.10s. how hard would the transition be?

Okan2 · #1 02-13-2007, 04:11 AM

Hello Guys,

after some significant setup work on my 7bsb I'm planning to switch to a .10 set from a .9. Do you guys use .10's on jems? Is the tone worth all the setup work? Can I actually balance the strings with 3 springs or would I have to install more? Now I have the springs in an arrow configuration with the .9 set and the claw screws are pretty much all the way in. Anyway, I would sacrifice some playability if the guitar's going to sound better. Any suggestions would be really appreciated...

Cheers,
Okan

mi2tom · #2 02-13-2007, 04:20 AM

Some here uses 10s on their jems, IMO the 10s sounded bigger than the 9s, but I still prefer the loosiness of the 9s, 3 springs is enough for 10s, you may need to readjust the height of trem

Dazza1004 · #3 02-13-2007, 04:26 AM

Have you thought about a set of hybrids or even those 9.5's. I have the hybrids on most of my guitars and the 9.5's on my Les Paul.

Nesi · #4 02-13-2007, 06:23 AM

I play 0.11 for the past eight months, and frankly, I find the 0.09 waaaaay to thin. I'm actually right now replacing strings on an Epi LP of a friend, and the 0.09 keeps breaking up for me...

greenermeanie · #5 02-13-2007, 07:18 AM

I've used Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkies on all my guitars for about 10 years now. 10s on the bottom 3 strings, 9s on the top. Perfect if you like a bit of extra stiffness on the wound strings.

kennydoe · #6 02-13-2007, 10:14 AM

i have been using 10s for a while - i fact, i've never ever used .09s.

Here's what'll happen. You'll need to tighten the claw screws into the body 'til the trem is level again, then you'll probably have to reintonate and possibly adjust the truss rod.

Best bet is to let a tech set it up, unless you're good with that sort of stuff.

.010s feel better and play better, but you'll lose some of your flutter, just so you know.

K

atimoc · #7 02-13-2007, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenermeanie

I've used Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkies on all my guitars for about 10 years now. 10s on the bottom 3 strings, 9s on the top. Perfect if you like a bit of extra stiffness on the wound strings.

I use the D'Addario equivalent of those (I believe the set is called "super tops/reg. bottoms", the code is EXL125 in any case). I think it's definitely the best of both worlds to have the bottom strings heavier than a regular set of 9s, especially if you like to play that chugga-chugga rhythm guitar on low strings but still like to do bends easily on high strings.

I've been tuning down to E flat lately, so I think I'll try a hybrid set of 10s and 11s next. A hybrid of 10s and 12s would be interesting but I don't think they're available (unless you buy two separate sets), and I'm not sure if the neck would like the tension difference.

waylay00 · #8 02-13-2007, 06:55 PM

I only play 10's.

ashbass · #9 02-13-2007, 08:54 PM

Go to 11s for week or so and then back to 10s. You'll think the 10s are 9s and all will be good. FWIW, I have 11s on all of my electrics and don't see myself ever going back down.

jaxadam · #10 02-13-2007, 09:01 PM

You won't have any problem at all with the transition.

After a week, you won't even know you switched.

I personally use 11's on most of my guitars, and 9's do feel kinda flimsy.

guitarkatana · #11 02-13-2007, 09:12 PM

10s shouldn't seem like much of a transition. Given that your guitar was perfectly set up with 9s, you probably won't have to do much other than get the springs balanced with the strings, and tighten the truss rod a bit. You might even be able to lower the bridge a tiny bit.

10s are great because they don't have the flimsiness of 9s, but they're still easy on the fingers and good for fast stuff.

OLIE_ROCKS_THE_80'S · #12 02-13-2007, 10:48 PM

The guitar set up should be the least of your worries, you should worry about whether you hand muscles can handle it!!! many people end up with serious injuries because they don't choose a string gauge that suits the strenght in their hands and wrists!!!

Nesi · #13 02-14-2007, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashbass

Go to 11s for week or so and then back to 10s. You'll think the 10s are 9s and all will be good. FWIW, I have 11s on all of my electrics and don't see myself ever going back down.

That is so true. When I bought the USAC it was with a new set and a perfect setup for 0.10, so I figured I'd stay with it until it wears out in a few weeks, it felt so light...

Axayacatl · #14 02-14-2007, 02:40 AM

okan (are you turkish?)

Do thicker strings sound better? All else equal, they do.

But more important than the sound is how they feel.
I have always preferred thicker strings. I like them when they fight back (strings, that is.....).
I play .11-.52s.
The main thing to think about is the following:
you can get used to thicker strings and it is really rewarding, especially if you play metal (although it does make double picking harder as well as legato, etc).
The downside is that if you are forced to take a break in your playing (busy week, etc), when you get back to thicker strings it will be harder to get a feel going. You need to warm up longer to get back in shape with thicker strings. If you play often, then it is worth the jump.

Now when I play 10s or 9s I feel like they're wimpy and not very expressive. I often break my friends' strings

.

Few things feel better than being warmed up and chugging downstrokes on .52s.... mmmm.....somebody please agree so that I don't come across as a freak...

Okan2 · #15 02-14-2007, 04:04 AM

Ok guys,

thanks a lot for the suggestions. I think I'll go for the 10's. I stated playing the guitar with 8's and I simply loved the difference in tone when I made the switch to 9's. I hope it's going to be another step in the right direction, I'm also planning to buy those colored strings. Green strings on a bsb, wouldn't that be sweet?

Cheers,
Okan

P.S. Yes I am Turkish...