String gages

tommy79 · #1 September 21st, 2008

what string gage should I be using with five springs on a locking tremolo, I have been using nine gage with three springs or is it better to take the other two springs off?

Andy S · #2 September 21st, 2008

Assuming you are talking about a Strat, going to 5 springs will just pull the bridge all the way down against the body. This is how I have mine set up. With 3 springs, the bridge sort of floats just above the body surface, allowing a little bit of movement in pulling the strings tighter (not much) as well as dipping them lower.

The string gauge is up to how you feel and what tone you want. Stevie Ray Vaughn used a larger gauge and also dropped the tuning a whole step ( I think it was a whole step). his tone was a product of his strings, the tuning and his amps....and his incredible touch.

I use .10 to .46 with 5 springs. I think the lighter strings leave the tone lacking just a bit. Easier to stretch, yeh, easier to fret, sure. But you lose some volume as well as tone. Just my thoughts on that.

So, you can add the springs, but then you 'll need to check the intonation as the bridge is lowered just a bit, and the point on the bridge is moved just minutely since it is sitting on a pivot point. Not much but perhaps enough.

It is usually a matter of preference for playing, and tone. Your choice.

For what it's worth!

mhurwi · #3 September 26th, 2008

I agree on heavier gauge strings for fatter tone. Lighter gauge strings are super fun for shredding, though. I think I remember a story about BB King asking SRV why he used such heavy strings, since the lighter gauge is so much easier to play.

ps Stevie Ray Vaughn tuned down 1/2 step. I'd like to know the rest of his gear, since his sound was so awesome.

Sentry · #4 September 26th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhurwi

Stevie Ray Vaughn tuned down 1/2 step. I'd like to know the rest of his gear, since his sound was so awesome.

SRV's setup info, allegedly taken from an interview with Rene Martinez, his guitar tech, in Guitar Player magazine.

mhurwi · #5 September 26th, 2008

Ha! That's cool, thanks. He used .13 gauge strings! That's heavy.

tommy79 · #6 October 9th, 2008

What is a good name brand set of strings to play for five springs on a ibanez?

mhurwi · #7 October 12th, 2008

My most recent set is Elixir. They have some fancy gortex coating that they claim increases their life and inhibits rusting. So far, they seem pretty nice. They are about $10 a pack, I think, so they are a little pricey.