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I was changing a set of strings and today and realised that for the last 3 or 4 years I havent broken a D string! My set gets changed because they tarnish and the tone goes but not because of strings breaking. I find this a bit weird because I remember breaking D strings very frequently, in fact I was always buying spare D strings so what is happening? Is it because I'm changing the sets more frequently before the D gets a chance to break? Has my right hand technique evolved to put less stress on the strings? Or is it simply that the strings just better made these days? I am using D'addarrio pro artes medium tension exclusively now. They come in fresh seal packs so there is no degradation in storage and maybe they stay good on the guitar for longer. I am wondering if any other players have noticed less broken strings in the last few years as well. Is broken D strings a beginner problem maybe through having an uneven Rasgueo or something? Thoughts? P
RE: [8|]Weird D string questions (in reply to Pimientito)
I used to break Ds quite often too... But then stopped having that problem. I attribute it to LEFT hand technique, as my Ds used to always break around the second fret or so... Now I modify my left hand technique in such a way to make strings last the longest - it's not a good thing (as it means I used fewer slides, etc.), but it pays off in terms of NOT having to pay for strings (or even worse, having to change them!!!)
RE: [8|]Weird D string questions (in reply to Pimientito)
The dreaded D is the first to die. I only have problems with certain brands (Hannabach).
But d'Addario strings are great quality, and as you say if they are sealed chances are they will hold up longer.
I am guessing you are using the same guitar, and have not changed saddle? Is the humidity or dryness more adjusted at your place then in the past? Do you store the guitar in its case more?
The great thing about strings is that we can change them and for me it's almost like having a new guitar every month. Very rejuvenating!
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RE: [8|]Weird D string questions (in reply to Pimientito)
Yes , another reason I liked was D'addarrio because I noticed I never broke the D , but wore the whole set out I actually have some on now and I have a look and although they were probably due for a change about a month ago , I see no nick in the string caused by the rubbing on the fret, and really dont feel much if I put my finger underneath the string and run it up the string.. These are EJ43 light
quote:
Has my right hand technique evolved to put less stress on the strings?
this is something I can instantly rule out , for me , as I am a really terrible ( and yet honest ) flamenco player, So I'm going to put it down to string technology..and quality ... cheap strings I can break a D within a week or so ..... I also liked Galli genius Titanio GR45 for the same reason , long life of the D , but I think the D'addarrio was better.....
RE: [8|]Weird D string questions (in reply to Harry)
quote:
Is the humidity or dryness more adjusted at your place then in the past?
Well its true to say that strings last longer in Spain than they did in England and in general the guitar sounds brighter but that just because of the constant English humidity. Saying that though I used to break strings a lot when I first moved to Spain and was replacing them roughly two or three times for every complete set change. I was using Savarez at the time ( because that was all I could get 10 years ago) and maybe that was part of the problem. The D'addarrios are only a Euro more than the cheaper brands but definately seem to be more consistant and longer lasting.
quote:
I am a really terrible ( and yet honest ) flamenco player
RE: [8|]Weird D string questions (in reply to Pimientito)
In my experience some guitars eat the D string considerably more than others, so I guess some types of frets or fret dressing must be hungrier than others? It also depends on what I'm playing- lots of repetitive practice or not using a capo (or not moving it if it's on) means the string gets worn in the same spot.
About every two weeks I untie and restring the D string, moving it along to prevent it wearing out in the same spot. I personally don't like the sound of new strings but usually by the time the D is ready to break the intonation has gone anyway so I change them.
RE: [8|]Weird D string questions (in reply to Pimientito)
I use d'Addario medium tensions on my Bellido, and Luthier Flamencos on my Ramirez... and anything I have left over on my throw-around factory-made Alhambra. In all cases for me I've never yet had a D string break ... though they often wear out and corrode when I go through one of my phases of playing daily rather than taking a six to twelve month break and not touching the instrument at all.
However, for me, it's always the A string that breaks roughly half way between the bridge and la boca on all three guitars -- and usually when the guitar has been sitting in its case for six months without me touching it, though sometimes it's spontaneous even during my phases of activity, but always when it's in the case and not being played at the moment... a little disheartening opening the case up to do a bit of practice just to notice that the A string has thrown a wobbly, and then even worse when you realise that it's 10pm on a Saturday evening and you don't have any spare sets! :( :( :(
RE: [8|]Weird D string questions (in reply to Pimientito)
I broke my D string frequently when I was playing solea ALOT. One time it broke after a week (Savarez corum alliance). So maybe it's the solea? because in the beginning everybody kind of starts with practicing solea.
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