Just finishing up a Strat build. I'm relatively new to guitar, so I don't have enough experience to make a credible decision on string gauge. What I've seen thus far, I like heavier gauge strings. I've got .012's on my LP right now and could easily move up on size. I've ordered sets covering the full spectrum up to .014's and was wondering if I put the .014's on a Strat, would the neck joint be able to handle it? I don't mind having to do a truss rod adjustment, but I certainly don't want to strip the screws out of the neck. Any help appreciated.
Maximum String Gauge?
- Thread starter lynxpilot
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Cagey
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I wouldn't worry about the neck joint. If this is a new build, I would worry about the nut. Strings that heavy are going to hang up in the slots unless you have them recut, since nobody would cut them for strings like that without knowing you wanted it that way. Then, if it turns out you don't like playing telephone poles, the nut will be wrecked for smaller strings. I believe Warmoth cuts their nuts for .010s, and leaves them a bit high so you can adjust from there.
The Strat was designed when the G string was wound, and the standard sets were 12-52 or thereabouts.
Strats (or at least at one time) came with 5 - yes FIVE - springs on the whammy bar block, as standard, for the factory strings.
Strats that are older - have different stagger to the magnet elevations because of the way the old string sets were.
Teles pretty much the same way - and remember, the 3 saddle bridge aint half bad if EADG are all wound strings.
So yes, your Strat will "take it", but you may have to fiddlyfutz with the nut slots, maybe bridge section groove too (but probably not).
Strats (or at least at one time) came with 5 - yes FIVE - springs on the whammy bar block, as standard, for the factory strings.
Strats that are older - have different stagger to the magnet elevations because of the way the old string sets were.
Teles pretty much the same way - and remember, the 3 saddle bridge aint half bad if EADG are all wound strings.
So yes, your Strat will "take it", but you may have to fiddlyfutz with the nut slots, maybe bridge section groove too (but probably not).
erogenousjones17
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Meh. I've seen bigger. :icon_jokercolor:
Superlizard
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ErogenousJones said:
That's what she said (but not to me). :toothy10:
Strat Avenger
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I doubt that Fenders were coming from the factory with 012-052s in the '50s.
In any case, as stated earlier, once you cut a nut for larger strings, it is useless if you ever want to go back to a lighter gauge.
In any case, as stated earlier, once you cut a nut for larger strings, it is useless if you ever want to go back to a lighter gauge.
