Need adjusment after changing strings gauge?

[nicolasroy]

Hi guys,
Recently, I sent my Ibanez RG Prestige 2550EGK (with Edge Pro trem) to the luthier for a tune-up. The guy told me that he don't sells the strings gauge light 009-042 because it makes the guitars too difficult to adjust. Since I needed the guitar fast, we agreed to install Custom Light: 009 to 046.

The guitar has beed tuned-up with that gauge.

Now I hate that and I want to get back to the 009-042 gauge.

Is it going to mess my intonation or any tremolo adjustment if I switch from 009-046 to 009-042 or I can do it safely?

Anything I should be aware of?

Regards

[hotwax1989]

He really said that?? He's a luthier, that shouldn't have been a problem for him!
Keep in mind that adjustments are needed with the slightest alteration of your guitar, so look at the bridge angle now, then change your strings to the lighter gauge. It may lower (tilt down) a very slight amount, at that point all you do is loosen the 2 trem claw screws behind your guitar by a very small amount, i'd say less than a 1/4 turn, retune to pitch, check the bridge angle, and repeat if it isn't right. Intonation may change slightly as well...you should look at the tech section here on Jemsite, it will aid you alot! Good luck

[toneboy]

Well, the lighter the string gauge is, the more difficult it is to get lower action.

Regardless, anyone who thinks themselves a "luthier" has to be able to set up an electric with standard 9s. I mean com'on. What a load of B.S.

[chaos731]

Originally Posted by toneboy

Well, the lighter the string gauge is, the more difficult it is to get lower action.

Regardless, anyone who thinks themselves a "luthier" has to be able to set up an electric with standard 9s. I mean com'on. What a load of B.S.

True dat...that's just your "luthier's" way of saying "I don't know how to properly set up a floating trem for string gauges other than the gauge that I use personally".

Step one: learn how to string your guitar yourself, and learn how to make adjustment as needed (and they WILL be needed).

Step two: find a different "luthier"; ideally one that isn't vexed by such complicated and highly-rare problems such as changing strings and or gauges.

God forbid you go to that guy with a more serious problem, like a bad truss rod or something. What does he use to solve those cases, harsh language?

[skins345669]

Hahaha, that's brilliant. I wouldn't let that guy touch any of my guitars and they're not even particularly nice. Setting up a floating trem is easy enough once you get used to it. As hotwax has explained, just tighten or loosen the springs in the back to adjust the angle. I've always done adjustments like bridge floating, string height, neck relief and intonation myself, it's really useful 'cause you can set it up to how you want it to play.

[nicolasroy]

Guys, thanks for your comments. I was not too afraid of the floating trem but more with intonation or anything else that I don't even know. But if the trem and intonation are only two things that should move I should be ok.

I will read carefully the intonation section and take the time to learn and do it properly.

Regards
Nic