Breaking the E string when fitting...

[tom1946]

Hi all, Every time I restring my 32" scale Mezzo I seem to snap the end of the string off on the E. they are quite narrow posts so any ideas how to avoid snapping please?

No idea what I'm doing wrong here. It usually ends up just too short to use. I did use long scale strings trimmed down to fit, plenty of room to do it properly.

Any ideas guys? Any recommendations for 32 scale strings that I don't need a mortgage for?

Thanks, Tom.

[neepheid]

Use the correct length strings - especially around small tuner posts.  I've had an E string explode and unravel on me before trying to cheap out fitting long scale strings on a short scale.  The problem is trying to get the fattest part of the string round the tuner - which is going to happen if you try to use regular/long scale strings.  You need them to taper off after the nut - buying the correct length strings will help with this.

 

You can usually find deals on D'addario XL strings of the appropriate scale length - I have some on my 32" scale Squier Jaguar H.  

 

EXL170M - can usually be had for around £20-22.  If you think that's expensive, then I don't know what to tell you - inflation's a biatch!

EXL160M - if you like your strings a bit fatter, seems less people do, so on a quick search found them a mite bit cheaper than the EXL170M

Edited April 5 by neepheid

[tom1946]

Thanks for that, buy the right strings grasshopper.😤

[Doctor J]

Can you provide some pictures how you put the strings on?

[tom1946]

Can't sorry. no means. Thanks.

[warwickhunt]

I have a 34" scale bass with skinny posts placed very close the the nut and regular strings do not like the acute angle that they wrap around the post... as a result I can NOT put flats on that bass.  I'm guessing it is similar with your Mezzo; it needs the skinny taper on 32" scale strings, 34" scales will be too 'fat'!  

[tom1946]

Ah thanks for that, there has to be a reason for it snapping at the end of the thread.

I was advised not to use my electric string winder too, bit too violent apparently.