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Post subject: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2013 3:22 pm
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Hi,

I recently got a new Fender American Standard Stratocaster and am thinking of changing the strings from 9's to 10's. Will I have to make any setup adjustments if I do this?

Thanks!


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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2013 3:56 pm
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Howdy, as a general rule, moving to higher string gauges raises the action. May need to lower the bridge saddles a touch but, see how the action feels before going there. If it feels too high go for it. If it feels good, let it ride ;)

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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2013 6:37 pm
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You will have to adjust the trem spring claw too.

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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2013 7:13 pm
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And probably adjust the truss rod as well.


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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2013 10:53 pm
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Nikola Tesla wrote:
And probably adjust the truss rod as well.


Actually, that should read: Possibly

Though going up from 9s to 10s shouldn't require it.

11s, maybe (but only maybe), 12s, probably.

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 1:40 am
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Strat-Slinger wrote:
Howdy, as a general rule, moving to higher string gauges raises the action. May need to lower the bridge saddles a touch but, see how the action feels before going there. If it feels too high go for it. If it feels good, let it ride ;)



Moving saddles !!! Don't do that , you will change all the guitar setup. Sadlles height don't move by itself. If saddles was at the right height before, live them there.

It is simply the neck bend with bigger string , when bending , action raise . Just need a truss rod adjustment to have a more straight neck as before .

Need tremolo spring adjustment too.

If you adjust action by saddles you intonnation will be false because neck is wrong , and not sure action will be ok without any buzz . New string gauge = truss rod adjustment .That's all. :D


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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 4:21 am
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Lightnin MN wrote:
Nikola Tesla wrote:
And probably adjust the truss rod as well.


Actually, that should read: Possibly

Though going up from 9s to 10s shouldn't require it.

11s, maybe (but only maybe), 12s, probably.

cheers!



Just moved from 9 to 10 gauge and neck on one of my srats bowed ..
The trus rod trick should fix it.


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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 4:24 am
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stratele52 wrote:
Strat-Slinger wrote:
New string gauge = truss rod adjustment .That's all. :D



+1

.. herewith how to do it (gr8 tutorial)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_qZ_QGXI4w


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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 3:16 am
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You are getting a variety of different opinions here, not all of them correct. I'm not going to impose my opinion, why should I be right? All I will say is that you make a change, measure the effect, adjust if necessary, job done.

If I were you I would read up on strat setup from reputable sources (eg Fender) and if you are still not happy take it to a good tech for an all over setup.


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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 3:42 am
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john_uk wrote:
You are getting a variety of different opinions here, not all of them correct. I'm not going to impose my opinion, why should I be right? All I will say is that you make a change, measure the effect, adjust if necessary, job done.

If I were you I would read up on strat setup from reputable sources (eg Fender) and if you are still not happy take it to a good tech for an all over setup.



If you ever look at Fender Support for set up you see Fender did not say all you kneed to know .

What we may learn with all these answers ; This is not a rocket science .

1- It is easy to admit bigger strings gauge pull more the neck than smaller strings gauge.

2- Same for tremolo springs.

3- If neck bent , action raise . Don't touch to the bridge 's saddles , adjust neck truss rod.

4- If you don't need neck adjustment with new string gauge , you are very lucky or you did not look carefully. :?


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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 8:05 am
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the intonantion will need to be adjusted for sure

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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 8:29 am
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1) double check relief to see if it has changed. If it has changed then adjust it back to where it was, remembering to disregard action when adjusting relief.

2) check action and amount of trem float to see if it has changed and if it has ... restore it to how it was before using the trem claw.

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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 11:09 am
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jaknzax wrote:
the intonantion will need to be adjusted for sure


+1


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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 11:25 am
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I, too, just bought an American Standard Strat and changed the string gauge from '10s to '11s. In doing so, it was necessary to adjust the neck, action, intonation and trem. However, I would agree that you take a look at what you got and adjust only as necessary. There is also the subjective part of this in which your personal preference for how you want the guitar to play is a consideration.

And, totally off the subject, I love this guitar!


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Post subject: Re: Changing String Gauge
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 11:34 am
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When I changed from 9's to 10's just about everything needed readjustment. Granted the changes were minimal, but none the less, everything required tweaking. However, when I went from 10's to 11's I think I just had to tighten the trem springs a bit and adjust intonation.


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