Well I went to 9s...Arthritis got the best of me...lol

[Russ73]

I finally succumbed to putting 9s on my PRSi, started with the Mira and it really made a difference in my finger and wrist pain so IM gonna do it on my 2 Standard 22s in the next week...Started with 10s, went down to 9.5s, was a good compromise...now IM settling at 9s...to new playginnings!

 

[Tucson Thump]

I finally succumbed to putting 9s on my PRSi, started with the Mira and it really made a difference in my finger and wrist pain so IM gonna do it on my 2 Standard 22s in the next week...Started with 10s, went down to 9.5s, was a good compromise...now IM settling at 9s...to new playginnings!

Anything to keep playing. Strings are made down to 7s so keep hanging in there as long as you can.

 

[Lacire]

Nothing wrong with Billy Gibbons playing on 7-38.

 

[GADonis]

I have a friend who has issues with his left hand thumb. He's gone down to 8's and it has really helped alleviate his thumb problems. Part of it I think is that it has forced him to use a lighter touch so his left hand is in a more relaxed condition while playing.

 

[matonanjin]

I finally succumbed to putting 9s on my PRSi, started with the Mira and it really made a difference in my finger and wrist pain so IM gonna do it on my 2 Standard 22s in the next week...Started with 10s, went down to 9.5s, was a good compromise...now IM settling at 9s...to new playginnings!

"Playginnings"! I like that. About a year ago when I started working bending, at the suggestion of someone, I went to 9's. This was to make it easier until I built up strength in the digits. I started with my Paul's and used it when practicing the bends. I then put them on my HB and my Strat. I'm not convinced I have given up that much tone. It's going to be a while b4 I go back to thicker ones.

 

[Collywobbles]

I finally succumbed to putting 9s on my PRSi, started with the Mira and it really made a difference in my finger and wrist pain so IM gonna do it on my 2 Standard 22s in the next week...Started with 10s, went down to 9.5s, was a good compromise...now IM settling at 9s...to new playginnings!

I'm using 8-38s - they're much slinkier / easier to bend than 9-42s if you decide the 9s are too much.

 

[Victek]

I've been using 9-42 Super Slinkys from day 1; getting quality tone hasn't been a problem.

 

[AP515]

I've got no problem with going lighter, but I do hear a small difference. I'm still at home on 10's but I've considered putting 9's on one just to see if I can get used to it.

 

[Nightfall]

I would always choose to drop a string gauge instead of not playing. Glad your hands are doing better.

 

[dogrocketp]

Whatever it takes to keep playing. Changing brands can also affect tone and string tension.

 

[Victek]

I've got no problem with going lighter, but I do hear a small difference. I'm still at home on 10's but I've considered putting 9's on one just to see if I can get used to it.

Even when I was a youngster I preferred 9s because I was practicing a lot and playing in a band; they made playing easier and less tiring. Yes, you can hear the difference, but you can compensate with amp settings

 

[Russ73]

Well I put the 9s on my S2 Standard 22, oddly enough the intonation was very close if not dead on so I left everything just had to raise action a tad, BUT the back of the trem is now sitting on the body but not tightly, when I bend the trem moves up...I kinda like it can I keep it this was or do I need to remove a spring and adjust the claws...I know the trem is designed to float but this is great for drop D and such...

 

[alantig]

Well I put the 9s on my S2 Standard 22, oddly enough the intonation was very close if not dead on so I left everything just had to raise action a tad, BUT the back of the trem is now sitting on the body but not tightly, when I bend the trem moves up...I kinda like it can I keep it this was or do I need to remove a spring and adjust the claws...I know the trem is designed to float but this is great for drop D and such...

Just adjust the claw. Shouldn't take too many turns. You shouldn't have to remove a spring.

 

[alphasports]

I have 9's on all mine, no arthritis issues, just like em that way

 

[WildWayz]

I've been using 10-46 for the last 4 years... my new SE has 9-42 and it feels like i'm playing rubber bands lol however, I am starting to prefer them!

 

[RickP]

I started on 9s and played them for years. Changed to 10s about a decade ago, but I am beginning to think like you are! I tried some 9.5s a while back and they worked fine. I still have a stock of 9s from way back... need to see if they still in usable shape after all these years. When my fingers won't do the 10s, I'll be joining you!