Problem with string loop holding at bridge on high strings

[DoctorD]

I recently had a problem with a new set of strings, which took quite a bit of time to resolve. The problem was that the high E string was so smooth that the loop anchoring it at the bridge would not hold - it just kept slipping out when I brought it up to tension. It also happened with another set of strings that I tried. I finally found a way to solve the problem which involved inventing a new kind of loop at the bridge. I tried to post a picture of it here but this website does not allow me to directly insert an image. So if anybody would like to see how to do this, just send me an email and I will be glad to answer it with a picture:
[email protected]

[charles Tauber]

The "usual" methods of addressing string slippage on unwound nylon strings is to either tie a not in the end of the string, or melt the end into a small ball, prior to looping the string at the bridge.

[Gitfiddlemann]

Yes, I've never heard of a nylon string that couldn't be properly tied using conventional methods.
May I ask what kind of string (which brand) you were using?

[dosland]

I've always done what Charles (above) mentions, but I've never had a string slip out of the standard double-loop tie far enough for the balled up end to be called into action. I was told this might be an issue when I tried the carbon trebles, but it didn't make any difference. Maybe I've just always had a sticky bridge...

[Timothy Lawler]

I always clean my fingers with rubbing alcohol before changing the treble strings. I also keep a box of matches at the workbench and melt the string ends as Charles described. The smell of the match is a pleasurable part of the string changing procedure for me. I had a string slip once when I was a teen and it marked the soundboard. Never again.

A side note: It's interesting how different types of strings react to the match flame.

[zhunter]

And be careful with alcohol around a true French polish finish.

hunter

[Timothy Lawler]

Originally Posted by zhunter

And be careful with alcohol around a true French polish finish.

hunter

Yes.

Always be careful with alcohol!

[gmr]

I know they are a far stretch from traditional methods but there are string ties for classical guitars that are said to provide a slip resistant method for securing the strings on a very small block prior to running the string into the guitar bridge. It eliminates the prospect of eventual wear and unsightly string marks on top of and on the back of the bridge tie block and decreases the risk of marking up the soundboard when replacing the the strings. It also has some benifit of increasing the break angle of the strings over the saddle. Of course it looks odd and seems a tad bit sacrilegious to many but they do make practical sense, I suppose. Haven't used them but I might not be averse to giving them a try. It hurts a bit to get that first top scratch because of a sharp string end poking the soundboard behind the bridge. Just an option.

[Dischord]

I'm one of those oddballs who uses Savarez plastic wound trebles, so I can't really relate to the string slipping issue.

Mark

[creamburmese]

I don't know if this would work for you - but narrow strings like carbons will sometimes go through the hole twice - which should solve the problem. My guitar has a 12 hole bridge and I always have to tie a knot in the end of the nylon strings and anchor the knot under the string. The only time I had one slip I ONLY melted the end of the string (no knot) and it slipped right through the hole and dinged my guitar.... whereas I've never had one slip with a figure of 8 knot

[gmr]

Here is a discussion on the string ties... hope the link gets you to the right place. http://www.classicalguitardelcamp.co...b07a7a3875e213

[Rudy4]

Save this pdf and/or print it out. It works well for carbon trebles.

http://web.archive.org/web/201411302...topperKnot.pdf

[redir]

Try one more loop.