Ovibos
Naughty Wood Librarian
Totally normal, increased tension. A guitar is a machine: if you alter the parameters of one part, the whole system is affected.So I changed my strings today, and decided to try 10s as I've always used 9s in the past. My 1st impression is that I do prefer the feel of the 10s, but it also could be simply that it is a different/new set of strings, so I will hold off judgement.
The strings seem to be sitting well in the stock SE Custom nut, which was the 1st thing I checked. But then I noticed that my bridge is resting significantly higher from the body. I assume that is because of the greater pulling tension from the thicker strings. Is that the case? Is that normal?
I currently have 4 springs on the trem, with 1 more extra in my bag. Is moving to 5 necessary? Or, do I just need to have the guitar professionally serviced or move back to 9s?
Thanks! John
Next steps:
1. Straighten the neck, unless you like a little relief
2. Adjust the bridge angle by moving the claw back to pull the springs tighter - might want to loosen the strings a bit before tweaking claw, then tune back up
3. Set your action by adjusting saddle height (this may not have changed a ton)
4. Intonate with saddle depth
5. Check pickup height if you've made changes to neck angle and action