I just can't fully decide whether I like '9's or '10's best. I like the better tone & sustain of tens, but also like the 'bendibility'of nines and the way they respond to subtle nuances of finger movement, when using vibrato for example.


Does anyone else have this personalilty disorder??

I use 9's on my '05 strat that has a Hot Rails and I love them 'cause it's easier to play my leads and my metals stuff. That's what I have that guitar for.

I also use 10's on my '95 strat that is stock. I use that guitar for most of my blues and clean tone stuff.

I think that with whatever choice you make you will get used to it over time. Just make sure that you get your guitar set up after changing guages.

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2005 Fender American Stratocaster W/Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge and Seymour Duncan SSL-5 in neck.
1995 Fender American Standard Stratocaster
Line 6 Spider II 150 watt head W/Ampeg 4x12 Cab
Laney Pro-Linebacker PL65R

keep playin with the 10's and they'll end up feeling like 9's. Fingers are like anything else, the more you play and practice the stronger they get. I said the same thing which turned into..should I play 10's or 11's..I like the tone of the 11's and the bendibility of the 10's. I ended up at 12's .

Some string companies sell LTHB sets. Light Top, Heavy Bottom. 9-48, 10-52 are examples of LTHB sets.

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Chet Feathers

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

Sounds like an argument for a set of 9.5s to me...

http://store.daddario.com/category/1458 ... lus_9.5-44

- C

PRS makes a set of 9.5's that are pretty good. I have personally tried them on one of my Strats.

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Chet Feathers

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

Thanks for your thoughts everyone! I've used both 9s and 10s for long periods, and have got fully used to 10s, but recently re-aquainted myself with 9s - they came on a new guitar!

I've tried LTHB a few years ago (well, about 20 years ago in fact!), after reading that Blackmore liked them. I'll never be a 'Blackmore' however! Just ain't good enough. my main interest is Blues and 10s are plenty fast enough for that!

I like the idea of 9.5s though.........

Hey, well: if it helps, then I notice the set I linked to above are 9.5 - 44, which may not suit your needs down in the bass region. But there's always the possibility of self-assembled sets.

I'm sure you know StringsDirect. Here's their list of D'Addario's singles, including 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, and 13.5 (don't see a 12.5, strangely):

http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products ... les_plain_

A perfectly reasonable option...

Cheers - C

Thanks Ceri, that web address is now logged in 'favorites'!!

Yes,Yes!! Ernie Ball Power Slinky strings are 11, 14, 18, 28, 38, 48. Love 'em so much, they are my new favorite. The E and B strings have real tone, and don't sound thin and weak. They do take getting used to, but are worth it. They also require some setting up to accomodate the increased pull from the heavier guage, if you have used .009 or .010 before.