Breaking the A String

[ryrock]

I'm sure this has been discussed. I'm always breaking my A strings, primarily the lower one, and have noticed its always at the bridge. My right hand always rests on the bridge, and certainly my sweat could be causing the strings to fatigue. But it's always the A....

Any suggestions?

[LongBlackVeil]

most likely the slots at the bridge are the problem i think

[ryrock]

My thought too. How do you fix it? Should I have a luthier do it?

[bart mcneil]

No need to have a luthier do it. A small triangular file should widen the slot a bit so that it does not bind. But take care as you don't want to lower the string. Just widen the slot a tiny bit. You could also do it with a single edged razor blade or a sharp paring knife.

This is not an uncommon problem but it is no big deal to fix.

[LongBlackVeil]

No need to have a luthier do it. A small triangular file should widen it a bit so that it does not bind. But take care as you don't want to lower the string. Just widen the slot a tiny bit. You could also do it with a single edged razor blade or a sharp paring knife.

wouldnt it be better to use a round file? a knife or a triangular file would result in a sharp triangular slot

[George R. Lane]

If you know anyone who welds he will have a set of very small round files for cleaning a torch tip. I have used mine to cleanup bridge slots in the past.

[bart mcneil]

A sharp cornered V slot would work because string tension would keep it deep in the slot, but probably a sharper angled (narrower) slot would do fine as long as the string didn't bind. A round file slot might not keep in in proper position as well as a V slot in my opinion unless the round file was very small.

[yankees1]

If at the bridge then this is probably where the problem is.

[LongBlackVeil]

A sharp cornered V slot would work because string tension would keep it deep in the slot, but probably a sharper angled (narrower) slot would do fine as long as the string didn't bind. A round file slot might not keep in in proper position as well as a V slot in my opinion unless the round file was very small.

well yes, you certainly have to use a small file, you have to have the right tool for the job. A knife or a triangular file is the wrong tool here i think.

Would you cut nut slots like that? Then i cant see why you'd cut the bridge slots like that.

The slots should match the diamater of the string, and they should only be about half as deep as the strings. A rounder bottom will let the string slide more easily i think. You wouldnt want you strings to be held deep in a v shaped slot, because it would bind them up more

[JeffD]

My thought too. How do you fix it? Should I have a luthier do it?

I don't know about a luthier, but I would certainly get someone knowledgeable to look at it, if only to confirm that folks are on the right track.

Slot widening is irreversible - I don't do irreversible things I am not an expert at.

That said, I think folks are right and I don't think its going to be a big deal.

[Willie Poole]

I bought a set of those welding torch cleaners at Lowes for about $5.00 and there are a lot of files in there and can be used for all strings on a mandolin....They work great, they have the sizes marked on them also so you can select the proper diameter to match the string gauge....A GREAT INVESTMENT....

Willie

[Mandoplumb]

Slot cutting on a bridge is reversible just take the saddle off and flat sand the top, May require some slight trueing on the intonation offsets.

[Mandobart]

I always use string lubricant in the nut and bridge slots. Just a dab on each when changing strings.