12stringer
Senior Member
adorshki said:The "string stretching" is a myth, it's miniscule compared to the more probable cause: the ball end of the string is riding up inside the slots of the bridge pins. If you're breaking strings at the saddle the break angle is probably a little too sharp, what's going on is that's a focal point for metal fatigue just like when you kink a wire several times it breaks at that spot. Or maybe you just have a heavy playing hand, I can relate to that 'cause I do myself occasionally. Lastly I wouldn't allow mineral oil anywhere near my fretboard or anyplace else on the guitar. There're other products with natural oils designed to keep them from drying out, I don't think mineral oil would be good for the fretboard. Don't mean to sound overbearing I just hope this info'll help you get more from your instruments. Check out Frets.com for more insights.12stringer said:Here is something that I just heard recently...The older a string is, the more tension it needs to bring it up to pitch. This is because as the string ages it stretches and has to be strung tighter to maintain it's pitch (Apparently). So this could explain why my strings were breaking at the saddle after being used for about 5 months...I hadn't changed them because being coated strings (EXP'S) they still sounded good. I also was giving them a wipe with light mineral oil on a rag to keep them sounding lively.
I figure the mineral oil may also lube the string and prevent fret wear?
Every little bit helps.
Well I guess it's all speculation then about strings stretching...but as far as light grade mineral oil is concerned, frets.com recommends mineral oil for fretboards ... just have a look here http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/GenMaint/Cleaning/cleaning02.html
I have also read that Bob Taylor recommends mineral oil for fretboards twice per year as well.
On the other hand I have read some other info in the internet that says bore oil for trumpets is the best oil to penetrate and humidify fretboards...When in doubt, ask your luthier, but I think Frets.com would be pretty reliable. :wink: