Ahhh..the joys of removing the stock 9s and putting on 10s..

[Andy Summers]

...thats all

[TelecasterVR]

Originally Posted by Andy Summers

...thats all

I totally agree. The one size up definitely makes a huge difference.

Don't get me wrong, there are players that use 9's (Carlos Santana comes to mind) or even 8's and still have fantastic tone, but I personally think that 10's are the best overall compromise; not too heavy, not too light. Still easy to bend with good tonal presence.

I used 13's for years before realizing that the benefits weren't all they were cracked up to be. After wrestling with those thick cables for 10 years I decided to try 10's on a whim and have stuck with them ever since... good all-around choice IMO.

I still have 13's on one of my guitars though (a 1981 Carvin DC200), just because it seems to work better tone-wise, so don't feel like you have to stick to one size.

[Andy Summers]

Originally Posted by TelecasterVR

I totally agree. The one size up definitely makes a huge difference.

Don't get me wrong, there are players that use 9's (Carlos Santana comes to mind) or even 8's and still have fantastic tone, but I personally think that 10's are the best overall compromise; not too heavy, not too light. Still easy to bend with good tonal presence.

Agreed 100%...For some reason I cant play 9s...my chords sound like crap on 9s. My grip always pules a string just a tad out of tune...10s...no issues at all..and I like the feel of a little more string under my fingers.

[BackNtheSaddle]

Nooooooo!!!!! :)

Check things out closely. You might need adjustments. The AS's come config'd for/with 9's.

One of my AS's needed a touch up on both intonation and height, after going to/from 10's. I tried them as an "experiment" to see what all the fuss here was about. Hated them, went back to 9's after a few days. Was a PITA to set up and set up again.

But, folks swear by 'em. I just sweared *at* them.

Diff'rent strokes, I guess. Any case, if it sounds a li'l wonky after the change, break out your strobe tuner & little screwdrivers/allen wrench and fix it.

[Andy Summers]

Originally Posted by BackNtheSaddle

Nooooooo!!!!! :)

Check things out closely. You might need adjustments. The AS's come config'd for/with 9's.

One of my AS's needed a touch up on both intonation and height, after going to/from 10's. I tried them as an "experiment" to see what all the fuss here was about. Hated them, went back to 9's after a few days. Was a PITA to set up and set up again.

But, folks swear by 'em. I just sweared *at* them.

Diff'rent strokes, I guess. Any case, if it sounds a li'l wonky after the change, break out your strobe tuner & little screwdrivers/allen wrench and fix it.

LOL!! Already done, brother back :) I alway go to 10s..been doing it for years..if anything, the intonation and action is perfect now..as it was a tad high for me before hand..trust me..she sounds LOVELY :)

[gtrguru]

I couldn't agree more on my Strat, but for my Tele I just have to have 11s.

[BoogieManSC]

Same here....played 9's for years. Just changed to 10's.....will never go back. I found when I'm playing a lot....the 9's are just too thin for me.

[Jvm210Guy]

9s are fine too. No one plays the same...

[Cymro14]

I just wish I could makethe transition,permanently, to 10s. I'm scaling up though....using 9.5s now but 10s definitely the target.

[jackal]

Wait until you try 11s.

[Andy Summers]

I have yet to try 11s...hows the bending situation on those? I imagine it just takes a little getting used to.

[ludashoeless]

Originally Posted by Andy Summers

I have yet to try 11s...hows the bending situation on those? I imagine it just takes a little getting used to.

after about two months with 11s i can probably bend three frets and they sound great! thinking about trying 12s

[Andy Summers]

Originally Posted by ludashoeless

after about two months with 11s i can probably bend three frets and they sound great! thinking about trying 12s

hmmm...I may have to try this!!

[musicalmartin]

[hemingway]

9s all the way - I even use them on my acoustic. I like to bend 'em.

[Cameage]

I use 11s on most of my guitars...my Telecaster has 10s right now, though. I tried 12s for a while, but they messed with my hands.

[Hiflyer]

I have 10s on all my guitars ... I recently bought a Jazzmaster, I put 11s on it, first time with this gauge. I like it too.

[joaopazguitar]

Thanks for the thread, Andy!

I use flatwound 13s in my archtop and 12s on my ES-type. I played 9s for years (many moons ago in my rock days) and was never quite happy with all my "guitars" ... until I finally realized a couple of years ago it was the strings(!)

So I need to change the 9s in my new Tele too, but I wouldn't like to loose the Telecaster vibe, so what do you gents say? 10s or 11s (while still having the twang)

[cwzcwz]

I love 10s. 9s are better for the big bends but I don't pull chords out of tune as much with 10s. I got used to pushing the 10s around and my rhythm playing is better. Also the high E doesn't break as easily.

[Rocka-Tele]

I used to play 9's on all my guitars, Fender and Gibson scale, but i made the jump to 10's (higher on my acoustics) and they're way, way better for me. Now when i play 9's it feels like im playing elastic bands. Plus way fuller tone with the 10's. 9's seem flimsy and tinny. Chord playing just dont sound good with 'em.