Diffs between a 9 gauge set-up guitar and the 10 gauge set-up guitar...
- Thread starter Kyokkai
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EugeneSmasher
New member
In my opinion, there is barely any difference between 9s and 10s... I've used 12s before. That's the gauge where the significant differences come.
Almost any guitar can be setup for any gauge.
Almost any guitar can be setup for any gauge.
junkiemanxl
Active member
I did feel that there is some differences in terms of tone when i jumped from 9's to 10's. 9's have a slightly thinner tone but its not a drastic change. The main difference for me is that the 10's don't bounce about as much compared to 9's. This is good if you are a heavy picker.
I think string gauges and preferences vary from each players style of playing. Setup wise would not be a great difference or maybe none at all but some minor tweaks might still be needed. (e.g intonation check)
I think string gauges and preferences vary from each players style of playing. Setup wise would not be a great difference or maybe none at all but some minor tweaks might still be needed. (e.g intonation check)
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PatheinRaindropMoe
New member
intonation issue is not a problem, since its a matter of adjustment/re setup.
Changing to a different gauge of strings, other then doing a new setup, also will need to have a new nut cut, especially for much thicker gauge. The improper sitting of strings on the nut will result in tuning instability generally.
Changing to a different gauge of strings, other then doing a new setup, also will need to have a new nut cut, especially for much thicker gauge. The improper sitting of strings on the nut will result in tuning instability generally.
subversion
Moderator
there's no specific string gauge to match a certain music genre. there's only what you prefer to get your music across.
When you change from 9s to 10s.. there no much different.. but when 9s to 11s or 12s.. You can hitting a harmonic on the 12 fret.. DISAPPEAR! due to inotation
Huh? could you rephrase that properly
sharp__edge
New member
Playing-Wise
if you change string gauge from 10s to 9s, you will feel that 9s are easier to bend, and feel a bit more smooth. BUT it might be too slippery and flimsy for you if you're not used to it.
if you change from 9s to 10s, you'll probably feel more "meat" in your strings. BUT it might start getting very hard to bend and run your scales if you're not used to it.
tone-wise
in the end, not much difference. tone change is really quite subjective, and depends on the individual.
i played 10s for almost 3 years before suddenly changing to 9s. the 9s sounded quite bright, very pleasant to my ears. but not everyone likes it.
so, experiment.
if you change string gauge from 10s to 9s, you will feel that 9s are easier to bend, and feel a bit more smooth. BUT it might be too slippery and flimsy for you if you're not used to it.
if you change from 9s to 10s, you'll probably feel more "meat" in your strings. BUT it might start getting very hard to bend and run your scales if you're not used to it.
tone-wise
in the end, not much difference. tone change is really quite subjective, and depends on the individual.
i played 10s for almost 3 years before suddenly changing to 9s. the 9s sounded quite bright, very pleasant to my ears. but not everyone likes it.
so, experiment.
Jumpin'Jellybean
New member
But if you don't bend and want a meaty sound, go for 11s or 12s. I use 11s on my electric and 13s on my acoustic, and i love the sound!
naviros
New member
It seems like only subversion managed to read beyond the asking of gauge... Strings only contribute a little to your tone (Subjective), and more to your playability (not all, but most of the time). They do not define a music genre, nor do they differ in terms of sound (unless you did not set-up to the appropriate guage, which in the case that junhao mentioned, will be out of tune).
Just pick the brand of strings you think sounds best, and the gauge you think sound / feels more comfortable playing, after all, like what sharpedge mentioned, it does affect your bending.
I don't agree with this..
I think strings do affect the sound quality. and not just by a little. the effect, in my opinion, is rather obvious.
thicker gauge strings tend to give a rounder and fatter sound, whereas thinner strings can be shrill and thin at times.
the trade-off is the playability. thinner gauge strings tend to be 'easier' and 'faster' to play. (one of the reason why it is favoured by players who shred. it allows better handling and speed playing for them). thicker gauge on the other hand is 'harder' to handle due to its thickness which may, to some, inhibit easy bending and/or fast playing. However, we've been graced by countless great players using thick strings who rip like nobody's business (SRV with his .13!!!, Slash with his .11, Joe Bonamassa with his .11 come to mind). I would argue that their preference of string gauge contribute much to their sound. I myself use .11 and I bend a lot. It is therefore not a restriction per se, but it takes more time to adjust using heavier strings.
Having said that, the difference in tone will be more obvious if the the difference in gauge is wider.
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naviros
New member
Like I said before that sentence, it is (subjective). The string gauge is a contributing factor, definitely, but it is neither major nor defining. I respect that you do think larger string gauges do contribute to a thicker / fatter sound, but the way I see it,
Effect to Playability > Effect to Tone.
Changing string gauges doesn't affect your tone as much as, say a change in pick ups. I'm assuming that the TS is not very adept (no offense, bad assumption on my part if otherwise), thus playability should be the greater issue. Effects of string gauge on tone is subjective, not the defining characteristic the guitarists' tone.
Don't believe me? That's fine. Ask the experts.
Unless you play a gauge 70 or something... Then its a different issue... 9s and 10s? Nah... There is a difference, but not that much to define a genre.
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IbanezFreak
New member
not much difference actually...but technically, thicker strings would give your a heavier sound..if you play heavy rock, then go for like 11s or 12s...
Of course, tension would be greater too..so bending would be a tad more difficult
of course you'll need a neck adjustment.. since heavier strings = more tension = your neck would bend more
Of course, tension would be greater too..so bending would be a tad more difficult
of course you'll need a neck adjustment.. since heavier strings = more tension = your neck would bend more
IbanezFreak
New member
i know almost all my friends have 12s in their lespauls...and like 9s on their strat? Well i have a gibby...friend lent it 
I have 12s in it now, sounds heavier, thicker and takes distortion better as compared to the 10s before...
I have 12s in it now, sounds heavier, thicker and takes distortion better as compared to the 10s before...@naviros
ok, i also acknowledge that you yourself acknowledge that there is a difference, but your emphasis is more on the playability rather than sound, and that is totally cool.
however, i would point out that in the video, the Edge said that 'they really sound different' when he referred to the bands using very heavy/thick gauge.
and yes i agree, and therefore put in my statement, that the bigger the difference in the gauge, the bigger the difference in sound.
between .09 and .10, the difference is not as big and probably is not genre defining, but i think playing the .10 will improve the tone if it is initially deemed to shrill and i'm sure some people would second my opinion on this.
as for the string vs pickup, i will not comment on that because my knowledge on that is limited, hahah.
ok, i also acknowledge that you yourself acknowledge that there is a difference, but your emphasis is more on the playability rather than sound, and that is totally cool.
however, i would point out that in the video, the Edge said that 'they really sound different' when he referred to the bands using very heavy/thick gauge.
and yes i agree, and therefore put in my statement, that the bigger the difference in the gauge, the bigger the difference in sound.
between .09 and .10, the difference is not as big and probably is not genre defining, but i think playing the .10 will improve the tone if it is initially deemed to shrill and i'm sure some people would second my opinion on this.
as for the string vs pickup, i will not comment on that because my knowledge on that is limited, hahah.
