So if you did not make any adjustments after you changed to 10s, then I would say that you did not have enough relief in the neck and you were getting some slight string buzz. The increased tension from the 10s might have pulled the neck or cocked the bridge just enough to clear the errant fret(s).

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Robert Moog - "Hey... where do all these patch cables go?"

I made some adjustements.. the bridge is just perfect now and also the intonation and the action....

thank you.

Cool!

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Robert Moog - "Hey... where do all these patch cables go?"

But the OP still seems to have a problem.

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Bill

Well, I've ruled out a few things already, and the .009 to .010 string change is interesting.

My Deluxe Strat came with .009's, so I've replaced with the same. But I've always used .010's on my Tele. I'm needing a string change anyway; I might try going with the .010's, just to see.

I agree that the Strat shouldn't have a problem with .009's, as a previous post stated, but you never know until you try. Process of elimination. I'll post one way or another.

You know, I like this Deluxe Strat quite a bit, except for this one problem. It has a great neck and came set up quite well from the factory. I also have an American Deluxe Jazz bass with SCN pickups, and it sound great, no problems with it (which was one of the reasons I went with the Deluxe Strat).

Not ruling out a cold solder joint, etc., but I think I'll try this first and see what happens.

Thank you again everyone, for all the info and suggestions - much appreciated. This is a great forum.

AH just had another idea, perhaps you're hearing what I hear and just wording it differently to how I would.

The delta tone pot?

I personaly hate the sound of the thing on 10. I think it sounds really harsh and brittle, nothing like a straight through to the volume pickup. Could that be the problem? Does it go away when dialled down to 8 or 9?

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No no and no

I switched to .010's, and in my case, it made no difference.

This is sounding like something electronic, as opposed to something physical, such as loose screws, springs, etc. When I listen "acoustically" (Strat not plugged in), the low strings ring clean and true; I don't hear anything that might translate to distortion when plugged in.



I typically have both tone controls set below 10, though the volume control is on 10...