Going down a Gauge

[evh_slash]

My strat is currently in 10-48 with the nut slots cut specifically for that gauge.

I'm considering dropping down to 9.5 - 46 but not sure if I'll need a new nut...

Theoretically, if going down from 10-48 (10 13 17 28 38 48) to 9.5-46 (9.5 12 16 26 36 46)

should I be able to keep the same nut or will the slots now be a bit too wide? Surely such a slight change shouldn't affect things too much?

[nexion218]

Re: Going down a Gauge

Based on my very limited knowledge, you should be OK. I've heard pro builders on here say that they intentionally cut the slots a tad bigger than the intended gauge to avoid binding. If your nut was done with that philosophy in mind, the slot end up being too wide which could give rise to a select assortment of ailments. I'd say go for it and ye shall see. Worst case is you lose a set of strings.

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Going down a Gauge

Assuming it’s working ok now, you’ll be fine.

[ehdwuld]

Re: Going down a Gauge

you will be fine

[Mincer]

Re: Going down a Gauge

I agree with the people here.

Going from .009 to .012 would require a truss rod adjustment or different setup, but going down by that small amount likely won't matter.

[Mr. B]

Re: Going down a Gauge

On almost all the guitars I have owned, I have been able to use 9, 9.5, and 10 gauge strings interchangeably with no modification to the nut. It may change your intonation and neck relief a tiny amount, but that is easy to adjust. I use D'Addario or Ernie Ball 9.5 on almost every guitar I own now. Best all-round gauge I have found.

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Going down a Gauge

I agree, should be just fine.

I'm thinking about going to .009s on 25½" scale guitars myself, and .0095s on the others.

The hands aren't getting any younger, y'know.

[bigcupholder]

Re: Going down a Gauge

I've experimented with different gauges and never needed to adjust or replace the nut. It'll probably need a slight truss rod adjustment though

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[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: Going down a Gauge

It’s the depth of the nut slot that matters. I’ve gone from 10s to 8s on my Parker P-38 and didn’t have to touch the nut.


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[BeKindRewind]

Re: Going down a Gauge

I went from 10 to 9.5 recently and barely had to touch the intonation even

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[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Going down a Gauge

If there's a trem, you might need to tweak the claw a bit. Truss rod, probably not.

[Mr. B]

Re: Going down a Gauge

I don't hear much difference in tone between the 10 and 9.5 sets. Nine gauge always sound a bit thin and buzzy to me.

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: Going down a Gauge

I don't hear much difference in tone between the 10 and 9.5 sets. Nine gauge always sound a bit thin and buzzy to me.

Buzzy?

Listen to Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, Billy Gibbons, and Terry Kath playing 8s. Not thin or buzzy.

I use 8s. They sound the same as my guitar with 10s.


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[St_Genesius]

Re: Going down a Gauge

If a smaller gauge string sounds buzzy, you just need to adjust the setup a bit. No big.