For Mr. Manring regarding string breakage

[Ser Phalanges]

Mr. Manring,

I have only recently discovered your music, and I have been deeply inspired. I was trying to incorporate tuning changes in a song like you do, and in the process, my D string broke. With your bridge and tuners, I imagine you can tune each string up or down quite a ways. Do you have issues with string breakage? There's got to be more stress on strings that have their tuning changed frequently. Do you use any specific strings? Or is this something that doesn't happen to you?

Thank you for making yourself available for this. It's a wonderful feeling for a little guy like me to be able to directly interact with one of my heroes.

 

[Michael Manring]

Thanks so much, Ser!

I don't break strings very often. I've used the same sets of strings for a very long time (D'Addario EXL 220 and 280), so I have a pretty good idea of how far I can push them. Since I do a lot of on-the-fly tuning, I try to stretch my strings carefully each time I change them. If they're going to go, this is usually when it happens. If I notice a change in the expected routine, it's usually because of an issue with a bridge saddle or nut slot. A surprisingly small imperfection in one of these places can cause trouble!

 

[Ser Phalanges]

You're so cool. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

[Michael Manring]

My pleasure!