Broken strings

[Gertje]

Why is is that after a while new string break, even when I did not play the guitar.
I put these strings on about half a year ago and did not play this guitar for months. When I want to play it I find 2 strings broken.
This has happened before, is this normal, do nylon string not last very long?

[ksjazzguitar]

I don't know. What are those? They look like Savarez 520Rs. I've never had a problem with them. 6 months is a long time for classical strings, especially if you are playing a lot. But if you haven't touched it in months, it makes me wonder.

Do you play aggressively? Nylons tend to not take as much abuse as steel. Many people don't realize how light of a touch they need.

Under what conditions was it stored?

Peace,
Kevin

[billkath]

If it's the same strings that go all the time it may be a little bit of an edge needs a light rub with fine sandpaper-just to take the sharpness. Is it just the wrapped strings?

[ksjazzguitar]

I assume Bill means to sand the edge of the saddle. That may be true.

Peace,
Kevin

[Senior]

Are they silver wound? I found a problem with the silver wound strings having a tendency to break when there is even the smallest amount of kink in the string.

[randalljazz]

actually not uncommon to break at the bridge. loosen your wound strings six or eight turns if you will be leaving it such a long time to prevent that.

[Gertje]

Originally Posted by ksjazzguitar

I don't know. What are those? They look like Savarez 520Rs.
Do you play aggressively?
Under what conditions was it stored?

Thanks for all the advise and replies!
Yes it are Savarez, I had the same problem with D'Addario strings.
No I don't play aggressively. It could be some sharp edges on the bridge. I will check that.
It is stored in a Gig-bag. Could the humidity of the room be of any influence?
I know that it is a bit to dry.
The suggestion to take off the tension of the strings when I don't play it for a while might be a good idea.

[ksjazzguitar]

Originally Posted by Gertje

...The suggestion to take off the tension of the strings when I don't play it for a while might be a good idea.

I actually don't like that idea. I'm not a luthier, but these necks are made to be at tension. If you remove that tension for a long time, the neck settles and then re-arches again when put on tension. That can be bad for the guitar over time. Granted, there is a lot less tension in a classical guitar and no truss rod, but it can't be good. At least that is how it was explained to me.

Peace,
Kevin

[WhoisLevang]

Here is a trick I figured out for electric guitars that I've had which had "string breaking saddles". Get some 1000 grit tri-mite or other brand wet dry sandpaper. Cut a tiny little square just big enough to put under the string or strings which are breaking. Unless the saddle is very sharp, the paper will prevent the string from breaking and the vibration and movement of the string as you play will "polish" the saddle. I've only used this on metal saddle pieces, but I believe it would work on a bone or synthetic bridge saddle on a classical or acoustic. On the metal ones, I've left the paper on for several string changes. It might take a shorter time on an acoustic.
atb,
Randy

edit- I should have mentioned, although somewhat obvious, the fine grit side of the paper goes down against the saddle and the paper side goes up against the underside of the string.