Snapping strings

[Phillip Leggett]

Hi everyone, I have a Zum Steel Stage One and the third string (B pedal) seems to be breaking quite frequently. This is the third one but I’ve snapped in about two months.

I’m using D’Addario NYXL strings gauge 12.

It seems to be snapping at the ball end by the changer. I don’t see why a string should be snapping this frequently. Any help would be appreciated!

[Phillip Leggett]

Okay, on close inspection there seems to be very slight grooves in the changer… Do you think these could be buffed out?

[Jerry Overstreet]

I would defer to Doug Earnest concerning an acceptable frequency of string breakage on those guitars, but I'll say that one 3rd. string a month is not uncommon for a lot of guitars if you are playing a lot, like 3 or 4 hours every day.

Concerning the grooves on the changer fingers, do yourself a favor and do a search on this board for this issue. There have been many discussions covering methods and cautions on doing this. Good luck and happy picking.

[Larry Dering]

I have polished out that type grove with metal polish and a soft cloth. Important to follow the curve of the finger to avoid flat spots. I'm sure a search will offer other suggestions. I own a stage one and haven't experienced any excessive string breaking. Make sure there's no sharp edges at the break point of the string causing it. There was a discussion on bad batches of strings not long ago.

[Ian Rae]

I wonder if 12 is a bit heavy
11 is more usual and needs less tension

[Samuel Phillippe]

I am using 12s and like the tone.......I changed for tone not because of breakage although it does help.

Sam

[Ken Metcalf]

Buy strings made for Steel guitar.
I use these for my 3rd strings.

[Phillip Leggett]

Thanks for the advice, everyone!