G string problems...

harlemjoys

Hey all,

I'm just starting out and I'm noticing that I'll soon be on my 3rd G string...I just seem to be really wearing them down to the point where the round wounding is splitting in one to four places along the string showing the metal wire within it...this wear then soon results in the string soon buzzing when I play it open, is this normal? I'm currently using Savarez Argentine 11's which are their heavier gauge string, is this a result of my playing, the guitar or both? I'm currently playing a Cigano DJ-15...Thanks in advance for your help...

Alex

Duozona

Alex

Only to common! I can rip through G's and B's in a night of playing, and once that G goes, its gone, at least to me.

I minimize it by keeping the strings clean, washing my hands, and wiping the strings down.

You can buy G's in bulk, I might consider that.

-Chuck

djangology

maybe its a wives tale but that sometimes will happen if your frets are new from the factory and you didn't rub them or smooth them a little. i used to have the problem and this is what seemed to fix it for me after I had my frets dressed...

harlemjoys

Hi,

Thanks for the responses. It is a brand new guitar. When you say "dress" your frets is this something I can do myself? Do you mean sand them down?

Alex

Josh Hegg

I would suggest taking it to your local tach in a good guitar shop to do work like that. Should not be more then $50 for a fret dress.

Cheers,
Josh

Stackabones

I buy G-strings in bulk. *ahem* 8)

WowBobWow

Hi ,

In my experience, when I used to buy Argentines, the Gs would break on me too. If you aren't completely tied to them (I know they have a wonderful distinct sound), you may want to try another brand of string. And I still believe nothing beats a fresh set of Argentines, but I like to play it safe now when it comes to strings.

I am not saying they are 100 percent break proof, but now I use John Pearse strings and have been using them for about 2 years and within that time I've only have a few G strings break on me( though much much less compared to when I used Argentines). I also personally think the Pearse strings last longer in terms of tone and liveliness.

As every guitar and every player is different, in experimenting with different string brands you might find a set of strings that will work for your playing and your guitar, perhaps even compliment the guitar greatly (and the Gs will break less / if at all).

Best of Luck,
Alex

Stackabones

Are the Pearse's ball-ended or loop-ended?

I haven't had a breakage problem with the Argie G. Once I see wear, usually around the money frets, I replace it.

harlemjoys

if my g strings keep splitting then i might try those pearse strings, in the meantime i bought some bulk argentine g strings...

also to follow with the last post, do more gypsy jazz guitarists use the ball or loop end strings?, there are no advantages with either correct? also all selmer copy bridges can take both correct? i know my cigano can but i was curious if other selmer copies can as well... just curious...

Stackabones

My Gitane D500 takes both ball- and loop-ended strings. Not sure if there is a sound difference, but imo the ball-ended strings look tacky -- so I guess I use the loop-ended for tradition's sake and for a personal sense of style. 8)

Ball-ended strings are for bridge pins. Who needs bridge pins?

frater

There's one more reason why I use loop ended strings: if you want to experiment with shims under the bridge (or change the bridge), you just loose the strings and put a capo to hold them in place. After that you can unlock the loops and do what you want...