If you go light top and heavy bottom, you'll still retain a nice bottom end and do your tendons a favor too.

Have you found 9's or even 8's to be more satisfactory on the high end?

I had used 9's for a long time and recently went to 11's on a Telecaster at the suggestion of the guitar tech that got rid of some severe bridge buzz, then I switched all my guitars to 11's over last weekend, except for the Gibsons.

I will admit that 49's are a lot more rewarding than low 40's, so will change them back this weekend.

Thanks for your input.

10-46 on my Strat (Dean Markley Blue Steel)
11-52 on my Tele (Dean Markley Blue Steel)
12-56 on my Acoustic (Martin SP Phosphor Bronze)


I prefer the thicker tone of the heavier strings on my Tele, I noticed a substantial difference from the 10's I used before. The 10s on my Strat give me a nice compromise between tone and playability.

IMO, Lighter strings can improve your speed, but I feel there is a compromise in tone. Thicker strings allow you to dig in a really express yourself through your playing while helping your overall tone.

Since switching to Markley Blue Steels, I've never had an issue with breaking strings with any gauge, including 9's which I used for quite some time before moving to the 10's and 11's.

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2004 American Deluxe V-Neck Strat w/Kinman Blues
2007 American Deluxe Tele w/Kinman Broadcasters
Mesa Boogie Lonestar Classic 2X12
Fender Cyber-Twin SE

I recently switched from 9's to 10's on my Strat and really like them. At the same time I switched to heavier picks as well, Dunlop 1.0's, and somehow that made it all come together. I might even try some heavier ones someday - I blame the fact that I played the cello as a kid.

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2008 MIM Strat w 3-tone sunburst
2002 LP Special Ebony Faded
2008 G-Dec
'59 Reissue Bassman 4x10 combo
TS 808
DS 1
Gretsch 6120DS (on loan)