Taylor 314CE String Issue

[drvmusic]

Hi All,

I have a 2010 Taylor 314CE and use the Elixir Lights, which came stock on the guitar. I have noticed on the past 3 or so sets of strings I've installed, over time the G has been wearing at the frets (basically "unwound" over each fret - a clean "hole"). At each fret a dent appears in the string and gets more pronounced. It's usually after a while, but I'm wondering if I should be concerned.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance!

-Scott

[charles Tauber]

1. don't press so hard.

2. check the frets to ensure that they do not have sharp edges or overly square corners: they should be more-or-less semi-circular (or semi-eliptical).

3. Strings wear: some brands/compositions more than others.

[drvmusic]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

1. don't press so hard.

Could it have something to do with my capo? I use a Shubb. Maybe my capo is too tight?

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by drvmusic

Could it have something to do with my capo? I use a Shubb. Maybe my capo is too tight?

Sure that can wear stings.

[drvmusic]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

Sure that can wear stings.

It's a bit more than any normal string wear I've seen. I've had the guitar since 2010 and this just started happening in the spring and has happened through 3 sets now. It's specifically on the G and it only happens at the frets themselves. It's weird.

Thanks for the replies! Maybe I'll re-set my capo to less tension and see if that helps.

[Ned Milburn]

Is the guitar new? Has it had fretwork done, or frets replaced?

A crown on top of the fret that is too "sharp" can cause greater string wear than if the top of the fret is more gently rounded. Also, stainless steel and other super-hard fret alloys will damage strings quicker than standard fret composition.

[drvmusic]

Originally Posted by Ned Milburn

Is the guitar new? Has it had fretwork done, or frets replaced?

A crown on top of the fret that is too "sharp" can cause greater string wear than if the top of the fret is more gently rounded. Also, stainless steel and other super-hard fret alloys will damage strings quicker than standard fret composition.

I bought it new in 2010. It was a floor model. I'll look at the frets and see what shape they hold. I do capo a lot and wonder if that has anything to do with it.

[B. Howard]

Without seeing it, it sounds like you need some fret work.

[DoryDavis]

This is not scientific, but you may want to just try a different brand of strings, just to see what happens. You might like them as much or more, and who knows the problem could go away. Guitar issues are sometimes like that I have found anyway.
I have that same model Taylor. I use Martin FX MFX675 they are custom light, .11-.52. I like the Elixirs fine and have had them on in the past, but think these sound better, that's totally subjective of course. Good luck!