Looking for a bit of help guys,

My strat is set up purrrrfectly to E standard, I'm looking to tune it back down to Eb (I used to keep an SG tuned to Eb but its gone now), but also looking to up my gauge from 10 to 11, how much fiddling will I have to do to keep the intonation spot on?

And as a side note: I'm thinking of blocking the trem, not really sure, I mean the only time I really use the bridge is when I'm tremeloing/changing the pitch of harmonics (like the Little Wing solo) and I do just do it with my hand. Might be worth blocking it to allow greater retuning freedom as I've started to dabble in openG too..

Thoughts?

well after changing string gauge you need to do a whole setup check that includes trussrod, nut slots and lubrication and everything on the bridge setup even the springs in the back of the guitar........
It shouldnt take long to do it... settin up my guitars is one of my favorite things to do

I really like the sound of blocked Strats. It will allow you to get a lot more sustain with a lot less gain and saturation from your amp.

_________________
Custom Shop '59 Strat with John Cruz Master Design Pickups
Vibro King
Fulltone Clyde>Deja-Vibe>TS-808>TS-9>Boss Tuner

I suppose what I was querying (sp?) was the difference in tension in 10s tuned to E and 11s tuned to Eb, if they were similar enough that I could get away without having to do a full set up

I'll have to bite the bullet eventually (I don't mind, the only thing I dislike is changing the nut widths to accomdate the wider gauges) Hey! I can't help it if I prefer playing it..

/e:

Question:

Important that I use hard wood to block or can I use pine? Also, tapered block of wood better than squared?