[Ophidian]

I'm breaking the b and high e strings all the time on my MIM Tele. Right now I'm using 9-46's. I'm thinking of going back to 10's but I like the 9-46's. I'm going to get new saddles first. Any idea's on which brand to get?

 

[PaulS]

Probably most would say the compensated saddles, there is Wilkinson,Callaham and a few others to choose from, and in brass.

 

[bogoboy]

Try heavier gauge strings, 10's or 11's (you will have to adjust the neck to compensate for the extra tension).

Bogoboy

 

[elindso]

Where do the strings break.

I have an older Tele. I can't remember ever breaking a string on it.

 

[nine]

I'm guessing that some of the saddles probably have burrs or sharp edges on them. Give them a little filing to smooth them out.

 

[SCREEM]

I'm guessing that some of the saddles probably have burrs or sharp edges on them. Give them a little filing to smooth them out.

+1............

 

[david henman]

I'm guessing that some of the saddles probably have burrs or sharp edges on them. Give them a little filing to smooth them out.

...there's your answer.

-dh

 

[Milkman]

...there's your answer.

-dh

True, but a file is a bit drastic.

Emery cloth or fine sandpaper is a more gentle solution.

 

[Ophidian]

I'll try smoothing out the saddles first. And yes the string is breaking at the bridge.

 

[Milkman]

I'll try smoothing out the saddles first. And yes the string is breaking at the bridge.

That will almost definitely solve the problem. It's like magic, LOL.

 

[Tarbender]

After the emery cloth or sandpaper try putting a very small drop of Nut Sauce on the saddle... or get a set of graphite saddles which is propably your most expensive option.

 

[david henman]

After the emery cloth or sandpaper try putting a very small drop of Nut Sauce on the saddle... or get a set of graphite saddles which is propably your most expensive option.

...i use graph tech saddles, and highly recommend them as a solution for string breakage at the bridge. they also enhance tuning stability.

they will, however, darken your tone somewhat, although that is not neccessarily a bad thing.

-dh

 

[elindso]

Tele tones are really bright, how much would it darken them.

Not neccessarily a bad thing as mentioned above.

 

[Ophidian]

Ok update. Replaced the strings on Tuesday took a fine sandpaper to the saddles everything looked great. The saddles are alot smoother. The new strings lasted 5 days about 6-7 hours of playing. It just broke on me today. The b string at the bridge. I'm off to the guitar store for some new bridges I hope they have it and I think I'm going to pick up some 11's while I'm at it. Hopefully it fixes my problem.

 

[bRian]

How old is the guitar? The saddles on the ones I've seen from 2000 and on are very smooth, chrome plated. Check for a burr in the nut slots too.

 

[Ophidian]

It's a 2006. No luck on getting some new saddle so I'll have to order some in.