by Ryan

I know a lot of you out there play stringed instruments.  I figured you  wouldn't mind becoming privy to some tricks that'll help keep you in tune and hinder broken strings.  The main cause of string breakage can be summed up in one word:  "friction".  Most players who break strings have a couple things in common, they use heavy picks - whether it's a standard pick, thumb pick, or finger pick.  They also have a tendency to play hard to matter the style.  Playing hard with a heavy pick tends to create a "see-saw" like action files the string at the point of contact.

Here are a couple things you can do to reduce friction:

- Smooth any rough surfaces.  You can use a Dremel tool to reduce the edge that the string rides over when the string exits the body and before it goes to the saddle (like an S.R.V. strat).  For the saddles, I use 400 grit sandpaper.  Then I use an ultra fine polishing compound with a damp Q-tip to restore the luster a bit.  Keep in mind, that any sanding or polishing will damage plating. 

- Running your string through wire insulation where it travels through the body will stop the breakage that is caused by the sharp edges inside the guitar.  Make sure you trim the insulation before it touches the saddles.  For those players who don't have access to wire insulation, check out "string sleeves" - they are made of pvc plastic and are very durable, yet they will not change the sound of your guitar.

If you're looking for something to help you keep your guitar in tune, I have just the thing:  Nut Sauce.  What Nut Sauce does is help keep your guitar in tune no matter how hard you bend your strings or yank on your whammy bar.  You won't have to tune as frequently and it helps to prevent string breakage when applied to the bridge or saddles.  So you can put away your pencil lead, Vaseline, lip balm, and other home remedies.  Nut Sauce reduces pitch drift by an average of 54% and string breakage by an average of 85%.  That's a pretty drastic difference. 

Another favorite of mine is GHS's Fast Fret.  It is a high-quality sting and neck lubricant/string cleaner for all stringed instruments.  Its not a spray nor does it have any silicone - it's a liquid within an applicator.  Fast Fret lets your fingers slide freely all over the neck.  It also keeps your strings clean because it destroys build up from skin and sweat that deadens the strings.  Another perk of using fast fret is the fact that it actually acts as a wood conditioner for your fret board.  I've been using the stuff since high school and I recommend it to anyone with a stringed instrument it makes a huge difference.

by Streeter

Hey Indaba, happy Monday.  Welcome to our weekly shop talking session.  Now, I must admit I've been using this post selfishly from time to time to get recommendations for various instruments and equipment.  This time, however, I promise it will be my last.  I recently made a drunken and, perhaps foolish, choice to trade my acoustic guitar - a very crappy Indiana, whatever that company is - for a swivel TV stand.  It seemed like the right move at the time and don't get me wrong, I love my swiveling TV, but now I miss my acoustic guitar.  I want to get a new one but I'm also not a fantastic guitar player meaning A) I don't need a fantastic guitar and B) I don't deserve a fantastic guitar.  So, here is what I'm asking of you today: Could you guys suggest a decent acoustic guitar for somewhere between $200 and $500?  I like steel strings and fretboards that you can glide over.  So, what say you, Indaba?  Can you help a wanna-be musician out just one more time?

Leave your suggestions in the comments.