So, I have a Squier strat that I want to turn into a slide guitar. I plan on buying some Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky strings to use. But my question is, when I put these strings on will I need to adjust the truss rod to compensate for the added tension? (I use 9's on it right now)
Typically I would have my tech do this, but he's out of town for a while.

Thanks in advance!

hi , if you'r playing slide you should be fine , once the strings are on you can see what the hight is like , cheers
Alan

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If the strings are a lot heavier you might need to adjust the rod. Then again it might be ok if the guage is not that much heavier.

Better with a high action for slide if you can get it.

I've never had a dedicated guitar for slide cos i don't play it much. Could never justify a whole guitar just for that so i just play it on an ordinary set up.

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Luck won't do it and ignorance can't

George Van Eps.

Are you going to block the bridge? If not you will probably at least have to adjust the trem claw with the "beefier" strings.

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"Where would rock and roll be without feedback?"

I use my Texas Special strat for slide only.
I blocked the trem (tightened the claw springs) and went from 9s to 13s.

Then I checked the bow of the neck. Yes, if I wanted to have the same string height as with non-slide playing, I would have to adjust the trussrod.
I personally prefer a slightly higher string height when playing slide and the bow wasn't too bad.
Still comfortable for playing chords, so I adjusted the truss rod just a tiny bit and that was it.

It depends on your personal likings.

Change strings to a higher gauge, then check. If it is uncomfortable for you, adjust the trussrod.
If you want a floating trem, you'll need to adjust the trem spring tension as well.

REMEMBER: never(!!) adjust the trussrod with full string tension! Detune, adjust, tune, check and so on.

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Kindest regards from Germany, Dee
My recordings --> http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_mu ... dID=564337
STRATS ROCK!!! but Teles and Firebirds, too!

I agree with those that say maybe an adjustment is needed--it will vary depending on the quality of the neck, the gauge change, and the climate can affect it too.

I like having a guitar set up for slide--as I play it more often that way and don't have to keep re-tuning.

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It wasn't Willy-Nilly, it was at crows.

I use a telecaster with .009s. Never had to do anything with it. Slide works fine. Of course, blocking the trem would probably help in your case but, hell...try it without. You may do just fine without it.

Thanks for the input guys! I haven't found the time to stop by the music store yet, but hopefully soon. I blocked the trem years ago, I was never a big fan of it. Wouldn't it be great if they made more strats with hard tails?

YESSSSS!
But then again: I like the sound of a fixed trem! It sounds a bit more ... chimey than a hard tail.

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Kindest regards from Germany, Dee
My recordings --> http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_mu ... dID=564337
STRATS ROCK!!! but Teles and Firebirds, too!