Breaking strings at the tuners? (stock Klusons)

[LeftyF2003]

OK, so here's my oddball question for the week. I have stock Klusons on a '90 reissue, and I use 9 through 42 D'Addario Strings. I have been having a problem with the strings breaking at the tuners (??). I tie my strings off at the tuner end by running them around the peg, through the hole, then folding them back around the string a half turn so it sinches the string as it wraps around the post (learned this trick from the inside of a string pack some years ago). I typically have no more than a single wrap around the post. This acts as a poor mans locking tuner, and has helped to keep my guitars without locking tuners in tune for many years. I think it may though be the culprit for why the strings are breaking. The problem has been most common with the high E and B strings. I filed and fine sanded around the holes through the pegs to try and remove any sharp edges, but it's still an issue. So my question is, are any of you having this problem and if not, how are you wrapping your strings? I can't believe I'm asking this, but it would be interesting to see what's working.

 

[dynabite]

I typically have no more than a single wrap around the post.

Don't waste your time tying them, just makes them harder to get off. Try at least 2 wraps. I've experimented with this and found them to break at 1 wrap and less. I go about 2 to 3 wraps, anymore and you have tuning issues. YMMV

 

[weirdotis]

I go three wraps and have not had any issues.

 

[LeftyF2003]

OK, sounds like the wraps have it. Oddly this has not been an issue on the other 7 guitars I play (mostly using Grovers). Seems to be something with the Kluson posts. I don't want to drill for Grovers on this guitar though, so would prefer to work through the issue. Would not be as big a deal if anyone sold single strings any more!

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

I wrap pretty much the same way, except I put three wraps on, not one, and I put the first wrap below the string hole and the last two above, which reduces slot-binding by the string. I don't have any issues with excess string breakage, and when I do break a string, it is almost always within 3" of the bridge. It does sound like you have a burr or two in the holes.

 

[dynabite]

Seems to be something with the Kluson posts.

Thinner means less wrap.

 

[planks]

I use the method shown in this vid, and never had any issues. Very simple, plus it gives great tone and stays perfectly in tune. Setting the holes in the tuning key posts in a 90 degree angle to the neck, is important for this method btw.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRGw0rEVjCc]YouTube - How To Restring Guitars With A Stop-Bar Tailpiece[/ame]

 

[LeftyF2003]

Yes, that is more or less exactly how I string my guitars. I guess I just need to give it a couple of wraps to take some of the stress off the edge of the hole in the post. I really wish they'd put Grovers on these reissues!