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Post subject: Experiment with strings?
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:32 am
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I have a stratocaster and I am using the factory strings. They seem fine to me. Why would I consider changing them for heavier strings, or strings from another maker? Just curious as there seems to be a lot of people experimenting with different strings.

Does using heavier strings make the guitar sound different?

What benefits are there in paying twice as much (or more) for strings by another maker?

Thanks.


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Post subject: Re: Experiment with strings?
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:46 am
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RudyH wrote:
I have a stratocaster and I am using the factory strings. They seem fine to me. Why would I consider changing them for heavier strings, or strings from another maker? Just curious as there seems to be a lot of people experimenting with different strings.

Does using heavier strings make the guitar sound different?

What benefits are there in paying twice as much (or more) for strings by another maker?

Thanks.



Heavier strings "fatten up" your tone. However the heavier the string the harder it is to bend. As far as brand, just try some brands, each has a different life span, and different sound to them. Personally i prefer GHS boomers, i find that i can bend them easier with the heavy gauge i use, and they stay in tune better for me.

Just got buy some different sets and find what works for you


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:54 am
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Heavier gauge strings do change the tone, different brands sound and feel different. Some strings are coated or treated. Some strings are shaped different. Some are made of slightly different materials.
Try some different ones.

Remember that if you go to a heavier gauge to do a setup on your guitar.

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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:56 am
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I use heavier guage strings because I like the tone of them. I also like the fact that they are not as easy to bend. I am assuming because I played Bass first and then acoustic after, the stock .09 are to light for me. I also like that I feel I can be more aggresive with my pick.

But like CAFeathers said, be ready to get a setup done, or do one yourself.


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:11 am
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When you do a setup for eavier strings, what do you actually do to your guitar?


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:22 am
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Jacobthebluesman wrote:
When you do a setup for eavier strings, what do you actually do to your guitar?



Check and adjust:

Neck Relief
String Height (Action)
Trem
Intonation

Pickup height should be checked too.

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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:25 am
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Much of that will depend on the guitar and how big of a change you make. First, it would be best to have the guitar set up for the new string gauge. Second, is this a Strat with a tremolo? Heavier gauges may require more spring tension or addtional springs to set up correctly. You'd be surprised at how much of a difference it can make in just making the jump from 9's to 10's. If you can do a good set up yourself then you can make changes as you go along. If not, find a good guitar shop where someone will listen to what you like and don't like about your current configuration. As far as strings go, I have changed my preferences many times over the years--GHS, Dean Markley, D'Addario, etc. My current favorites are DR's and even they have an assortment of flavors. Experiment and you will find something that you like and begin to hear and feel the diffrences. I hope that helps!


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:42 am
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How thick string can you go with on a standard stat before you have to manipulate the nut?


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:50 am
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Jacobthebluesman wrote:
How thick string can you go with on a standard stat before you have to manipulate the nut?


Personally I have gone up to 13's without doing anything to the nut.

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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:34 pm
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If you play blues then I would highly reccommend D' Addario Pure Blues strings. I use a set of 11s. They sound really full and fat.


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:41 pm
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I have my Strats set up for 9 gauge. I just like the easier feel for that gauge. However, I have a Tele Thinline semi-hollowbody that I have set up for 10 gauge, for the deeper sound. As far as brands......I'm now experimenting with some different brands. But I don't see a huge difference yet. Maybe I need to experiment more.


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 4:43 pm
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Syeklops wrote:
I have my Strats set up for 9 gauge. I just like the easier feel for that gauge. However, I have a Tele Thinline semi-hollowbody that I have set up for 10 gauge, for the deeper sound. As far as brands......I'm now experimenting with some different brands. But I don't see a huge difference yet. Maybe I need to experiment more.


Keep experimenting!

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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 4:49 pm
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I can't help but wonder how long he's had those Fender strings on his new guitar. I've noticed over the years that newer guitar players sometimes keep strings on for months.

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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 4:54 pm
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cryingstrat wrote:
I can't help but wonder how long he's had those Fender strings on his new guitar. I've noticed over the years that newer guitar players sometimes keep strings on for months.


I keep strings on for months sometimes. Depends on how they feel or sound.

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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 4:59 pm
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CAFeathers wrote:
cryingstrat wrote:
I can't help but wonder how long he's had those Fender strings on his new guitar. I've noticed over the years that newer guitar players sometimes keep strings on for months.


I keep strings on for months sometimes. Depends on how they feel or sound.


Oh man, I just can't do that. Two weeks max for me. Even slightly dead strings just drive me crazy.

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