Hi Guys,
I've just got my first ever Stratocaster and I want to change my strings into 10's. Do I have to open the back and adjust springs before installing my new set of strings? Please advise because been with Tele's for a long time.

Hi johnbrown, welcome to the Forum.


No, you need to do that after changing the strings. The heavier strings will pull the back of the bridge up more. Note where it is before you take the 9s off, then when the new ones are on gradually tighten the screws that hold the spring claw in place in their cavity till the back of the bridge comes back down to where it was before.

Then check your relief (which may have raised under increased string tension), then your action, and finally your intonation at the saddles, which will definitely have changed.

Good luck - C

And the neck will be under more tension as well, so it will bow up a little.

Thanks for the advise Ceri and JSJH.
I'm really excited to install new set of stings for my new Strat but I'm very careful not to go wrong with it. Been playing with my Tele's with 11's and playing in a Strat with 09's really different.
But hey Strat is a Strat. And the sounds it produce covers a lot of genre!

Welcome and see below.

_________________
You dig?

Finally got to take a picture of my Strat. Here it is

^^^^ if for whatever reason you don't like it, i'll have it....