12 string octave G breakage

[guitar344]

Does anyone find themselves breaking that string often? I havan't broken one in a long time. That string is about one to two notes away from breaking. Even tuning it to G# can snap it.

[hermithollow]

Some people tune their 12 string down a step and capo up to get back to standard tuning. It reduces strain on the neck and lowers the tension of the strings - moves the "g" a little farther from breaking pitch.
I think the relatively modern use of electronic tuners has saved many a g string. Who else remembers using a pitch pipe to tune your guitar?

[Oldguy64]

Adamas 1616 strings.
The octave G is a .010 rather than a .008.
Tune the octave G up last and down first.

[gfspencer]

Easy does it! I used to break the octave G quite a lot but lately I haven't because I take it real easy when I tune up.

[drive-south]

12 strings sets are available in light, medium, etc gages. Medium usually has .012 E strings and .010 octave G. That's the set I prefer. I usually tune down when using them.

Check Elderly Instruments site for their selection of 12 string sets.

[guitar344]

I use 9's. I've broken a few 8's.

[Shredmaster007]

I've also broken a few 008s just from tuning up and down frequently. John Pearse uses .10s on the G string - I really like their silk and bronze on my Taylor tuned down a half step, haven't broken any yet.

[guitar344]

Elixir's uses 9 for their hi g.

[flaggerphil]

Since I tune my 12 string down a step, I've never broken a string on it.

[rstaight]

I haven't broke an octave G. Granted I have only had a 12 string about 2 years. When I replaced strings the G was the last to come up to pitch. I do tune to standard.

[otis66]

Originally Posted by hermithollow

Some people tune their 12 string down a step and capo up to get back to standard tuning. It reduces strain on the neck and lowers the tension of the strings - moves the "g" a little farther from breaking pitch.
I think the relatively modern use of electronic tuners has saved many a g string. Who else remembers using a pitch pipe to tune your guitar?

I still have my pitch pipe, and my 440hz tuning fork from the mid 70’s 😎

[hermithollow]

Originally Posted by otis66

I still have my pitch pipe, and my 440hz tuning fork from the mid 70’s 😎

You must have been a serious musician back in the 70's. Only they used a (hi tech) tuning fork!

[Brucebubs]

String breaks, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each chartered course
Each careful step along the byway
But more, much more than this
I did it my way

[stokes1971]

I never liked the octave g,never had a breakage problem,just never cared for the g string being higher pitched than my hi e string.When I re-string I buy single wound g strings and use 2 "unison" g's.

[hermithollow]

Originally Posted by stokes1971

I never liked the octave g,never had a breakage problem,just never cared for the g string being higher pitched than my hi e string.When I re-string I buy single wound g strings and use 2 "unison" g's.

I'm at the opposite end of that spectrum. I've built several 8 string guitars with octave paired Dd and Gg strings - it gives some of the 12 string "ring" with less dissonance and aggravation.