Top E Keeps Breaking on Strat

[Mr Tiger]

Hi,

I seem to be going through top E strings on my Strat every two weeks or so. Sometimes the string will break when the guitar is put away in its case. They usually break between the bridge and middle pickup and occasionally between the middle and neck pickup. I'm using Ernie Ball or D'Addario 10s. If they broke at the nut or bridge saddle then sharp edges or corrosion could explain it. I don't understand what's causing this. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Chris

[Justin Cyder]

Obviously worth looking at the nut & the bridge for sharp edges, but bearing in mind where the string is going, are you sure nothing's sticking out from the case & pressing down on the string?

Definitely not hitting the strings too hard? Are the pickups raised to the point that the magnets are chafing the string when the guitar is in the case? Just food for thought.

[Baryonyx]

Indeed, I'd always advocate checking the nut and the bridge for breaking strings, often a file and a rub down with a little pencil lead will smooth a rough edge right out. Given where the string is breaking though, I'd be inclined to think it's nicking a pole piece and eventually weakining. Try lowering the pickup below the breaking point and see if that cures the issue.

[Mr Tiger]

Thanks for your replies.
I hadn't considered the case or pickup height may be contributory factors.

I had the guitar refretted about 18 months ago and the strings were raised from the fretboard as a result of the higher new frets. This could possibly cause the case to press harder against the strings than before. It is the original Fender case though.

I'll try lowering the pickups as suggested and see if it helps.

I also changed picks a few months ago. The strings seem to break roughly where they're hit with the plectrum, so this is also a possible cause. I've bought some slightly lighter ones today - so I'll see if this makes any difference.

Thanks again for some good advice and food for thought.

Cheers,

Chris