String Breakage
Troubleshooting Guide

A.  The 3rd string (G#) is usually an .010, .011, or .012.
These strings require EXTRA winds to get the string
further away from the hole in the shaft.

This hole almost always has burrs or a sharp edge at the hole
from the plating. Some are inside the outer edge and hard to reach.

It is easier to add extra windings that remove the burr.
This slide show shows how to easily add these extra windings.

B.  Check the shaft itself for burrs.
If any burrs are found, use steel wool to remove them.

A.  Rollers must be able to turn freely to ensure accurate return
of raises and lowers, as well as not causing string breakage
by DRAGGING the string back and forth over the roller's surface

Test for drag using your finger to move the roller.
If drag is noticed, oil the roller shaft by either
removing the rollers and shaft or dropping some oil
on the exposed part of the shaft on either side of the roller.

B.  Check the shaft itself for burrs.
If any burrs are found, use steel wool or sand paper
to remove them. Re-oil the shaft, mount the rollers on the shaft,
and replace the completed sub-assembly on the guitar.

C.  Check the roller for damage where the string contacts
the roller. This is rare; but may occasionally happen.
Contact your builder and replace the roller with a new one.

A.   Check the control finger for burrs, rough spots, or grooves.
Use a Q-tip, as well as good lighting, and a magnifying glass to see
if any of these conditions exist.

On aluminum control fingers (the most common type),
you can remove most of these conditions using steel wool and Simichrome polish.

Deep grooves and burrs will probably require refinishing the finger
using 300-600 wet/dry sandpaper.
Check out the video Resurfacing the Changer Fingers
for information on how to refinish the finger.

WARNING:  Do NOT polish anodized aluminum fingers.
Do NOT attempt to refinish anodized aluminum or chrome-plated control fingers
You will ruin both of these types of control fingers if you do either of these operations.

B.  Use a string with a SHORT winding around the ball.
Longer winds tend to break more often.

C.  Use a different brand of strings since "bad strings" tend to run in batches.

D.  Make sure the changer is moving freely throughout its entire range of movement.
You should disconnect the spring(s) to check out this problem.
If you find a spot where the movement is slowed down by friction or seems to "catch",
lubricate the changer by working in the oil while moving the affected finger(s).