What can a neck take

[Baltar]

hi all,

i never got a good answer regarding string gauge and neck pressure, so let me
do a detailed question. maybe you guys can give me an idea

since a while i'm playing my 2003 strat (maple neck) with nickel power slinky strings
(11-14-18p-28-38-48 - 2220).
i remember that i had to strengthen the trem-springs a lot, due to higher tension.
i never minded the neck-pressure, because i thought it's an american fender and should manage
it - this is indeed not an issue, as expected

- but -

this year i got a cheaper (made in japan) Aerodyne Strat as backup guitar and for playing
different sounds (converted to fixed bridge). She's much lighter (made of basswood) cost half the price.
the neck is thinner, and has a rosewood fretboard. Can i expect that this neck can also manage
power slinky strings, which i got used to ? (in this case i choose pure nickel 2250)
I really have no idea if it's in the range of 'could manage it / shouldn't be
a prob' or ' don't care / don't even think of probs'.

would be nice to keep also the cheaper strat for some years without a bent neck.

thanks in advance

 

[tommyindelaware]

the will handle power slinks ....no problem.
a little insurance i use when setting up guitars w/ that allen wrench style truss rod (which i hate !!)..is ...when tightening the truss rod to lower the action, i push the face of the headstock down while someone holds the guitar still........so the strain is relieved off the hex nut ...allowing the adjustment to be made easily...... w/out straining the hex nut . those nuts strip very easily...rendering the guiar truss rod useless. put the neck rest at about the 7th fret or so......
hope this makes sense to you.......it works real well.........especially on old bullet type truss rod types....and make sure the truss rod wrench is in all the way before turning......

 

[Baltar]

thanks - good to know.

i will mind your hint regarding trussrod-saving - i never thought of that.
i just heard of other musicians killing their trussrod and am happy that my strats
one is still ok.