Broke tailpiece wire thing :(

[Ajoten]

So there I was, putting some strings on for the first time ever. G D A all on relatively smoothly, started winding up the E... a few clicks and creaks... then TWANG everything fell apart. Luckily I see it's not too catastrophic a failure as it seems you can buy them quite cheaply and easily, but for a mo I thought I'd completely trashed it.

But was I doing something wrong? All the higher 3 strings were on and vaguely in tune, but the E wasn't anywhere near concert pitch so I don't see how it could have been putting so much strain on the cable.

Bugger

[keeponehandloose]

dont buy one of those black ones with brass threaded ends...theyre useless.
Upton Bass do a great tailgut. its just a pain because theyre in the States

[Ajoten]

What's going on though? Do they just "go" for no reason sometimes?

[JoeEvans]

If it was actual wire, it gets weakened by tight bends and angles. I would recommend replacing it with Dyneema, which is a very strong rope with very low 'creep' (gradual stretching). I think 3mm is about right, maybe 2.5mm? You need to use the right knot - a double fisherman's bend is good. http://www.animatedknots.com/doublefishermans/index.php?Categ=typebends&LogoImage=LogoGrog.png&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPoint

[steve]

Steel wire from B&Q with an appropriate connector works great. I've had it on both my uprights for years without a problem