A PRS S2 Studio came in for a setup and a string gauge change from 9s to 10s.
What Came In
A PRS S2 Studio Limited Edition in Frost Blue Metallic with a mint pickguard. This is the HSS run with a Starla bridge humbucker and two Type-D single coils, a short-run model PRS only opened for dealer orders during a narrow window. The owner wanted strings switched from 9s to 10s and the guitar set up to match.
What We Found
Heavier strings had pulled the guitar out of spec. Truss rod relief had tightened, action had climbed at the bridge, intonation was off, and the tremolo block was pulling forward because the spring tension hadn't been rebalanced.
What We Did
Fresh 10s on. Truss rod, saddles, intonation, and tremolo springs all reset for the new tension. About 50 minutes on the bench.
Result
The guitar took to the 10s well, with better tone and stability than it had on 9s.
Worth Knowing
A gauge jump is not just a string change. A guitar set up for 9s usually needs a full setup pass to play right on 10s, because relief, action, intonation, and tremolo balance all shift under the new tension. Skipping the setup is the most common reason a gauge change feels worse than expected. Players notice the strings are stiffer (which is normal) but assume the guitar is fighting them, when really the guitar just needs to be rebalanced for the new spec.
For tremolo-equipped guitars like this one, the spring claw is doing real work. New tension means new spring tension, and a floating bridge will tilt forward or back if it isn't corrected. We see this combination of issues all the time at the bench in Glens Falls.
Bring It In
If you're thinking about a gauge jump, or you've already made one and the guitar feels off, 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
- Why Won't My Guitar Stay in Tune
- When to Take Your Guitar to a Tech vs. Fix It Yourself
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