A PRS S2 Studio in Frost Blue Metallic came in for a string change from 9s to 10s and a setup to match. Truss rod, saddles, intonation and tremolo springs reset for the heavier set in 50 minutes.
- Instrument
- PRS S2 Studio Limited Edition, Frost Blue Metallic, mint pickguard
- Tech
- Dave Eastwood
- Customer complaint
- Setup and change string gauge from 9s to 10s
- String gauge
- 9s to 10s
- Diagnosis
- Intonation, saddle height, tremolo spring and truss rod all needed adjusting for the heavier strings
- Work performed
- Fresh 10s; intonation, saddle height, tremolo springs and truss rod adjusted accordingly
- Parts
- None
- Bench time
- 50 minutes
- Outcome
- The guitar liked the 10s, in Dave's words
What Came In
A PRS S2 Studio Limited Edition in Frost Blue Metallic with a mint pickguard, the HSS run with a Starla bridge humbucker and two Type-D single coils. The owner wanted 10s on it and the guitar set up to suit.
What We Found
Going to the heavier strings pulled the guitar out of spec: intonation, saddle height, tremolo spring tension and truss rod all needed adjusting.
What We Did
Restrung with a fresh set of 10s and adjusted the intonation, saddle height, tremolo springs and truss rod for the new tension. About 50 minutes on the bench.
Result
The guitar liked the 10s, in Dave's words.
Why does a gauge change on a tremolo guitar need a setup?
The springs in the back are balanced against string tension. Put heavier strings on and the bridge tilts forward until the springs are tightened to match, and relief, action and intonation move with it. Skipping the setup is the usual reason a gauge change feels worse than expected.
Related
- The Repair Vault
- Guitar Setups at Paul's Guitar Hideout
- When to Change Your Guitar Strings, and How to Know
- Fender 75th Anniversary Stratocaster: Setup for the Move from 9s to 10s
- Gibson Flying V: Cleaning, Uneven Nut and Saddles, Setup for 10s
Bring It In
Changed gauge and the guitar feels like it is fighting you? It needs the setup that goes with the strings. 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