Tremolo problem with heavier strings

Hello,

A friend of mine bought a highway 1 stratocaster. He replaced the .009 strings it came with with .010 strings. The heavier strings make the tremolo block tilt towards the body. The tremolo arm is nearly touching the strings. What's the cure for this? Does he have to put extra springs in the temolo mechanism or is there some way to compensate for the increase in string tension?

Jeroen

Does he have to put extra springs in the temolo... Jeroen

You got it. If he bought it new, there's probably at least one extra spring in the plactic bag'o spare parts that came with the owner's manual in the gig bag. If not - they're relatively cheap (a dollar or two).

I would start by adding one spring, which should do it. He'll probably need to adjust the screws holding the claw in place as well, depending on where he likes the bridge to sit.

The store where he bought it may be able to provide him so assistance, as it's a fairly common adjustment.

trem unit. Once he adjusts the claw in back to sit where he wants the bridge to be, he might also need to check his intonation with a real good tuner...chance are that is will be a little off...might even drive him nuts if he doesn't. I'd let a tech do it if he doesn't have the gear. later.

cowboy

It was enough to adjust the claw. There was no need to add extra springs. Intonation was a little off, but this was easily fixed. This Highway 1 Strat was remarkably well intonated when he bought it. Better than my American Telecaster.

Thanks for the info all.

Jeroen