• Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Topic: String Breaking on Top Wrap Idea

Hey guys.  I have a little problem here.  I keep breaking strings right where they come over the top of the tail piece on my LP.  It looks as if the strings are digging into the tail piece and like grooving it out where the strings would go.  Does that sound normal.  If I file it out would that help.  I plan on bringing it to my tech, but if could save a trip and the hassel that would be great.  Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks
Ben

  • From: Sandy Eggo
  • Registered: 2007-04-29
  • Posts: 1,369

Re: String Breaking on Top Wrap Idea

I've been top wrapping my strings for years and I've never had that problem, it may have to do with the angle at which the strings are breaking though. Mind taking a few pics of your bridge/tailpiece?

"Music is the only thing that you can share with a million million people and you don't lose, you gain. It helps you to get energy and to live long, because when your soul is very happy then you don't want to die." - Ali Akbar Khan
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: String Breaking on Top Wrap Idea

Yea I'll take some pics.  I decided to change it anyway and go with the Gotoh Aluminum TP.  It looks as though if its designed to go either way.  So hopefully this one holds up, they say it can be strung both ways on their site.  Plus I'm curious to see if the Aluminum thing is true about tone.  Anyway I'll post up some pics when I take the old one off.

http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/Brand/Got … piece.html

Ben

  • From: Sandy Eggo
  • Registered: 2007-04-29
  • Posts: 1,369

Re: String Breaking on Top Wrap Idea

I'm actually using a Gotoh Aluminum Tail Piece from Stewmac too. And Tonepros locking studs. And a reemed out Gibson ABR-1...and Historic Rings with a trimmed R6 pickguard...and RS Guitarworks pots.....yeah.........

My name is Danny, and I'm addicted to modding my Les Paul.

"Music is the only thing that you can share with a million million people and you don't lose, you gain. It helps you to get energy and to live long, because when your soul is very happy then you don't want to die." - Ali Akbar Khan
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: String Breaking on Top Wrap Idea

Nice man - I'm into the Tone Pros as well.  I use them on all my guitars.  My tech though it was a lame design until he put it in - now he recommends them to everyone.  Do you like the TP.  I just ordered one.  For a few extra bucks I had to replace it anyway I went aluminum like the vintage ones.  Any difference or is that just a myth?

  • Registered: 2008-06-12
  • Posts: 31

Re: String Breaking on Top Wrap Idea

Some folks cut the top off the old strings and run the new string through the little circle thingy first. That puts the angle back around 1/8 of an inch.

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 2008-08-18
  • Posts: 93

Re: String Breaking on Top Wrap Idea

I wrap the strings too and I don't suffer from that problem, but I used to on my old Epiphone. I fixed it with a bit of very fine sand paper over a square profiled screwdriver shaft. There was a tiny bit of metal on one of the bridge saddles that was doing the damage. A quick polish with the paper and the job's a gooden.

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: String Breaking on Top Wrap Idea

I had a problem with it digging into the tail piece which so I did file mine down.  I don't have pictures but it helped with the guitar tune up faster I thought after changing strings.  You can buy a tail piece thats already like that molded but I don't remember the brand name.  The file did the trick for me though.  I'm not planning on selling it and even if I did its not like its not a replacable part on the body.

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