A Fender 75th Anniversary Stratocaster came in to go from 9s to 10s. Tremolo springs tightened for the heavier strings, truss rod set, nut slots evened out, saddles and intonation set, pickups adjusted. Forty-five minutes.
- Instrument
- Fender 75th Anniversary Stratocaster
- Tech
- Dave Eastwood
- Customer complaint
- Setup and changing strings from 9s to 10s
- String gauge
- 9s to 10s
- Diagnosis
- Tremolo springs, truss rod, saddle height and intonation needed adjusting for 10s; nut needed evening out; pickup heights off
- Work performed
- Tremolo springs tightened for the new gauge; truss rod adjusted; nut slots evened out; saddle height and intonation set; pickup height set
- Parts
- None
- Bench time
- 45 minutes
- Outcome
- Great playing and looking Strat on 10s, in Dave's words
What Came In
A Fender 75th Anniversary Stratocaster. The owner wanted to move from 9s to 10s and have it set up to match.
What We Found
Going up to 10s meant the tremolo springs, truss rod, saddle height and intonation all needed adjusting. The nut needed evening out and the pickup heights were off.
What We Did
Tightened the tremolo springs for the heavier gauge, adjusted 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, in Dave's words.
Why do the tremolo springs need tightening after a gauge change?
On a Strat the springs in the back balance the pull of the strings. Heavier strings pull harder, so the springs have to be tightened to match or the bridge lifts and the guitar will not hold tune. It is the first adjustment after the strings go on, and everything else is set after it.
Related
- The Repair Vault
- Guitar Setups at Paul's Guitar Hideout
- Why Won't My Guitar Stay in Tune
- PRS S2 Studio: Setup for the Move from 9s to 10s
- Fender 50th Anniversary Stratocaster: Cleaning and Setup After Years Unplayed
Bring It In
Strat with a floating bridge and new strings that will not settle? The springs need to follow the gauge. Setups at the Hideout.
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 stairs are difficult or you're bringing in something you don't want to carry up, call or text us and we'll arrange access.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5 PM
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com