Changing string gauge

[gibsonguy]

Hopefully by the end of the week I will receive my new JP6 and I will retire my current username on this forum. However, in anticipation I have a question. I have read the faq about changing string gauges but is it really necessary to file the nut to go from 9's to 10's? I have been a Regular Slinky user for more than 35 years (with a box full of B and E strings from when they used to ship extras in each pack to prove it) and I intend to continue that way. Filing the nut seems like a drastic thing to do to a new instrument.

Has anyone changed string gauges without modifying the guitar?

 

[GuitarHack]

I've changed five MM guitars from 9s to 10s. Four of them were no problem, the fifth required widening the 3rd string nut slot a tiny bit, it was hanging up when using the vintage trem. Slap 'em on and see what happens, chances are you're fine as is.

 

[fsmith]

GG,
You shouldn't have to file the nut. I've gone back and forth with my Pet from 9's to 10's and have finally settled on hybrid slinky 9's for all of my guitars.

You will have to make adjustments to the bridge via the trem claw to keep the bridge level. It's not a big deal, just a little time consuming to make a change to the trem claw, tune to pitch, and repeat until you have the bridge where you want it.

Any other questions just sing out...

fred

 

[roburado]

Yeah, there should be no problem with the nut. Maybe, someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but it's the same nut right? It's just that now the guitar comes with 9s and not 10s as it originally did. So, 10s ought to work fine, right?

 

[Lou]

You might have to widen slots if the strings bind up. It depends how the nut was cut. Every one will be different.

 

[gibsonguy]

Thanks

It sounds like I should try it and see what happens. I'll do that and report back to the group. Hopefully things will work fine and I won't have to take a file to my new axe.