i don't know how to explain this so I'll do the best I can. I want to put 11's on my strat but when I changed the strings from 9s to 10s the bridge went up so I had to screw the screws in the back almost all the way in. My question is if I put elevens will this happen again and if it does I don't think I can turn the screws in anymore. Ya' feel me?

You will probably have to add springs.

Make sure when you change string gauges that you do a COMPLETE SETUP!

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Yeah I definitely know what you're are experiencing. I just changed .10s to .11s and had to adjust my trem claw settings among many others. I don't know how many springs you have in the back of the guitar currently or if you float the trem or lay it flat against the body. Both of these options will affect you're setup. You may feel more comfortable with taking the guitar to a locally well respected luthier/guitar tech to get a professional set up. If you can find a good one that charges $25-$75 dollars it might be worthwhile to take it to him. However, ask to watch the tech set up your guitar and have him explain everything he's doing. This way you wil learn how to set up your guitar and no longer need to pay the set up fees. If you want to do this yourself than there are some standards found on the fender page that detail settingup your guitar.

http://www.fender.com/support/stratocaster.php


This will explain the tools need to perform a setup as well as the proper procedures. These procedures need to be followed to the T and always make very slight adjustments before you measure. There are also many vids on YouTube that can help. You will, more than likely have to make a truss rod adjustment since you are going up in string gauge so if you do not feel comfortable with this then let a pro handle it. It really not that difficult but a screw up can destroy your beautiful guitar. If you decide to move foward with no pro help there are many more on this Forum that know much more than me that can help you. Look for Ceri, Nikininja, CV, Hop, BigJay, and others that can lead the way.

Russ

CA Feathers is also another very knowledgeable guy that you should listen to.

Russ

In this experience, 4 springs on a Strat for 11s.

Yep. I had 11's then 13's. You need a complete setup. More springs, tighten the claw, adjust the saddles and possibly recut the nut and adjust the pups too. If it's tuned to pitch, it'll be a bear. I found that the slight tonal difference wasn't worth the damage to my left hand even tuned down a half step. My left hand started to ache all the time. I'm glad I stopped before it was too late.

When I went to 11's, I went with Fender pure nickle, mostly because the run from 11 High E to 49 Low E, instead of 52 low E, to me it was more balanced. Most people should be able to make any adjustments themselves set up wise to compensate if they follow the directions. Everything except recutting the nut slots, which is going to be necessary, or every time you bend or use the tremolo it will go sharp.