Keep popping 3rd G# string on E9

Josh Pierce · From: Wyoming, USA

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 · From: Florida and New Jersey

Many old posts about SIT bad batch
_________________
Dave O'Brien
Emmons D-10, CMI D-10, Fender Deluxe Reverb, PV 112, Fender Pro Reverb
www.myspace.com/daveobrienband

Josh Pierce · From: Wyoming, USA

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 · From: Milton, FL USA

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?
_________________
AUTHORIZED George L's, Goodrich, Telonics and Peavey Dealer: I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables, Goodrich Baby Bloomer and Peavey Nashville 112. Can't get much sweeter.

Josh Pierce · From: Wyoming, USA

Bill Ferguson · From: Milton, FL USA

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
_________________
AUTHORIZED George L's, Goodrich, Telonics and Peavey Dealer: I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables, Goodrich Baby Bloomer and Peavey Nashville 112. Can't get much sweeter.

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

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 · From: Buckeye State

check for secure pedal stop , real important

Dave Meis · From: Olympic Peninsula, Washington, USA

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 · From: Wyoming, USA

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 · From: DuBois, PA

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.

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