steveinrus
April 1st, 2012, 12:34 AM
I have a 2011 American Standard set up with .009s. Factory set up was fine. I made a slight adjustment to truss rod.
I'd like to switch to .010s to match my Strat.
What set-up issues will I encounter in switching gauge? I'm ok tweaking truss rod, string height and adjusting intonation. Not to keen to do much else, e.g., adjusting nut slot, etc.,
Appreciate your advice.
steve
Bud Veazey
April 1st, 2012, 01:22 AM
I doubt you'll have to make any significant adjustment. The adjustments you're already familiar with are the only ones you would have to make. In addition to the adjustments you mentioned, make sure the nut slots aren't too tight for the larger gauge strings.
steveinrus
April 1st, 2012, 04:17 AM
Is it a big deal to widen nut slots? Can you use a simple home nail file or do you need professional tools?
KokoTele
April 1st, 2012, 08:49 AM
The *only* thing that should change when you switch gauges is your neck relief. You'll have to tighten your truss rod slightly to compensate for the extra tension. Maybe 1/8-1/4 turn.
The factory slots are usually okay for 10s. If not, you need something more precise than a nail file. It has to fit in the slots and it has to have a rounded bottom.
soulman969
April 1st, 2012, 01:09 PM
I've used .009's and .010's on my Tele's steveinrus and have had to do nothing more than Koko and Bud suggest. It's not a huge difference and any adjustments should be very minor.
Don't attack the nut slots with a nail file though. If you need to clear them out a bit try some very fine grit emery paper. Make a tight fold and use that edge where it's folded. I had a bit of an issue with that on one of mine going from .010's to .009's and I was able to fix the problem that way. Just go very slow and use caution not to widen the slot too much at the top or take too much material away. Little at a time worked best for me. Angle the slot in the direction of the headstock as you go.