A Fender 75th Anniversary Stratocaster came in for a setup and a string gauge change from 9s to 10s.
What Came In
A Fender 75th Anniversary Stratocaster. The owner wanted to move from 9s to 10s and have the guitar set up to the heavier strings.
What We Found
Going up to 10s changed the tension, so the tremolo springs, truss rod, saddle height, and intonation all needed resetting. The nut needed evening out and the pickup heights were off.
What We Did
Tightened the tremolo springs for the heavier gauge, set the truss rod, and evened out the nut slots. Set the saddle height and intonation, then finished with the pickup height. About 45 minutes on the bench.
Result
A great playing and great looking Strat on 10s.
Worth Knowing
On a Strat with a floating tremolo, a gauge change is a balancing act. Heavier strings pull harder, so the springs have to be tightened to match or the bridge lifts and the guitar will not stay in tune.
Evening out the nut slots is the small step that makes the first few frets play in tune, and it is easy to skip.
Bring It In
Changing string gauge on a Strat? Bring it in. Standard setup is $79 and we'll get it back in your hands as soon as possible.
Related
- What a Guitar Setup Includes and Why It Matters
- When to Change Your Guitar Strings and How to Know
- Why Won't My Guitar Stay in Tune
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If you need assistance, give us a call and we'll come down.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday to Sunday, 12 to 5pm
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com