Keep popping 3rd G# string on E9

[Josh Pierce]

Hey all,

Need some help here. I have a GFI Ultra S10 3x4 (which I’m wanting to sell or trade for a Mullen or Emmons SD 10 eventually) and I was playing the other day and popped the G# 3rd string. No big deal, I was due for strings anyway. So I restrung the whole guitar with strings I had in my steel seat. I get it strung up and play for a day and pop another G# string. Replace it and then it pops as soon as I get it tuned to G# and hit the B pedal. So I put a new string on and tune it to D, hit the B pedal and it was going to E. Figured I found the problem so I adjusted the tuning nut as I tuned it up from D to G#, pushing the pedal along the way to make sure it’s only raising 1/2 step and not pulling too much tension on the string. As soon as I get it to G#, I step on the pedal and the string breaks again. I checked under the body to see if anything was hanging up or sticking in the mechanics and can’t see anything working out of the normal. Just tried replacing it again and really taking the time to tune it up slow (tune the string to D, then E, etc) making sure the pedal only was raising it 1/2 step. Soon as I tuned it to G# and stepped on the pedal, string broke again.

I’m about at my wits end with this and can’t figure out why it keeps popping. The only other piece of this puzzle is my brand new strings I’m using were bought in 2022 (I used to play in a band regularly and bought strings in bulk. Still have some and they have always been kept in good climate in my steel seat). Do strings go bad from just sitting in a steel seat?

So other than the strings going bad, any other thoughts as to what would be causing this?

Thanks!
Josh

[Dave O'Brien]

Many old posts about SIT bad batch

[Josh Pierce]

So the question is, do strings go bad over 2-3 years? In which case I should just throw the rest out. Or do I go through and see if there is a string in the packs that I have that will hold up?

[Bill Ferguson]

I would suspect the old strings.
That being said, have you ever had this problem in the past?
And where does the string break, ie, tuning key end or changer end?

[Josh Pierce]

I would suspect the old strings.
That being said, have you ever had this problem in the past?
And where does the string break, ie, tuning key end or changer end?

String is breaking on the tuning key end. I’ve had this problem before, but it’s been a long time and it wasn’t to this extent. Wrote it off then as a bad string.

[Bill Ferguson]

If it is at the tuning key, I would also check the hole in the tuning key for a burr.
This is a very common problem.
The edge of the hole gets sharp over time when replacing strings and it can actually cut the string.

Also, be sure not to wrap the string over itself on the tuning key.

Give these a try

[Bobby D. Jones]

If string is breaking at the Cap Span shaft on the tuner, Check both ends of cross hole for burrs.

Cut the string long enough, So there is enough wraps on the shaft, To cross the hole and have at least 1 wrap on the full smooth shaft. When string reaches open tuning note.

Wind string on shaft smooth and even. Do not cross wrap the string over itself.Crossing a string over its self, Puts all stress on string in one small area. When the B pedal is engaged the string can break.

Be Careful, A new string breaking at the key head is dangerous.

[Bob Cox]

check for secure pedal stop , real important

[Dave Meis]

The Mullen site has a video on winding the 3rd string in their 'how to' section. It's been working for me for years. Maybe give it a watch..I agree with approaching it a half step at a time and holding the B pedal down for a few seconds at each step, then tuning the final step to A with the pedal down. Hope this helps...

[Josh Pierce]

Lots of great advice here, thanks all for sharing! I’m going on a family trip for a week then will give these a try and let you know how it turns out.

[Larry Phleger]

I had that problem with my Mullen PRP U12. I talked with the late Herby Wallace about it. He told me to be sure to put 12 wraps around the cap span with string 3. Haven't had any problems since I started doing that.

[Vicente Saenz]

I've popped 4 G# strings in a row (S.I.T) and after seeing others opinions I used a .12 gauge instead of the .11 thats meant for the 3rd string and it worked first try.

[Dave Magram]

If string is breaking at the Cap Span shaft on the tuner, Check both ends of cross hole for burrs.

I think someone meant "capstan"...

From Wikipedia: Tuning Machines, Tuning Pegs
Traditionally, a single machine head consists of a cylinder or capstan, mounted at the center of a pinion gear, a knob or "button" and a worm gear that links them.
The capstan has a hole through the far end from the gear, and the string is made to go through that hole, and is wrapped around the capstan.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_head

Google: A capstan is a machine that raises and moves heavy objects, such as anchors and cargo, by rotating a vertical drum and applying force to ropes.

- Dave

[Jim Palenscar]

There was a recent time when the strings were simply bad and this happens occasionally. Try Ernie Ball .011's.

[Patrick Edwards]

I buy SIT strings from the forum store ; The most inexpensive at $7.50 per set .But then replace the third string 11 with a GHS 0111/2 for a dollar more.
I use the “Carter “ method for installation (a lot of wraps past the hole)
I’ve been doing this on my GFI sd10 for years with no problem.
YMMV hope you solve your problem soon .

[Tony Dingus]

I had this problem on both push pulls I had. I switched the 3rd string tuning key with the 5th string tuning key and that solved my problem.

Tony

[Josh Pierce]

Well I had to take a 6 month hiatus from my guitar, but finally got back to this. I was able to find exact replacements for the tuning nuts (was out of stock up until recently). I just replaced them and solved the problem. Kept the kind of strings and everything. I used the magnifier app on my phone to look at the old one and sure enough it had grooves and edges wore into it.
On a different approach, I was kind of proud I had played it enough to wear out a set of these!
Thanks all for the help!

[Tim Harr]

I have changed to a .012 for the 3rd string and it behaves much better. No breakage and it stays in tune really really well. I am using the D’Addario NYXL strings.

[ajm]

Josh wrote: "I was able to find exact replacements for the tuning nuts......"

Just to be clear, I believe that he meant to say tuning KEYS, not nuts.
(It was only when I logged in to post this reply that I saw the picture.)