Strings too big?

[hex morbidity]

So I recently acquired some .011-.054 strings for a schecter omen 6 and all of the strings are literally touching the fretboard. I was wondering since schecter on their website provide strings that are .010-.046, I should be using the same size? Also I can assure you its not because I'm missing the nut or the saddle. They are both were they need to be. Also this was my first try at doing a string change and I can assure you all the strings are were they should be and on the proper nuts and poles. I think it might be that the gauge is too big as this never happened with the strings that came with the guitar stock. So can anyone clear this up for me, I am really really inexperienced with guitars, however I truly love them.

(Please pardon any typos, I am writing this via mobile and autocorrect might change some words.)

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps out in any way.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Strings too big?

Unless you have a fretless guitar, the strings are not touching the fretboard. Can you explain the problem better, or post a picture?

Switching from 10's to heavy-bottomed 11's like you did will make the strings sit farther from the fretboard, assuming that the string change is the only change made.

 

[hex morbidity]

Re: Strings too big?

So these are the pics, I don't know if you can see that the strings are literally sitting on the fretboard. The strings seem to be too big and makes the strings come in contact with the frets because they are so close to the fretboard. Is it that the gauge of the strings isn't the correct size for my guitar? And no other modifications have been done besides the string change. But I will eventually have someone install EMG 81 85s, but that's another story.

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[Johtosotku]

Re: Strings too big?

First of all, you can use practically any gauge strings on any guitar if you set it up right.

That said, thicker strings should pull more away from the frets if no adjustements are made.

Can you post pics about it?

 

[hex morbidity]

Re: Strings too big?

I have never made any adjustments/mods to the guitar other than this string change which has me really confused. The strings aren't being elevated, they literally sit on the frets and when strung they give me buzz. Sorry if I'm confusing you guys/ladies.

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[hex morbidity]

Re: Strings too big?

Unless you have a fretless guitar, the strings are not touching the fretboard. Can you explain the problem better, or post a picture?

Switching from 10's to heavy-bottomed 11's like you did will make the strings sit farther from the fretboard, assuming that the string change is the only change made.

yes, the string change is the only thing I've changed on the guitar. Also I'm getting major buzz on the D string and not as much on the rest because the strings rest on the frets.

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[hex morbidity]

Re: Strings too big?

Unless you have a fretless guitar, the strings are not touching the fretboard. Can you explain the problem better, or post a picture?

Switching from 10's to heavy-bottomed 11's like you did will make the strings sit farther from the fretboard, assuming that the string change is the only change made.

yes, the string change is the only thing I've changed on the guitar. Also I'm getting major buzz on the D string and some buzz on the rest. Which I believe because the strings are really close to the frets.

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[AlexR]

Re: Strings too big?

The bottom of the string will always sit at the bottom of the nut slot, so it is impossible for a thicker string to be lower. In fact thicker strings will be more likely to sit higher, mainly if the nut slots are too narrow.

Perhaps the bridge height has been altered in the process.

 

[polluxmdq]

Re: Strings too big?

If you change the string gauge, you have to set up the guitar accordingly (bridge height, string length and trussrod for the fretboard curve).
There are tons of vids on youtube that explain how to do it, but it requires time and patience. Otherwise any local guitar shop will do it.

 

[mamm]

Re: Strings too big?

...one from the left field: by any chance, did you have the original strings in standard tuning, and the new, thicker strings are downtuned?

That could make the neck bow back and lower the action.

 

[stringbender11]

Re: Strings too big?

The bottom of the string will always sit at the bottom of the nut slot, so it is impossible for a thicker string to be lower. In fact thicker strings will be more likely to sit higher, mainly if the nut slots are too narrow.

Perhaps the bridge height has been altered in the process.

I agree with this. It's not possible for larger diameter strings to sit closer to the fret board. It seems likely to me that you accidentally lowered the bridge a little while putting on the new strings, it's easy to do on that type of bridge. Have you tried using the adjusting knobs on the bridge itself to raise it a bit? You'll have to loosen the strings a bit and then turn the knobs counter-clockwise. A turn or 2 will raise the bridge slightly. Try that, then tune the guitar again and see if it's still buzzing. You may have to do it a few times to find the right height for you.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Strings too big?

Thanks for the pix. It was incorrect terminology that I was having trouble understanding. The strings are actually touching the frets, not the fretboard. The frets are the metal bars. The fretboard, or fingerboard, is the wood into which the frets are installed.

