Question about string gauge.

[Hei]

Hi guys, just a quick one.
actually, i can't remember what gauge was my guitar setup for.
All along i'm using 9 gauge, but that is because i long forgotten what string gauge it was setup for.

Now the problem is, if i change to a 10 gauge how will it affect the guitar/ playing?

i read online that there is actually no difference regardless of what gauge the guitar was setup for, and you can just alternate between the gauges when you change them.

However i was wondering if it was pointless why would a guitar be setup for different gauges?

btw just thought i'd add this in case if it matters.
there is a slight buzz when i'm playing on my lower frets (not that it matters a lot since i'm playing an electric guitar,epiphone), could it be something to do with putting the wrong gauge? but theoretically speaking a lower gauge would mean lesser buzz right? So thats why i'm thinking of changing it to 10 gauge to see if it still happens, but still would like to consult you guys first.

 

[SotAnLite]

Hi,

Generally, if the gauge difference is not too much, it shouldn't affect the tone too much.

I assume by "setup", you refer to the alignment of your guitar neck and the action of your strings.
Action = the height between the strings to the fingerboard.

If the buzzing is caused by your string action, instead of your fretting finger's lack of strength, then you might want to check if the setup was with the resulting action being too low. If the action is too low, the higher the string gauge (thicker string), the higher chance of the buzzing.

Please consult your luthier (the person whom you asked to do the setup) if in doubt.

I hope this answer helps.

Regards,
Low Han Yew (Peter)
www.lowhanyew.com

Hi guys, just a quick one.
actually, i can't remember what gauge was my guitar setup for.
All along i'm using 9 gauge, but that is because i long forgotten what string gauge it was setup for.

Now the problem is, if i change to a 10 gauge how will it affect the guitar/ playing?

i read online that there is actually no difference regardless of what gauge the guitar was setup for, and you can just alternate between the gauges when you change them.

However i was wondering if it was pointless why would a guitar be setup for different gauges?

btw just thought i'd add this in case if it matters.
there is a slight buzz when i'm playing on my lower frets (not that it matters a lot since i'm playing an electric guitar,epiphone), could it be something to do with putting the wrong gauge? but theoretically speaking a lower gauge would mean lesser buzz right? So thats why i'm thinking of changing it to 10 gauge to see if it still happens, but still would like to consult you guys first.

 

[subversion]

fret buzz isn't about string gauge exclusively. it could also be due to:

*uneven frets- some frets are not inserted properly/ might pop out (slightly) due to temperature-related reaction
*unsuitable neck relief- curvature of your guitar neck, can be addressed via truss rod adjustments

fret buzz is expected & not an anomaly UNLESS you can hear it through the amp...

 

[gunihoon]

Hi guys, just a quick one.
actually, i can't remember what gauge was my guitar setup for.
All along i'm using 9 gauge, but that is because i long forgotten what string gauge it was setup for.

Now the problem is, if i change to a 10 gauge how will it affect the guitar/ playing?

i read online that there is actually no difference regardless of what gauge the guitar was setup for, and you can just alternate between the gauges when you change them.

However i was wondering if it was pointless why would a guitar be setup for different gauges?

btw just thought i'd add this in case if it matters.
there is a slight buzz when i'm playing on my lower frets (not that it matters a lot since i'm playing an electric guitar,epiphone), could it be something to do with putting the wrong gauge? but theoretically speaking a lower gauge would mean lesser buzz right? So thats why i'm thinking of changing it to 10 gauge to see if it still happens, but still would like to consult you guys first.

The change of string gauge will definitely affect your guitar. Basically, by changing string gauges, you are subjecting the guitar to more or less string tension. Which will cause the neck to react. If you do change string gauge, check the neck relief after you change, and check again the next day. Adjustments definitely needed. If you are playing an electric guitar, then you would need to check the intonation as well. If you want to adjust the truss rod, do so slowly and only with 1/4 turns at any one time. Over tightening and relieving will kill the neck. If you are not sure of what you are doing, send the guitar in. The guitar will thank you for it.

Having a heavier gauge will be tougher to play but will yield better tone.