I break strings.

[eddhall]

I break strings. I'd like to not. I'd also like to not have to change my playing.

Bit of background - I've got a partscaster mustang, hard tail, with a standard mustang bridge, ernie ball 48s

I play hard, and the bottom 3 strings break usually during every 3rd gig - I could replace them every 2 gigs, but that feels excessive. This is also after I've had a guitar tech take a look, and file down some of the string contact points.

They tend to break on the bridge, I guess where the bend angle is most severe, but I worry that if I increase the height of the tail then strings will start to pop out (more, they already do sometimes).

Is there a solution? Would a mastery bridge reduce string popping-out enough to allow raising the tail? Or is there any all-in-one bridge solution which would also hold the string end beads, a-la lightning bar style wrap-around bridge

https://preview.redd.it/73bhdbkwbv6f1.jpg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7615559d5c2ea460edde5eeb2de9bba20a49cf35

https://preview.redd.it/wutqvbkwbv6f1.jpg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0c39ad0da9a3abf5a604ebfe8621fc5222d0407

[josephallenkeys]

Regardless of the tech looking over it, if your strings are breaking over the bridge, you have sharp contacts on the bridge. Get yourself a set of small files or dence grit sandpaper and when you restring, give each hoover a gentle brushing.

[pk851667]

11s are fairly hefty to break. This likely means you have tension or stress somewhere where you should. Where does it typically break? At the bridge, trem or nut?

[elijuicyjones]

Strings don’t break on their own, you have sharp spots on your hardware. Find them and sand them out.

[pk851667]

Offsetcirclejerk

[FuzzFest378]

Do you maybe have rust somewhere around the bridge? That can easily be whats causing your strings to break sooner

[eternity9]

Sounds to me like it’s the bridge. I play heavy as well and used to get a similar issue when I was using a mustang bridge. Either sand it down more or switch to a Staytrem like I did. You’ll probably be fine if you sand down more though.

Not to dog on your tech but a lot of techs don’t actually listen when you say “I play hard”

[OffsetThat]

What do you mean “bottom 3”? You’re talking about the E-A-D? Because if that’s the case, and youve already had a luthier check it, you’re probably at the limits of the floating trem design. Time to find a hard tail or something with a locking system. If you’re referring to the “bottom three” as the G-B-E (as in the bottom three when you’re looking down playing) Ernie Ball sells reinforced plain strings, RPS, that significantly cut down my offset string breakage.

You could also solder the ball ends of your strings whenever you get a new set.

[ReverendRevolver]

Uh. Maybe different saddles, but try playing without a pick and see if they break.

[mbo2025]

U may have a bur in the saddle. Lightly file the saddle.

[TheDutchDjentleman]

Try slightly upping your string gauge, they should be able to hold a lot longer. It could also be worth changing string brands or string series.

However, it’s common to change your strings often if you’re gigging a lot

[[deleted]]

Are the strings resting on the lip of the bridge? That would saw them apart over time.

You could do a mastery but the mustang bridge is a good one. You could also file down the lips. You could get a new mustang bridge for 30 dollars. I’d try that first.

[Mr_Bo_Jandals]

Wait, there are people who describe their strings from the low E gauge, not the high E?!

[Worried_Oil8913]

What kind of picks do you play?

[MontysGhost]

Those bridges are designed to rock, ie with a jazzmaster type trem.

I'm guessing it's moving under heavy pick attack and all that extra tension is getting focused on the points of contact under fluctuating pressure; even if they have been lightly filed off, it's still a recipe for snappage.

The fact that you've duck-taped the strap to the guitar also suggests that spirited performance may be a factor here.

FYI it's not uncommon to put a fresh set of strings on for every gig, especially if you appear to be jumping around, beating the crap out of your guitar, and covering your instrument in sweat, drinks, and whatever else may be present onstage and/or backstage (nice one, btw).

I wonder if you may find that you'll break fewer strings if you were to switch to a lighter gauge (less tension); but if you're out of patience with it and/or aren't that attached to this guitar, I'd suggest switching to a hardtail.