Classic Player 60s Strat string gauge

[Coop47]

Hi all. Couldn't find a thread on these that wasn't a zombie, so figured I'd start one. I just got a great deal on a CP60 and had to grab it. Unfortunately, I was also recently diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and I'm having a little difficulty with the 12" radius. (I don't have big hands.) I normally play Tele's strung with 10s or 10-52s, so I'm looking for advice from you folks with more experience. Will putting 9s on the CP60 make it easier to play? How does it sound with 9s? Assuming there's a decrease in tone quality, is it worth it?

Thanks!
Coop

[Omiewise65]

Hi Coop , sad you are diagnosed with CT syndrome . Hope you get well soon and be able to really enjoy your nice find .
I think bendings will be easier for you if you put 9s on your CP60s .
Soundwise there won't be a big difference between 9s and 10s .
It's true , the big fretboard with the 12" radius is easier to play with big hands and long fingers . A friend of mine has the same problem with my CP60s .
Really hope it will be fine for you trying out 9s .
cheers Michael

[metalicaster]

9s...like hendrix ;)

[scantron81]

I usually use 9s but I've used 8s and I found them pleasing.

[still_fiddlin]

You might try hybrids that basically have 9s on the top and 10s on the bottom. That's what I've been using on my strat since I started playing again a few years back. Tone is fine on *my* guitar. (I've decided that the hybrids feel a hair too "floppy" on the shorter, Gibson scale, tho', and reverted back to 10s there.)

I sling code for a living and use a keyboard all day long (for some decades now). I had "pre-carpal tunnel" a dozen years ago, but a wrist brace, mega NSAID dosage (ulcer to show for it) knocked it back, and I quit trying to play too many different instruments, especially ones that required awkward finger stretches, or too much tension. Listen to your body, as they say, and good luck.

[Coop47]

Originally Posted by metalicaster

9s...like hendrix ;)

Well, then at least I'd have one thing in common with him.

Thanks all for the advice and well wishes. I read this thread while visiting my tech and decided to have him set it up with 9s as well as put in a CRL switch. Feels better so far - maybe this will help me break my habit of gripping so hard. I've laid off playing for a week now and work braces at work, and my symptoms have improved a lot. We'll see what happens.

The guitar itself is nice - very cool to open it up and see the Ybarra-signed pickups. If I have any gripes about it it's that the finish seems to have a number of lines or seams in it, but it's a player and I'm not all that worried about it. Outside of the finish, it seems very well built.

Again, thanks to everyone for the feedback!

[Loganloveguitar]

I use 9s and honestly its easy to play and more fun to play and the tone with my wampler plexidrive into my hiwatt is still juicy and thick as anything, the thumps still there

[Weazel]

I have a major case of psoriasis arthritis with loads of pain and stiffness in some of my fingers. String gauge don't matter at all in my case. I stick with .10 - .46 sets. Probably due to habit;-)

[32soundz]

I've got 9's on mine and love it. I havent got big hands but find it extremely easy to play
I play necks with 7.5 radius and vintage frets, 9.5 radius with medium frets and CP 12 radius and they all feel easy.

Just keep on playing her you will get used to that neck soon but yes try 9's it will feel easier to play

[AJBaker]

Just curious, but how big of a difference does radius make to you?
Good choice for the strat, and good luck with the hands!

[PJ]

9.5-44s work as well on a couple of my Strats. If bending's a big part of your style, give them a try. I like the tone better than 8s or 9s.