String tension on Petrucci model

[Ronaesch]

I would like to set my new Petrucci model up with .009s strings. It came with .010s on it. Is it recommended that I set the guitar up with 2 springs on the tremolo bar. I would like to remove one of them (it came with 3 from the factory) to lessen the string tension. I have read that there are schools of thought that suggest that only 2 springs are needed if .008s or .009s are going to be used and 3 springs come into play if you are going to use .010s or larger. Will you please clarify and provide some insight?

Second, is there a picture of how the truss rod adjustment screw effects the neck when turned clockwise or countercloskwise? The FAQs page answer is somewhat vague. "A simple neck adjustment should work, turning your truss rod wheel clockwise (a quarter turn at a time ) will raise the fretboard. " Does raise the fret board actually mean that it will raise the action or lower the action of the guitar?

Thanks for your help.

 

[the_g_man]

Q: If I change my string set gauge to 10's or 11's will I need to change the intonation?

A: A simple neck adjustment should work, turning your truss rod wheel clockwise (a quarter turn at a time ) will raise the fretboard.

Wow, what a confusing statement. I can only assume that "raising the fretboard" is the same as "lowering the strings"

In that respect, EB/MM are correct. Going from lighter gauge to heavier gauge will make the action much higher, so you would have to tighten the truss-rod to straighten the neck out and bring the action down. In your case, since your going the opposite direction, you'll have to loosen the truss-rod to bring the action up. Make sense? Caution: when adjusting the truss-rod, make 1/2 turn adjustments MAX! Don't make too many either. Make an adjustment, re-tune and play for awhile, and then make another adjustment if you need to. So remember, you'll want to go counter-clockwise with your truss-rod adjustments. I wish I could draw you a picture, but I can't draw

As for your question about tremolo springs, my personal preference would be to leave it alone. Put your new strings on, adjust the neck, tune-up and play for awhile. You will probably notice that the bridge base isn't parallel with the body. Removing one spring will allow the bridge to tilt forward, but it might go too far. I would just leave three springs in and loosen the claw screws a couple of turns to take some tension off the springs. Six of one...half dozen of the other. FWIW, alot of players are mixing light treble strings with heavy bass strings...whatever that means.

FYI, if you want to learn how to do your own setups, I highly recommend a book by Dan Erlewine. I can't remember the title, but I'll look it up and post here. It's a goldmine of info!

I hope that helps.

Gary

PS- This reply was made while listening to Scenes From a Memory

 

[Ronaesch]

Thanks a lot Gary.