 better. I tend to like thicker strings...and fatter sound!

I ordered the Jagwire E9 set with the .012 3rd and another couple strings that are a little bigger.

[Samuel Phillippe]

imho the suggestion to me to change to .012 was the best advice given to me.
Not omly less breakage but also better tone.

Sam