In that case, I would guess that you took off all six strings at once when you changed them, and that you inadvertently lowered the bridge when they were off. In the future, try changing one string at a time, not all of them at once.

There is no one gauge of strings that is right for the guitar, because it's a matter of preference. The guitar is adjustable enough that it can take almost any gauge of guitar strings.

For now, what you need is a professional setup for the heavy-gauge strings. It'll probably cost you $40 to $80.

 

[CTN]

Re: Strings too big?

My best guess is the truss rod needs to be adjusted. Likely needs to be adjusted either flat or with a bit of forward bow.

That's not usually the case when changing to thicker gauge strings because at ptich, thicker strings put more tension on the neck, so you would expect to see the strings further away from the frets, not closer.

In any case get a setup if you're not comfortable making the adjustment yourself.

 

[jimijames]

Re: Strings too big?

Woah woah woah a "professional setup" for a certain string gauge is something you can do yourself with ordinary hand tools for free.

There's no way I would recommend paying for a setup unless you're getting your frets leveled or crowned or replaced even.

But you can adjust the bridge height by yourself with the little thumb screws on the posts.

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[Oinkus]

Re: Strings too big?

I would say he needs a new nut by the looks of the pics. Raise the nut then lower the bridge a little to even out that upward string trend towards the higher frets.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Strings too big?

start by raising the bridge a little.

then check the neck relief by pressing the E string down at the first and last fret. there should be a small gap between the string and the top of the fret in the middle of the neck (9-14 fret). the string acts as a straight edge so you can see the straightness of the neck by comparing the two.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Strings too big?

Raise your bridge.

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: Strings too big?

I think your action might of been too low to begin with when you had the 10s on and didn't know it and now it really shows. Best bet is to raise the bridge.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Strings too big?

So I recently acquired some .011-.054 strings for a schecter omen 6 and all of the strings are literally touching the fretboard. I was wondering since schecter on their website provide strings that are .010-.046, I should be using the same size? Also I can assure you its not because I'm missing the nut or the saddle. They are both were they need to be. Also this was my first try at doing a string change and I can assure you all the strings are were they should be and on the proper nuts and poles. I think it might be that the gauge is too big as this never happened with the strings that came with the guitar stock. So can anyone clear this up for me, I am really really inexperienced with guitars, however I truly love them.

(Please pardon any typos, I am writing this via mobile and autocorrect might change some words.)

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps out in any way.

Your guitar needs a proper setup. The string gauge that you are using are different then what was on the guitar but thats not bad. I use 11's on all my electrics. When you install a heavier gauge string you need to do proper set up. The action needs to be adjusted(raised in your case) The two thumb weels below the bridge need to come up to raise the strings up. After you get the action where it is comfortable you should also check the truss rod. Heavier strings will have a tendency to pull the neck and increase the "bow" which is called relief. You should also check the intonation as this will more then likely need to be adjusted. The easy way to do this is to check the pitch of the ope string Then check it at the 12th fret. If the note at the 12th fert is flat, move the saddle towards the neck, if its sharp move the saddle towards the bridge. When adjusting the truss rod, hold the 1st & 6th string down at the first fret & where the string crosses the body, you should be able to see a little bit of space between the bottom of the string & the top of the 9th fret. Of course all of this is subject to feel, but judging from your post you are a fairly new guitar player, so I would recommend buying Dan Erlwines book on guitar setups.

http://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Electric-Guitar-Great/dp/0879309989

This $20.00 investment will save you thousands over the years.

 

[hex morbidity]

Re: Strings too big?

OK I took some of the advice posted on here. Turns out the bridge needed to be adjusted. So thanks to all who recommended this. I don't think I need any adjustments on the truss rod, but I won't rule it out as I haven't performed any intonation tests or any other test for that matter. I managed to level it to my liking and I don't have an buzz anywhere anymore. I swear I had no idea you needed to adjust a guitar when you change gauges. I tuned my guitar to standard tuning, but seeing as I have to most likely fix intonation I probably tuned it for nothing, also it doesn't seem my guitars neck does not have excessive stress or excessive relief. But I'll take your advice @Bludave as I've seen quite a few videos on YouTube on intonation and truss rod adjustments. So all in all I would say this was a success and I can't thank you guys/girls for all the info.

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