Nelskie
January 18th, 2006, 05:06 PM
OK all you "tekkies" - I have a question regarding guitar string tensioning. On my new G & L Tele, the strings have a much "looser", almost elastic feel to them. With the flat radius of the neck, it is super-easy to play, and chording on the frets seems almost effortless. This guitar has a vintage type Tele bridge (ashtray), with compensating brass saddles, and Schaller-type tuners.
Retrospectively, on my Classic 60's Strat, the strings seem very taut, almost to the point where it is a bit difficult to play. The bridge is the standard type Fender Strat tremelo Bridge, and the tuners are the vintage Kluson-type.
I run .10 - .46 D'Addario XL's on both guitars.
I would prefer my Strat to have that "looser" feel, like my Tele. How could I accomplish that? What adjustments should I consider making? Is there anything outside of standard adjustments (truss rod, bridge, saddles) that I should consider? Perhaps a Callaham block? Or a different type of nut? Lighter strings?
The reason I'm looking into this is that I ordered some Custom Shop '69 p'ups for that Strat, and when I bring that guitar in to get those installed, I'd like to get it totally dialed in. It's way too nice of a guitar to be on part-time duty. If it played a little easier, I'm pretty sure it'd see a lot of action. Right now, it's not very forgiving - like its working against me as I play.
Insights and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks! :)
Retrospectively, on my Classic 60's Strat, the strings seem very taut, almost to the point where it is a bit difficult to play. The bridge is the standard type Fender Strat tremelo Bridge, and the tuners are the vintage Kluson-type.
I run .10 - .46 D'Addario XL's on both guitars.
I would prefer my Strat to have that "looser" feel, like my Tele. How could I accomplish that? What adjustments should I consider making? Is there anything outside of standard adjustments (truss rod, bridge, saddles) that I should consider? Perhaps a Callaham block? Or a different type of nut? Lighter strings?
The reason I'm looking into this is that I ordered some Custom Shop '69 p'ups for that Strat, and when I bring that guitar in to get those installed, I'd like to get it totally dialed in. It's way too nice of a guitar to be on part-time duty. If it played a little easier, I'm pretty sure it'd see a lot of action. Right now, it's not very forgiving - like its working against me as I play.
Insights and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks! :)