changing strings

[Terry]

I've got a SE Santana model PRS and one of the strings finally broke. so I decided to change them.unfortunately i took all the strings off and now the tremolo doesn't sit flat but is raised a bit.also i use 10 gauge strings and this web site said they are usually shipped with 9 gauge but the ones that were on there looked pretty close to 10 gauge. any suggestions?

thanks Terry

 

[wardog]

when you de-load string all at once , the trem will set back against the body. the trem spring's load does this. once you restring the guitar back to proper tuning tension, it should lift back in place. To prevent this in the future if your concerned, restring one string at a time to prevent tension lose from tuners to bridge. SE's are shipped with 9's. If you got SE new out of a box or store, chances are they are 9's 10's will fit, but you may need to take guitar to tech to widen string slots for 10's to fit properly.

 

[Terry]

Ok thank you

 

[alantig]

Or you can put something under the trem - I use a folded magazine subscription card covered with painter's tape. Recommended by Lenny Johnson.

And if you put on 10s to replace 9s, you may have to adjust the trem claw a bit because of the increased tension. Easy fix.

 

[92Esquire]

I use the cardboard package from my D'Addario strings to keep the trem from contacting the body when I change. "Works a treat"...

 

[maxtuna26]

They do ship with 9s. It's the standard gauge for most of the SE models unless stated. Just string them back up, give the strings a few tugs and stretches and the trem will go back to it's normal position. Don't worry about it.

 

[Duffy]

They do ship with 9s. It's the standard gauge for most of the SE models unless stated. Just string them back up, give the strings a few tugs and stretches and the trem will go back to it's normal position. Don't worry about it.

This is what I'd probably do - put nine's back on one at a time and the trem will go back to normal. Also the neck will go back to normal relief. When you put the tens on it pulled on the trem and it pulled up in the back. The neck may also have had increased relief added to it. These two things combined could give you higher string action. That is why I'd go back to nine's and avoid having to adjust the trem claw, possibly several times until you get it right for the ten's; and adjusting the truss rod, potentially, to correct the neck relief.

Some people like ten's so much that they will set up their guitars for them or pay to have someone else that knows what they are doing re-set it up. If you haven't adjusted a tremolo or adjusted a truss rod, you can really get things out of whack trying to do it without applying some expertise. I wouldn't personally practice on a nice guitar. A tech should do it very inexpensively and have it done in a few minutes. If you take lessons your instructor might adjust the trem and neck for you at no extra cost.

Good luck with it, which ever way you decide to go. I would want that trem plate parallel to the plane of the face of the guitar.

 

[Terry]

yea i went and bought 9's and switched them out and the tremolo went back to its normal state.(funny how one gauge higher make that much difference) lesson learned.
thank you to all who replyed to my problem you were all very helpful.:beer:

 

[László]

Wait, you guys change your strings and don't simply buy a new guitar when the strings get old?

 

[92Esquire]

I've got a couple guitars that I've had so long I'm pretty sure I've spent more on strings for it than I did for the actual guitar.

 

[Orange Tiger]

I always change three strings at a time & I tend to start with the Low E, A, & D strings. No idea why, habit I suppose?

 

[wardog]

I use the cardboard package from my D'Addario strings to keep the trem from contacting the body when I change. "Works a treat"...

I use an old rewards card

 

[wardog]

Wait, you guys change your strings and don't simply buy a new guitar when the strings get old?

You sir are awesome!!!!! How many do you have now:flute:

I've got a couple guitars that I've had so long I'm pretty sure I've spent more on strings for it than I did for the actual guitar.

You have been talking to my wife!

 

[alantig]

Wait, you guys change your strings and don't simply buy a new guitar when the strings get old?

You sir are awesome!!!!! How many do you have now:flute:

Duh - just the one. Obviously you throw the ones with the old strings away!