View Full Version : whether-neck-tension change- causing breakage?
could a change in temp/humidity create differences in my mando and cause string breakage more often when playing. could an adjustment of the truss rod be of use to help with this. been breaking strings more often, i don't believe it is a burr as it is not just one specific string. the a and d courses are the primary culprits.
truss rod adjustment?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif would that be a turn to the left or right>? (willing to learn, but not much in the way of even minor do it yourself stuff- though this issue has gotten me pretty good at string changing).
thanks,
ira
JiminRussia
Jun-06-2004, 5:34pm
If the neck is straight LEAVE THE TRUSS ROD ADUSTMENT ALONE!!! The purpose of the truss rod is to take bow out of the neck should it develop. Sight down the neck, and see if it is straiht. The truss rod adjustmnt itself is a very delicate thing 1/4 turn will prouce a dramatic change in he shape of the neck. Also it takes at least one day for the neck to completely settle in to it's new shape after an adjustment. It is pretty easy to do some serious dammage to your mando playing around with the truss rod adjustment, so I would recomend that you take it to a competent Luthier or this.
Steve L
Jun-07-2004, 3:18am
Where are the strings breaking? If it's right at the nut or the bridge saddle it could well be a burr. If you've been trying to bevel your picks with a file, you could be snagging the string on a rough bit of the pick. You might even have a bad batch of strings...rare, but it happens.
I'm with Jim...I wouldn't monkey with the truss rod if I were you.
Bob DeVellis
Jun-07-2004, 5:18am
Weather changes should not cause string breakage. Also, I can't imagine why the truss rod setting would cause breakage. Basically, the three usual suspects are: (1) incorrect tuning, (2) defective/inappropriate strings, (3) shearing force on the string due to too sharp an edge at some contact point. Examples of #3 are sharp edges on the holes in the tuner posts, at the nut, at the saddle, or at the tailpiece. A tip that it's #3 is that the strings should be breaking at the same place. If they're breaking in the middle, #1 or #2 are more likely.
Big Joe
Jun-07-2004, 6:26am
Weather changes will not cause string breakage. It could be a bur on the nut or saddle or tuner or tailpiece. That is far, far more likely. Or, you could be using bad strings or really poor picking technique. I opt for the bur on one of the parts.
could be the picking technique- could you give an example of techniques that may cause breakage. i play alot of rock and roll and can at times, especially when playing out, get a little more vigorous in my playing.