String Guage Change NF3

[CVS]

I want to change string gauge on my new PRS NF3 from 10's to 9's. Do I need to have this done by a technician or can I do it myself? What is involved other than changing the strings (if anything), which I know how to do?

Thanks for any thoughts on this subject

 

[Bill SAS 513]

You can change strings yourself...I suggest one at a time,...and if fret buzz occurs after changing and tuning all six lighter gauge strings, you may need to loosen the truss rod a small amount...if you aren't comfortable with this, then it may be best to take it to a tech, but ask him/ her if you can watch...it's an easy adjustment (as long as it's done a little at a time) and something guitarists should have some knowledge of.

 

[CVS]

Bills - thanks for your feedback. I have never done a truss rod adjustment before and have never seen anyone do it. If I do it myself, I assume that all I am concerned with is eliminating the buzzing? Do I have to worry about intonation at 12 fret?

 

[Bill SAS 513]

Possibly, but that's actually easier than truss rod work...you get the neck as straight, or slightly bowed as you would like, then you are comparing tuning open strings to their 12th fret octave note. Just use a good tuner, and don't press down too hard when fretting at the 12th fret. Both notes should be in tune. If the open string is in tune and the 12th fret note is sharp, adjust the saddle away from the neck, lengthening the scale. If the open string is in tune , and the 12th fret note is flat, adjust the saddle towards the neck. Just remember, take your time, and don't get frustrated...I remember the first time I started doing these things, it didn't go too smoothly, and I got a little frustrated...but nothing written here cannot be " undone" ...just take your time, and a little adjustment at a time. This will be a learning experience you will probably use many times, if you stay in the guitar playing field...and the beauty is, PRS guitars are really a pleasure to work on, as opposed to some of the others.
Also, remember to adjust the truss rod in small increments ...like 1/5 of a turn at a time...PRS rods are pretty sensitive...just tune up and re-check after each small adjustment.

 

[László]

Ideally, you'd want to install a new nut, because the nut should be cut a little bit shallower for .009s than .010s. I'd recommend using a PRS nut to prevent any change to the tone.

I use the term "ideally" because it depends how fussy you are about getting the best setup possible on the guitar. You can make do with the nut that was cut for .010s most likely, but in a world where everything is desired to be optimum, you want the nut cut right for the string gauge.

Otherwise you're going to have to make compromises in other areas of the setup to prevent fret buzz, etc.

This is why I'd recommend using a good tech, to at least show you how to do it if you plan to adjust the guitar yourself, though I simply would send mine to the PRS PTC for their top setup folks to work on because I'm both fussy and spoiled.

I'm not suggesting you need to do this, but the PTC setups are really, truly amazing. You wind up feeling like a rock star whose guitar was custom made. They do fantastic work.

 

[CVS]

Thanks to all for your input. I have 3 PRS guitars and I like them all a lot (Hollowbody, Santana, and NF3). I just watched a few videos on YouTube on how to set up PRS guitars. These helped a lot because now I see the bigger picture. I live a long way from Maryland (west coast), so I am toying with the idea of trying to do this myself or with a tech in the local area. I also recognize that I barely know the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver, so will debate (with myself) a while longer.