Thinking of changing string gauges on my RG2550

Shredder87 · #1 08-25-2008, 03:47 AM

Hi everyone, would appreciate some advice here.

Have been using standard 9-42s on my RG2550 since new (guitar now 3 years old). However after a period of inactivity I may be gigging again with my band soon (have spent much of the past 2 years playing at home), and I feel that 9s can feel a little... inadequate sometimes. So I thought of upgrading to 9-46s or 10-46s for gigging. Also would build my calluses up a bit more. I have 9-46s on my other electric (Strat).

The reason I seek advice however is how would this affect the setup of the floating trem? It's a 2005 RG2550 so it has the Edge-Pro 2. It has had 9-42s on it since day one so how would this affect the setup were I to go up to 9-46s or 10s? The reason I ask is in the guitar's manual it states that the EP2 is "optimized for 9-42 gauge strings"... so would a heavier set affect the operation of the? Would I need more trem springs (currently have 3)? Would it just be a case of adjusting the angle of the bridge? Also how would the neck cope with the extra tension? The neck is of course very thin so I'm worried about it warping.

Will it be OK just to go ahead and upgrade to 9-46s or 10-46s? Sorry for bombarding you all with questions, however I just want to be sure before I change my string set.

Many thanks,

Shredder87

**Ayrton** · #2 08-25-2008, 12:58 PM

Three springs will work just fine with 10s, and I know guys who use 11s on an Ibanez with no issues.

You may have to make some minor adjustments with the claw to get the trem back where it is now, but nothing you can't handle.

kaizzen · #3 08-25-2008, 08:01 PM

Thanks for posting this question Shredder 87.. I bought another Ibanez.. Both with 9s... I want to put 10s on the other one.

Thanks for answering Ayrton.... If another spring were to be attached does that mean you must 'drill' into the block to create a 4th spring hole? (Edge pro)

Cheers

70Seven · #4 08-25-2008, 11:17 PM

I have a 2006 RG2550 that had 9-42 for two years now and I just installed 9-46 this weekend. I tuned it half step down. I had to screw in the trem claw by a quarter turn and I raised the action just a little bit. No problem.

Shredder87 · #5 08-26-2008, 03:21 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone. Just thought I'd ask before going ahead and doing it!

Kaizzen: Doesn't the EP already have 5 spring holes? :S

Cheers

'87

kaizzen · #6 08-26-2008, 08:29 PM

Both mine only have 3..... There is two other holes but they are clamped down with the 2 screws and a plate locking the springs in.......

If anyone can give me some more info that would be great...

frankthetank · #7 09-19-2008, 02:25 AM

I would recommend using 4 springs if you can with 10's. It's easier to bend and sustains slightly better. You need a bit more pressure to use the tremolo but it's still much better with 4 springs imo.