I just bought a Fender Strat American Standard and brought it home and decided to re-string it. Now I noticed that after I had re-strung the guitar the Tremolo Bridge(I think its called?) had raised up by atleast half an inch. Is this normal or is there something wrong? Or do I just suck at stringing?

The strings that I put in it are D'Addario XL Nickel Wound .012 to .052, if thats any help.


A littl worried, first time spending over a grand on a guitar







....Didn't see the other thread explaining this my bad.

Hello Jimmy Zepplin,

Firstly welcome to this forum.

Sounds about right, no doubt it had lighter gage strings on it.
12's are monsters,(I like em too).

Take off back cover and tighten up the claw screws,
Then reintonate, truss rod adjustment is probable needed also.
And your good to go. Things may need to be done again in a few days
to relieve any trauma from the gage change.

If all this is beyond your scope consult a good guitar tech ask to
watch and learn. It's pretty easy and fun when you get the whole
theory down.

No Worries.

Cheers.

Did you change the gauge or remove all the strings at once?These two things can affect your vibrato system.You should change one string at a time or you're pretty well guaranteed to get vibrato problems.Going to a lighter string guage causes less tension on the springs and consequently the bridge lifts.This can be remedied by adjusting the spring claws a little at a time by turning the adjustment screws 1 or 2 turns at a time gradually tightening them 'til you get the desired height.It also helps to slightly loosen the strings before you tighten the screws each time and then retuning,tedious but necessary if you want the job done right.I hope this helps,good luck with it.

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Your American Standard came with nickle plated Bullets that are standard .009 to .042

You changed the strings to:
1. A ball end
2. A different manufacturer
3. a much heavier gauge that tune to a higher tension

This is what raised the bridge. Anytime you change manufacture, gauge or string material you will have to do a complete setup on the guitar. With a change this drastic, you will have to have the nut worked for the new strings as well or face issues keeping them in tune. The setup must include intonation also.

You didn't break anything but you do need to do a complete setup. I did the same thing with my first guitar and went 3 months before I found out what to do about it.

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2012 American Standard Strat Charcoal Froast
2009 Standard Strat Sunburst Brown
Blues Junior Tweed NOS
2007 Line6 Spider Jam

Oops I didn't notice where you said you put on 12s,in that case take Mr. Bill's route.

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Thanks for all the help. Good thing I noticed it now instead of later.

Take those 12s off right away as the guitar was setup for 9s and though unlikely you could damage the guitar as there is way to much tension on the neck. As has been stated you need a complete setup for the gauge of strings you put on.

I will bring it in today and ask for a complete setup for the heavier gauge strings... Does any one hve any idea how much it would cost about for this to be done? Thanks for the help everyone!

They do it for $35 at the local shop here. That includes your choice of strings. YMMV I haven't used the service because I stayed with 9's and am not sorry I did.

_________________
You're only as strong as
the drinks you pour,
the tables you dance on,
and the friends you roll with.

Thanks alot!

9s are girly strings-signed SRV. Just having some fun with you.