String Gauge

felix'apprentice · Post by **felix'apprentice** » Monday Mar 14, 2011

Ok, im currently using 12 gauge strings with 5 springs in the back (on my strat). anyways, im tired of my hands cramping and my finger tips - well i could probably sand wood with them.

I wanna go down to 10's, im wondering if the drastic change in string gauges will mess with action and my intonation. I'm worried that the action will go super low and i will have fret buzz. I'm not very good at setting the action - so this worries me.

Since this is the only guitar i use, i dont want to try it and then mess it up.

Thoughts?

thanks!

- kayla.

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Monday Mar 14, 2011

12's? What, did you want to use it for archery bear hunting? lol

Yes, you will have to adjust both your whammy and your intonation. When you do that properly, the action should "adjust" right along with it, although you might need to tweak it.

felix'apprentice · Post by **felix'apprentice** » Monday Mar 14, 2011

lonewolf wrote:12's? What, did you want to use it for archery bear hunting? lol

Yes, you will have to adjust both your whammy and your intonation. When you do that properly, the action should "adjust" right along with it, although you might need to tweak it.

lol ... it gives this strat a reallllly nice tone. but i've been using them for well over a year now and my hands have been hurting me lately.

i figured id have to adjust - i won't attempt it. looks a job for the music emporium

thanks jeff!

- kayla.

The Shadow · Post by **The Shadow** » Tuesday Mar 15, 2011

Changing string gauges will require you to adjust spring tension, set intonation, and adjust the necks truss rod. Terry at Guitars N Stuff is who I would recommend for fast turn around and stellar service all at a very reasonable price.

sunsetbass · Post by **sunsetbass** » Tuesday Mar 15, 2011

The Shadow wrote:Changing string gauges will require you to adjust spring tension, set intonation, and adjust the necks truss rod. Terry at Guitars N Stuff is who I would recommend for fast turn around and stellar service all at a very reasonable price.

I agree. Terry does all my work also. he really know his shiznit. i know what you need to do kayla. cut 2 of those string off and come to the dark side. mmmmmuuuuwwwwwaaaaa (evil laugh).

Killjingle · Post by **Killjingle** » Wednesday Mar 16, 2011

+1 Guitars n Stuff

old Skool · Post by **old Skool** » Wednesday Mar 16, 2011

+2 for Guitars-N-Stuff. Can't say enough good things about Terry & his work. If you're going to 10's you may consider a 10-52 set. The top end is comfortable to work with yet the bottom is a little bigger than a std 10 gauge set & gives a little more warmth & fatter tone. I use D'Addarios 10-52s on some of mine & really like them.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Wednesday Mar 16, 2011

I had been underwhelmed by every guitar shop setup I ever had

...until I met Terry at Guitars 'n Stuff. The man is a setup genuis.

Jasaoke · Post by **Jasaoke** » Wednesday Mar 16, 2011

I would be more concerned with the recent discomfort. If you've been using that gauge (any gauge) for a year and only recently developed problems, maybe you're developing some hand trouble.