10-46 vs. 9-42

[Guithartic]

I see that the new American original 50s telecasters come with string size 10–46. Does anyone know the reason for that? I always thought Stratocaster’s and telecasters came with 9–42 strings.

 

[strat a various]

I see that the new American original 50s telecasters come with string size 10–46. Does anyone know the reason for that? I always thought Stratocaster’s and telecasters came with 9–42 strings.

My 1970 Strat came with 12-52 or something similar. It changes from time to time to keep up with trends.
Guess they are getting feedback that warrants changing OEM strings on some models.

 

[Slim Chance]

Fender usually/always puts 10-46 on reissues including the ARRI, AV, and AO models. MIM reissues May also be like this, too.

 

[strat a various]

Fender usually/always puts 10-46 on reissues including the ARRI, AV, and AO models. MIM reissues May also be like this, too.

THAT'S interesting. Didn't know that.

 

[Oldsmobum]

I didn’t know it was more normal for 9-42... I prefer them, but I didn’t think they were that popular.

 

[tweedman2001]

I usually split the difference when I restring. 9-46 Hybrids.

 

[brookdalebill]

As a long time (former) music store guy (mgmt., sales, repair, yada yada) I know that most customers want a guitar that is effortless to play.
Manufacturers know this, and ship new guitars with 9 sets.
Most hobbyists and working players use 10s, especially in the last 20 years.
They still want them to play effortlessly, or in the vernacular “like butta”.
I can only assume big companies are now shipping their guitars with 10s, which is what most people actually use.
Personally, I like at least an 11-49 set.
At least.
Anything less feel like spider webs, to me.

 

[Kevin Wolfe]

I usually split the difference when I restring. 9-46 Hybrids.

Same here. Gonna try the 9.5’s too.

 

[Fenderdad1950]

I see that the new American original 50s telecasters come with string size 10–46. Does anyone know the reason for that? I always thought Stratocaster’s and telecasters came with 9–42 strings.

I think it was decreed by Leo himself '9-42s are just silly'

 

[beninma]

I haven't tried it but I'd probably prefer 10-42.

I don't know why you'd want 9-46. The 9 is the annoying one as it's so thin and plinky.

I used 9-42s for quite some time but have been using 10-46s the last year. No big deal now but I did have some soreness in my fingers for a month or two from doing bends before I got used to it.

I think 10-46s sound better for rhythm parts.

 

[Peegoo]

Dang! I thought this thread was gonna be about a new song by Chicago.

Carry on.

 

[tah1962]

Same here. Gonna try the 9.5’s too.

I just put a set of EB Turbo Slinky’s on my Am Dlx Tele. I like them a lot.

 

[naveed211]

I like 9-42, in E flat even!

 

[Cyberi4n]

Nathalie was strung in these when she arrived

Strings Fender® USA 250L Nickel Plated Steel (.009-.042 Gauges), PN 0730250403

personally I use 9-46

 

[golfnut]

I used 9-42 through out the 80's and most of the 90's. Switched over to 10-46 from about 98. In the last couple years I've been using Ernie Ball Ultra slinky which are 10's with slightly beefier bass strings. D string .28, A string .38 and E string .48
I've tried to go to 11 - 52 but its just a bit too much to bend the b and g strings for my style of play.

 

[LoveHz]

I've always gone for 11-50 (Thomastik Infeld if possible) on full archtops or semis, and 10-46 on solid bodies. I never thought I'd see the day, but age (76) and increasing arthritis has got me moving down a step to 10-46 on the archtops and 9-42 on solid bodies. Needs must, I'm afraid.

 

[Hibernian]

Am 11-49 on arch tops and solids. Sometimes think of moving to 10s but anything lighter is like a rubber band to me. I suppose, like anything else, one could get used to most gauges, within reason. I tend not to do wild bends though I can bend 11s quite easily in the upper frets when needed.

 

[rand z]

9's on my "Country Tele."

10's on all other Tele's and solid-body's.

11's with a wound G on archtop.

12's on acoustic (80/20).

 

[joe_cpwe]

9-46 on my 25.5 scale length

10-46 on a 24.75 scale, tuned down 1/2 step.

 

[Dukex]

10-46 for my Tele and Dot.