Why Cello Strings Break
 Why
and how do new cello strings break? Mostly it is a
new A string (whatever brand) and we have found that
most players forget to or do not know how important it
is to lubricate the string groove before installing
their new strings. Usually it is the A
string that will pop or break right at the nut (near the
scroll) because it gets pinched or caught in the ebony
nut.
Take a regular sharpened pencil and work a little
of the tip (graphite) into the groove slot before you
put your new string on.
You should do this for every string. Not only will it
help keep your string from getting pinched and keep it
from breaking, it is also then easier when tuning your
strings each time because then the string slides up or
down much easier and will also be easy to tune.
Sometimes (when the nut) is 'dry' or sticky, you will
tune your cello and then after playing it, the string
will pop loose just a little (going flat) while you are
playing.
If you have had
issues with strings breaking (and your nut and bridge
are lubricated already), you should also ask your luthier to check the angle from your nut to tuning peg.
Too sharp an angle can cause too much pressure on the
nut slot and string. Changing the nut string groove at a
softer angle will greatly alleviate this problem.
Sometimes cello strings just get old, wear out and
break. So many times though new strings break way
too soon and it is usually right at the scroll or bridge
because the string cannot pass through freely.
So now you can play more in tune and keep your new
strings from getting pinched or breaking! |
