Ball at end of string detaches?

[charleyrich99]

I use Martin MLJ13 LJ's Choice Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings - .013-.056 Medium/Light on my archtops.

Recently, the ball end of the high E string detaches from the string while tuning the string to pitch. It happend with two sets of these strings in a row.

Do you think it is bad luck getting a batch of defective sets or could something on the guitar cause this?

The string didn't break, just the ball "flew" off the end of the string.

[Sleeko]

I’m wondering if the end wasn’t sitting perfectly square in the slot and pushed it’s way out when tuning to pitch. I’ve seen this on a few of my guitars when changing strings but never had the end pop off.

I’ll bet that woke you up.