Guitar string breakage?

Question

One of the strings on my new Takamine acoustic broke unexpectedly while I was trying to tune it (5th fret method). Is this common with generic strings, and can I expect a better experience with store-boughts? If it's relevant, it was the fourth string. Does anyone have tips on avoiding string breakage?

Thanks for all the helpful replies. The string broke in the middle.

Answer 1

stretch them out strings will always break most of the time tuning. like u tightened to much. i have broke string by tuning and bending a note so high it snapped. its basically your fault any string u buy will break sometime. for acoustic i recommend elixers there expensive but there good

Answer 2

In a perfect world... unfortunately many (not all) guitars are shipped with schit for strings. The first thing I do to any new guitar is change the strings. I've found only one brand that I feel truly safe with and that's Infeld-Thomastik. These are pricey strings, and worth every penny.

Now then, you must also consider that the problem could lie in the nut, the saddle, the tuning peg/gear or in a burred fret. You did not indicate where the string broke. That would help to determine where to look for the problem.

I'd first try changing the strings and see if you have the same problem. If the same string breaks, you know it's not necessarily the strings. In this case, take the guitar back as it is defective. If the string does NOT break, then you'll know it was just a poor string.

Kabum

Answer 3

I use Ernie Ball's on my electric. 10 guage... I've had the high e break on me but it was operator error... lol
4th string broke? the D string? That's wound.... shouldn't have done that ... it was cheapo from the factory. Store bought strings will give you MUCH better performance and while you're at it... spend the xtra 20 for a tuner. It's quicker and easier for the exact pitch. It'll take a few days for the strings to "set" and quit stretching... but they'll be fine when they settle down. You may also want to use some "Axe Wax" for your fret board.. don't want a fret popping up. Enjoy!

Answer 4

Be shore that you are tuning on the right octave
If you are stretching your strings too much
they will break,get a guitar tuner,
they only cost around 20 or 30 dollars
they help with tuning and saving strings