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Posted by: Tmas Apr 3 2008, 08:05 PM

Ok so before I used Elixer 9 gauge strings and they worked fine. Now that I have my fender deluxe strat should I switch back to 10s or even higher to get a fatter sound? Btw I just busted the heck out of my high E string, which is why I'm asking. Oh, and they were 3 days old!! This is the first string i've broken in 2 years!! Well i guess 2 years ago i didnt practice 4-7 hours a day and I had a life but still.. Should i switch? and what do you guys recommend?

Posted by: Pi38 Apr 3 2008, 08:14 PM

Yeah, I'd switch to a different brand. I don't think any string should break after such a short amount of time, unless you break out the scissors.

Posted by: Nobody Apr 3 2008, 08:30 PM

First check if your Strat's default strings were that Bullet Type. With something similar to a bullet in the end. Because if that's the case I'd advice you to use only this type of strings. Ordinary strings will go out of tune times quicker.

And if you ask me it totally isn't normal to break a string. Especially after 3 days of usage even if you played 72 hours for those 3 days.. Check out the tremolo, check out for something that can possibly break the string if this happens again. Thinner strings shouldn't be a problem for any guitar so the problem isn't in the thickness.

Cheers,
Hristian

Posted by: Tmas Apr 3 2008, 09:17 PM

Well I was doing some crazy bends.. I bent it up way too far but at least from my understanding if I can bend that far i should go with thicker strings and get a fuller sound... right? Oh and thanks for the advice about the bullets, makes alot of sense

Posted by: Hisham Apr 3 2008, 10:00 PM

becareful to dont breake the tremolo also.. any way the best to use for fender is .09 thats better to keep the neck in a good case .10 or higher hard the neck . have a nice day

Posted by: Tmas Apr 3 2008, 10:09 PM

Good stuff. Thanks for the tips guys I'll just go buy some cheaper 9s.. elixers are like 12 bucks.... lol oh wait one more question if I break just one string should i replace them all when i get new strings? I used to do that but I'm not sure its really worth it. Also, is there any place i can buy just the string I need? heh

Posted by: Muris Apr 4 2008, 07:10 AM

Your Strat is brand new,right?
Check out bridge,perhaps the part where string is going over is too sharp
and it causes snapping,I've seen that several times.

About gauge,of course you'll get fuller sound with thicker strings
but it's also matter of taste,suit it to yourself.
Personally,I've been always using 009 and I guess I'll never go for 010,
maybe for drop tunings only.

BTW,I've got Elixirs for 8-9$ on eBay,check that out as well.

Posted by: Tmas Apr 5 2008, 02:59 AM

alright cool, yeah i definitely need to hit ebay up lol. I went out and got a pack of boomers 10 gauge.. and I have to say i don't really like them. They arnt as smooth as elixers hehe but I think I like the thickness better. Also I'm not sure what gauge strings came with my strat but it seems like the bridge is floating too high off the body now that I have 10s on it.. Whats a safe distance on that.. I don't wanna mess it up.

Posted by: UncleSkillet Apr 5 2008, 03:59 AM

Well Tmas, I have played a Fender Strat for many years (HSS Deluxe). Most Strats (except custom models) have Fender bullet .009 from the factory. If you want to use .010 you will need to have the neck and springs for the bridge adjusted, etc..).

If you want to have good tone (thick) and keep it playable for solos I would suggest a Hybrid set (9-46). Easy for solo but sound like .010 gauge. I use Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky and love them. Whatever brand you like will work, it is the gauge that is important as well as the setup. Don't use higher than .010 gauge or you can screw your neck up.

Posted by: Tmas Apr 5 2008, 04:33 AM

alright cool. going back to the custom 9 elixers then thanks for all the input