Broken E String - replace only this string or all six?

Hi Folks,

I've broken my first guitar (high E string) string and need advice -

1) should I replace all six strings or only the broken one?

2) Since, I assume, the thinner strings are most likely to break, is it possible to by packs of only certain strings (e.g. pack of 10 B strings) or can you only buy packs of the full set of six strings?

Many thanks,
John

Just replace all of them. Chances are you've had them on for a while. How often do you change them?

Don't think you can buy packs of just 1 string but who know.

The fact is the high E string is the first one to break and it is undestandable!
It is the thinnest of them all! That said, check if the remaining five strings still look good to you. And if they do, then don't change them! But just the same, buy a pack of strings so you will have a ready one to change just in case the B or G or the other strings break. Believe they sell them by the set, meaning a pack containing six (EADGBE) strings!

Hi John,

They sell single strings in the UK so I see no reason why they wouldn't elsewhere.

Might be worth getting a few 1sts and 2nds in case you make a habit of it!

Dave.

Many thanks all for your sound advice.

The rest of the strings look OK, so perhaps I'll just replace the single string for now - the guitar is fairly new (though cheap), but will replace all in a few weeks.

-- Dave, I'll look out for the single string packs. BTW - do you live near Chester? That's where my wife and I got married (Chester Town Hall). Been living in US for 11 years now.

Best,
John

Hi John,
Not far at all, really. Sandbach which is about 30 miles away.

I suppose nowhere in Cheshire is that far away!

Dave,

Definitely ok to just change the one. Me personally in my OCD state of mind, would change them all! :)

The only time I wouldn't change them all is if I broke a string in concert. Obviously.

If the rest of the strings on the guitar are pretty new than no need to change all of them. I Change my strings on average once every two weeks so if I break a string I usually just change them all.

"If it ain't broke, don't fixed it", as the saying goes!
The low E, A and D strings are thick compared to the G and B strings! If these strings are still good, (only you can decide that by visual inspection) then I do believe changing them at this point in time just because the E string broke, is a waste of time and strings! For all you know, those good strings will give you many many hours, if not days, of playing!
That said, and having read all the opinions posted in response to your question, the decision is really up to you!
Lycaean

Change them all fella because you will have one super bright string and 5 dull ones otherwise.

Read my blog and click on string care for an tutorial on string care and string changes.

http://guitarlessonswithrob.blogspot.com/

10's I was breaking strings all the time switched to 10's there more stable and don't break.