Third string breaking on re-stringing

Sam Inglis · From: United Kingdom

The last couple of times I have re-strung my MSA, I've blown through three or four third strings. Aftre I have re-string the guitar, the B pedal is way out of whack on the third string, and tries to raise it by a much larger interval than a semitone, and snaps it. So I back off the adjuster and re-string again. Then the adjuster seems to sit just short of a half tone raise for several turns and by the time it's dialled in again it is probably back where it started with the old strings. Any idea what's going on?

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Your replacement strings are probably mis-labeled and actually heavier gauge than indicated.

Sam Inglis · From: United Kingdom

I guess that's possible, but I bought a few sets at a time, same make, same gauges and so on.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Make sure the 3rd string isn't overtuned. Back off the raise nut before you install the string, then tune the string to pitch with the tuning key and gradually turn the raise nut til the pedal gets to pitch. If the string stops raising, you have either run out of threads for the tuning nut, or the string needs more travel.

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

Where is the string breaking?
Could be just a group of bad strings. If the guitar has a key head, If the string is breaking at the key shaft, A rough spot on edge of string through hole could be problem.

If the guitar has a key head, Cut string long enough to wrap enough turns on key shaft to get off the through hole, And onto solid smooth shaft.

Good Luck finding a cure, Happy Steelin.

Sam Inglis · From: United Kingdom

Thanks, the strings have been breaking at or behind the nut. I don't think it's either an issue with the strings or the nut. It's that somehow the exact same setup that produces a half tone raise with the old strings suddenly tries to do a much larger raise when the string is changed.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Odd behavior for sure. Must be a changer, finger, scissors issue. Which era of MSA do you have?

Make sure there's nothing in there such as a string ball end or other obstruction.

Dan Beller-McKenna · From: Durham, New Hampshire, USA

Sam Inglis · From: United Kingdom

Henry Matthews · From: Texarkana, Ark USA

I believe the keyhead hole where string goes may have a burr or sharp edge somewhere.
_________________
Henry Matthews

D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes.

Johnie King · From: Tennessee, USA

Might need to tighten the lower return spring just a little .
The lower return spring may be pulling away from lower return stop when you depress the pedal

Some model steels it’s as simple as tightening the lower return springs, other model steels a person needs too shorten the string by cutting a loop or two off
An reform another loop.

Sometimes the wheels on the key head freeze up.
Clean the nut axel an lightly lube.

An a batch of bad strings might be the culprit!

A dirty changer axel can Also cause problems.

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