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Post subject: Stratocaster string gauge question
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:53 am
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Aspiring Musician
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I read that switching to a string gauge different from the original factory size will require a change to the setup of the Stratocaster. Is that true? What would I have to do if I wanted to try a heavier set of strings? I am currently using .009 and would like to try .010 and .011 to learn the difference. I would rather not have to pay for a new setup, but of course would do that if it were necessary.

Thanks.


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:50 am
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Hi Rudy,

The action, or distance from the strings to the fingerboard, may not need to be changed. The larger strings may just rattle a little less and stay in better tune. I think a set of 10's also gives you better tone. The nut was cut for a set of 9's. Some of your strings may not seat properly or be too tight in the nut grooves. I got by without having to fool with my nut.

The real issue is the intonation. The bridge saddles will need to be readjusted to correct the intonation which changed when you put on larger strings. A well intonated instrument rings true when you compare open an note to a fretted note. An easy way to hear this is to pick an open string and then fret the same string at the 12th fret. Do the nots agree? Is the fretted string shape in relation to the open string? If it is, the string is too short and needs to be adjusted at the saddle. Is the string flat? The string is too long...

If you have an electronic tuner, tune up to A440. Pick an open string and then play the same string at the 12th fret. See above for what to do.

The 10's will take more effort to bend, but you will get used to it if you hang in there. Hope this has been helpful. :)


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:54 am
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Changing to a heavier gauge string will put more tension on the neck and trem. So both will have to be adjusted. After that string height will probably have changed so that will have to be adjusted. AND any time you make those adjustments the intonation will be off, so it will need intonated.

Setups are fairly easy to do. Learn to do them yourself and you will save a lot of money over the years.

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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:01 am
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Also, you'll most likely need to reset your neck relief as the added string tension will cause additional relief.


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:03 am
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Strataholic wrote:
Also, you'll most likely need to reset your neck relief as the added string tension will cause additional relief.


I think I said that........LOL

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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:04 am
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In adding some Elixer 11's to my MIM strat, all I did was add a couple of extra springs to the tremelo and life was fine. Intonation was fine, action was fine, etc.


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:21 am
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I think most strat necks can handle a change from string sets with 9's to 10's without needing a truss rod adjustment. I could be wrong. :)

I set one of my strats up from 9's to 10's and up to 13's with a heavy bottom for slide and then back to 10's and never needed to adjust the truss rod. If we were talking about a mahogany neck, I could see where it would be more of an issue.


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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:24 am
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stratoBobster wrote:
I think most strat necks can handle a change from string sets with 9's to 10's without needing a truss rod adjustment. I could be wrong. :)

I set one of my strats up from 9's to 10's and up to 13's with a heavy bottom for slide and then back to 10's and never needed to adjust the truss rod. If we were talking about a mahogany neck, I could see where it would be more of an issue.


I highly recommend to anyone changing string gauge to have their setup checked!!!!!!!!

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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:32 pm
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Yeah, what Chet said. Once you know how to do a set up, you'll find yourself wanting to set up every guitar you come across. It's easy and kinda fun, if you like to use little tools.

Like owning a classic car, you can spend a lot of Dough having someone else tune it up for you, and get mediocre results. Or learn to do it yourself, save money, and give your treasure the kind fine-tune that takes days to dial in just right.

It's worth the money to get a cheap guitar to practice on. The cheapest thing in the pawn shop, that still has some life in it.

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