Need Some Quick Info On String Gauge vs Floyd Rose Trem

  • Thread starter Thread starter MistaGuitah
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MistaGuitah

Well-known member
Is it common to use 10-46 gauge strings on a Floyd equipped guitar? I recently picked up an ESP with a Floyd and locking nut but it came with 9-42 gauge strings. I've always used 10-46 on my guitars so I don't really like the light strings. How well will it perform with 10-46? It's new so I don't have a picture yet, but this is a stock photo of the exact guitar I have.

esp-e-ii-st-2-fm-standard-series-electric-stblk-343675.jpg
 
Use whatever you want, just balance the tension when you set it up. I use 10-52s on my E guitars.
 
Yeah, I´ve used everything from 9-42 to 10-52 with no worries. But however you balance the tension, either with an extra spring or the claw, it does get progressively stiffer in feel when you up the gauge. Just the nature of things. But it still keeps in tune just the same, and you can do all the same stuff but you have to put a tiny bit of extra effort into it. Maybe with the exception of those extreme flutter effects.
 
No special setup needed between those gauges on a Floyded guitar.
 
Well, going from 9-42 to 10-46 will probably require some tightening of the claw to keep it level, but that´s about it. It´s definitely not a big deal, though, and tons and tons of guys use 10-46 or heavier on their Floyds with absolutely zero trouble.
 
Yeah, use whatever you want. Put the strings you want on there and adjust the spring claw to balance the tension of the strings you want.

I tend to prefer the 9-42 if I am tuned in E, but I like super light strings. I also tend to find Floyd guitars having more tension than equivalent hard tail guitars.
 
Thanks. Basic setups are no problem for me but I was mainly concerned with how well the Floyds perform with heavier gauge strings. I have played many Floyd equipped guitars of course but they always have 9-42. I know it's probably not an issue but I wanted to get some opinions while I still have a chance to exchange the guitar. I did change them last night and adjusted the action and intonation. It has better intonation now in fact. It's pretty stiff like a PRS. All of my other guitars have 10-46 so it feels a lot better than before. I officially hate light strings now because it's a significant improvement with the wider gauge.
 
I have had 10-52 in d standard with no issues other than what others have stated. I currently have 9-42 on my floyds just because of the tension is easier to bend as I age.

MrHiwatt
 
I have some of my charvels in 440 w/ 10-46 and its perfect for me..Some of my jacksons are 11-52 in e flat and its perfect-no issues what so ever.The Floyd bridges are straight and level, no issues.(some are floating, some are not).
 
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