And yes, that was sarcasm. And why am I so vehement about this? My D string snapped into my left hand so hard it drew blood. Yep, I'm a bassist. And this does happen once in a blue moon. I'll admit it's about as common as a lightning strike, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

exactly! that's what happened to me too. and my teacher made me play right through the pain.

Don't mention 5strings ={ I'm still mourning the theft of my gorgeous, naked wood, stinking of the patchouli oil I rubbed into it, tuned down to G# and as heavy as **** 5 string and my amp and boxes... 7 years later. Even though I know it's long gone and probably trashed, I still remember the serial number and if I ever see it, I will break all of the fingers that have touched it since it was stolen >=/ I have to question the OP's use of the term "biggest" instead of "E" to name the string - obviously they haven't been playing long. But I am a pedant and like to get it right, so... And what was with the thinking of "Hmmm... There's a strange noise. I must put my face near it."? Obviously not much thinking lol. I have to say though - I've been playing basses for over 20 years and cello before that, along with varied other instruments and never had an experience like that. I've broken strings but generally the thicker the string, the less spectacular the snap. A top string on an electric guitar or violin will fling off in any direction but I've only ever experienced pretty low-drama breakages of bass strings. Obviously that's anecdotal, not empirical evidence, but it's all I have right now =} And to anyone who steals peoples' personal instruments - you'd better hope you don't steal from someone like me and they catch you... Scum.

Lol... " gorgeous naked wood"

yup - and you shoulda seen it in lingerie.... =P lol