What are the pros and cons of going up string gauge?

[RocketRalf]

Since I change strings about once every three months , I decided 5 bucks more for a string that will sound better longer is really not much money. So I want to try those new Titanium Coated wonders. Now here's the trouble: I want to go up in gauge. I'm looking at something that can do standard tuning without being too hard to bend, specially on the top strings, but I want to be able to down-tune to D or even C while keeping it playable. I also want beefier tones on the lower strings for riffing, and overall more vintage strat like tones on the middle positions of my Silo. I'm torn between the Hybrid, Regular and STHB set. Is the STHB too heavy for standard tuning? What's better for speed-picking? Am I missing any pros or cons of going up string gauges? All coments are welcome, thanks!

 

[TNT]

Rocket, where are you at now?? 9's?? If not, go there - it's a great all around gauge!!!

 

[ric wasserman]

truss rod

I'm a lite string guage guy, but after changing strings for the first time after buying a Martin 16 GT in NY and moving to Bangladesh! I put on 011's and get some buzz from first 1-5. OK, stick in a 5.5mm allen wrench in the truss rod hole and...nothing there! What's the story, either I need super looong allen or...there isn't a truss rod there. Anyone know?
Ric

 

[RocketRalf]

Yes, I'm at 9, The RPS set. I just want to try something different... I've found myself doing too much vibrato lately, so wide it's almost a thrill. Maybe I should try 10-46 before going 10-52? I really never solo or bend hard on the lower strings...

 

[TNT]

Great choice on 10's, I think you're going to stay there!! Try the Rock n Roll Classic all Nickel strings - you'll LOVE EM!!!

 

[RocketRalf]

Well I'm looking for a string that can resist longer to corrosion since I seldom change strings and live in a highly humid climate. Plus I like the base tone of the Slinky, I just want a thicker tone and harder to bend strings. Thanks for your input. I'm gonna think about it until I have only one spare RPS9 and I need replacements.

 

[patpark]

I'm a lite string guage guy, but after changing strings for the first time after buying a Martin 16 GT in NY and moving to Bangladesh! I put on 011's and get some buzz from first 1-5. OK, stick in a 5.5mm allen wrench in the truss rod hole and...nothing there! What's the story, either I need super looong allen or...there isn't a truss rod there. Anyone know?
Ric

acoustics truss rod nut is deeper and requires a longer allen key. the ones they sell at stew mac specifcally for acoustics show a longer allen key.

 

[Slingy]

Yep and if your Martin is like mine (1971)it has no rod. One of the last companies to finally give in to using a rod.

 

[A.J.]

Spiritinthesky-We make the RnR Classic All Nickel strings in all of your favorite gauges: Extra Slinky (8-38), Super Slinky (9-42), Hybrid Slinky (9-46), Regular Slinky (10-46) and Power Slinky (11-48).

RocketRalf-You should check out the new coated electric strings in Regular Slinky (10-46). Not only will they resist corrosion but they are also reinforced with TITANIUM at the ball end. Same great Slinky sound but they last longer and the bigger gauge may help you rein in that vibrato!

 

[RocketRalf]

I might, I'm just waiting until putting my last spare set to take that decision. Whatever the gauge, I will try the coated set, thanks AJ!

 

[Ensi]

Since I change strings about once every three months , I decided 5 bucks more for a string that will sound better longer is really not much money. So I want to try those new Titanium Coated wonders. Now here's the trouble: I want to go up in gauge. I'm looking at something that can do standard tuning without being too hard to bend, specially on the top strings, but I want to be able to down-tune to D or even C while keeping it playable. I also want beefier tones on the lower strings for riffing, and overall more vintage strat like tones on the middle positions of my Silo. I'm torn between the Hybrid, Regular and STHB set. Is the STHB too heavy for standard tuning? What's better for speed-picking? Am I missing any pros or cons of going up string gauges? All coments are welcome, thanks!

If you want to have a good hybrid for D and C, go for the Beefy Slinky 11-54 set. I use that one in D standard and Drop C.

Go for the Regular Slinky's in E standard, they can be tuned down to D, but it will be a little slack.

Also I use the STHB set in E standard and Drop D. Alot of "power" in those gauges. But if you are used to 9's, it will take some time to get used to the heavy gauge.

Yes, I'm at 9, The RPS set. I just want to try something different... I've found myself doing too much vibrato lately, so wide it's almost a thrill. Maybe I should try 10-46 before going 10-52? I really never solo or bend hard on the lower strings...

Then 10-52 is for you!

Here are my personal list of pros/cons of moving up string gauges:

+More power
+You strengthen your fingers
+The sound will be alot heavier
+The strings won't take a split second to go into pitch when you riff hard.

-Takes time to get used to, you might kill yourself in the process.
-Vibratos and bends will be harder, but you'll get used to it.

 

[RocketRalf]

Very compelling, thank you!

I've recently tweaked my distortion sound and found a very pleasing heavy tone I'm itching to try drop tuned. I'll order a couple of these sets to try.

Will I need to readjust the nut in any way? The Silo came with 9s from the factory.

 

[Ensi]

I don't think you'd have to adjust the neck that much, if you can play with a tiny bow on it, then it's no problem.

Just try and drop tune it now with your current strings, I see it says hardtail in your signature. It will be slack but you can try it at least.

I think 9's is too thin

 

[RocketRalf]

9s is too thin. I've already tried that. The bow can be fixed easily with the truss rod wheel. My concern is the nut.

 

[Ensi]

9s is too thin. I've already tried that. The bow can be fixed easily with the truss rod wheel. My concern is the nut.

With my Jackson JS30RR, I have the 12-56 set, I had to file the nut oh the low E string a bit to make it fit.

But it's not like you're gonna be using that set now, is it?

 

[MrMusashi]

try it, if you hear small "ping" noises when you tune it up there is too little room in the nut

MrM

 

[RocketRalf]

Well, I just tryed tuning to the lowest string down to C to remember what it sounded like. It was not really playable, beyond the fifth or so fret, but for open riffing it sounded brutal through my poor man's rig, so I bit the bait and just purchased 3 sets of the coated STHB set that I found at a great price on the internet. It should be here in 3 weeks aprox, I can't wait to lay down some Train of Though riffing on them!

 

[slash2]

rocket- do u know if all elctric guitars hav 9s coming out of the facotry

 

[slash2]

does anyone know if all guitars come with the 9s or what

 

[DrGonzo5150]

does anyone know if all guitars come with the 9s or what

Short answer is no they don't, but the full list is here:

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/ernie-ball-strings/27332-strings-used-music-man-instruments.html