new strat ec from factory.
what gauge strings came on the guit from the fac?

9-42 maybe?

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Clapton come with 10's I believe.

_________________
Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore, trust the physician and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility.-Khalil Gibran

that would be great cause I'm feelin something lighter.
anyone know for sure?

10-46 as standard factory fit.

They Hwy 1 strat I got Fender speced for 9-42 Super Bullets, but was fitted with 10-46 D'Addario's! ...bummer cuz I purchased the guitar for the purpose of a factory setup, 9-42 guitar. Sooooo, I had to do a complete setup and never got to feel a 9-42 factory setup from Fender.

if you switch from 10's to 9's u gotta do an entire new setup??

You don't gotta, but it feels and sounds better to me when I do!

Huh? What's wrong with doing a minor setup? Adjust the neck and the intonation. Done.

On a floating bridge, once you change one thing, you've got to adjust everything else, albeit by small amounts in some cases, it still adds up to a full setup cuz your're touching everything you'd touch during a full setup to make the final adjustments!

I still say a setup, including adjusting the tension on the claw, is no big deal. If you own a Strat, keeping it properly tweaked should be like breathing. Put on the strings you want, and adjust accordingly.

agreed but how does one know when it's 'correct.' is it by the tech specs or is it all feel?

And the answer to that is...Yes.

Tech specs are great to get you as close to the factory configuration as possible.
They are the recommended set-up values to achieve the sound that the specific guitar is intended to produce.
However, for example, you might have your string height, action, saddles, trem springs, etc. set perfectly according to the set-up procedure,
but this is the fun part and YOU get to tweek it from this point to achieve the sound and play-ability to YOUR liking.
Try it.
Notice how minor adjustments in the pickup height changes your sound.
Notice how adjusting the truss-rod affects your action.
And so on.

There is no magic-bullet for set up.
The set-up guide is an invaluable tool for getting your guitar where it needs to be.
The rest is your call.

fender just responded. guy said they ship w/9-42's so who knows. specs on website say 10 - 46's. I'm using em till I burn em cause I haven't played in years and I'm wanting to build some finger strength. that's why I was hopin they were 10's.
it they're nines I'm really weak.

Well, let us know what you think when you put 10s on!
You might luck up and not have to add/adjust the trem springs.
(some do, some don't...I usually have to...plus I'm clinically OCD about it)
In any case, you'll notice a considerable difference in sound and feel.
Good luck !!!