MSA D10 Classic SS

[Steve Rosko]

I normally play an Emmons D10 and have been using D'Addario 12|38 strings on the E9 neck. I recently pulled out an MSA that I've kept as a spare with the intention of leaving it at our rehearsal space. I can't remember breaking one string on my Emmons in 8 years, but I've broken 3 or 4 just trying to put new strings on the MSA. All on the higher strings. I put the same 12|38 strings on that I use for my Emmons. I suspect these string gauges aren't appropriate for the MSA? What is an appropriate set for the MSA?
Thanks, in advance
Steve

[Sam Inglis]

I have an MSA Classic D10. I've never broken a string whilst playing, but I find that it's very easy to break the third string whilst changing strings. If the tension is reduced even a little bit then the B pedal pulls way sharper than usual and snaps the string. So now I always change them one at a time and make sure they are fully up to tension before moving on to the next one. I also hold down the B pedal whilst changing the third string so I know it's being pulled as sharp as it will get.

[Steve Rosko]

Thanks. I also got a tip to put extra wraps on the 3rd string winder peg.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Where is the string breaking at, Changer, Key Head, anywhere along length.

If a changer finger, Rub over finger with woman's nylon sock. Some times when a string breaks at changer finger, A small chip of string will imbed in aluminum. And will cut string under tension.

If at key head, Check edges of cross hole in shaft, For burrs. Wrap String on shaft till, It is off the cross hole and on solid metal full 360 degree around shaft.

If it breaks anywhere on string length, Bad strings.

[Donny Hinson]

I always did a minimum of 6 or 7 wraps on all the plain strings. And on the third E9th and first C6th, I'd do 8 or 9 to prevent breakage and make the tuning more stable. The MSA "Classic SS" is a very compact guitar, and was designed to mimic the Emmons push-pull. But the "Classic Super-Sustain" is a different guitar, as it has a longer cabinet, keyhead, and string length, so it may require some extra care when restringing.

[Steve Rosko]

Interesting. Mine says "Classic SS" on the bottom right front, but also says "Supersustain II" on the front of the E9 neck. Apparently it's not the "Classic Super Sustain"? It has the same 24" neck length as my Emmons. In any case, I think giving the strings extra wraps is the trick.

[Dale McPherson]

I use 12/38 on all my MSA guitars. No problem. I change one string at a time and let the pulls work as I go up in tension. And yes, multiple winds on the third string.

[Lane Gray]

Where on the guitar are they breaking? I had one MSA that liked to break them on the crown of the finger. Turns out there were burrs. I had a machinist friend at the gig, and he said "hang on, I've got something," comes back with something kinda like a nail file, said "this is called a burr lapper," and dressed the two fingers, and never had another problem.