Topmusicanswers
- Do you need a setup after changing string gauge?
- Can I put lighter gauge strings on my guitar?
- Does changing string gauge change intonation?
- What happens if I put lighter strings on my guitar?
Do you need a setup after changing string gauge?
Yup, a resetup is required if any significant change in string gauge is made. This is because the intonation and tuning will be all wrong on the guitar, and The action will also not be as you want it. Do not try and setup your guitar yourself the first couple of times.
Can I put lighter gauge strings on my guitar?
Re: Changing to lighter strings
On gauge up or down usually does not affect it too much. Even two won't hurt anything. Two gauges will likely require the truss rod to be loosened a bit to adjust the neck relief as it will tend to straighten out or perhaps even back bow a bit due to the reduced string tension.
Does changing string gauge change intonation?
String gauge does affect intonation, but just a little bit. Having a perfectly intonated instrument is almost impossible to achieve. There are too many factors accounting for the intonation change. Action height, bridge saddle position, neck radius, nut position and height, and so on.
What happens if I put lighter strings on my guitar?
String tension tries to pull the neck into a bow. ... Increasing string gauge probably means more tension which can translate to a more bowed neck. Decreasing gauge, means less tension and the rod can compensate too much, maybe even back-bowing the neck. It's worth mentioning that some necks are more 'stable' than others.
