Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: jalevinemd on July 12, 2017, 08:53:47 AM

Title: Going to Smaller Strings
Post by: jalevinemd on July 12, 2017, 08:53:47 AM
This question is mainly for the guitarists out there as our tiny strings can get us into trouble.


I currently use hybrid 9-46 . I have been thinking about trying 10-46. My concern is that if the nut and saddle slots get slightly wider because of the larger string gauge, will I run into problems with string sticking, etc...should I decide to go back to the 9-46?
Title: Re: Going to Smaller Strings
Post by: xlrogue6 on July 12, 2017, 09:12:04 AM
You are very unlikely to run into slot width problems with that change. Your wound strings are the same, the diameter of your plain strings is only increasing by .001-.002, well within tolerance for your nut and saddle slots. The files these slots are cut with aren't that specific.
Title: Re: Going to Smaller Strings
Post by: jalevinemd on July 12, 2017, 10:40:10 AM
That's kinda what I figured. I've done it before with bone nuts and had no trouble. The brass nut is what is concerning to me...more so than the saddles.
Title: Re: Going to Smaller Strings
Post by: lbpesq on July 12, 2017, 11:35:09 AM
Jonathan, going from 9s to 10s shouldn't be any problem.  The clearance over the first fret should be about the same as the clearance over the second fret while fingering the first fret.  In other words, check the distance from the top of the first fret to the high E string without touching the high E string.  Then press down on the high E at the first fret and check the clearance from the top of the second fret to the string.  They should be about the same.  If the 10 is too wide for the nut slot (which I STRONGLY doubt is the case), you will see more clearance over the first fret when the E string isn't fretted. 

Hope this makes sense.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Going to Smaller Strings
Post by: jalevinemd on July 13, 2017, 07:50:34 AM
Thanks, Bill.