Light or heavier strings

[david/wales/u.k]

What are the advantages/disadvantages with lighter/heavier gauge strings......At the moment i use standard Ric 10's. The reason I ask is because I'm hoping to have a proper set up on my 330 once and for all. I can't decide to stay with the 10's or have it set up with an heavier gauge. I like the 10's but sometimes find them too 'loose'..I haven't got the greatest technique and sometimes press down too hard causing the strings to bend, which obviously distorts the chord I'm playing...Having said that I like the fact that I can play them without hurting my fingers!

[Folkie]

First of all, Rickenbacker Compressed Roundwounds are a great way to go, as the gauges are calibrated for Rickenbacker guitars. But I don't think you'll ever be able to set up that 330 "once and for all." Even small changes in temperature and humidity can wreak havoc on a perfect setup. You might experiment with lighter and heavier string gauges (and with flatwounds and roundwounds) to find a string set that suits your playing style.

[david/wales/u.k]

Oh yeah, I know that there's no perfect once and for all set up....What I meant is that I hope to have it set up 'properly' for the first time since I got it and then go from there. I had it set up when I first got it in August and wasn't happy. I now hope to get it done by someone who's been recommended by John Hall. I wouldn't try to make changes to the guitar myself though as I just wouldn't know what I was doing, so that's why I need it to be done for a specific gauge. Once it's done then I wouldn't change the gauge unless a proper luthier tweaked it again for me....I wouldn't try to tweak the guitar myself as I know I would do more harm than good

[winston]

Do you mostly play rhythm or lead David? If a combination of both, or mostly lead do you use a lot of string bending and finger vibrato techniques?

[Clint]

If you think your technique is lacking, work on that first. Then the details of your set up may start falling into place on their own.

[david/wales/u.k]

Mainly rhythm.......that's why I'm thinking heavier gauge strings would make more sense....(only had the ric for 6 months though so still adjusting after playing acoustic 12 gauge strings)......As for working on my technique-----I've been playing for 20 years and currently practise, on average, 2hours a day......... but I'll keep trying!!!

[Clint]

Now, now, now...you're the one that said, "I haven't got the greatest technique..."

I don't want to sound too much like a "donkey" but working on your technique is different than practicing 2 hours a day. Because if you practice with poor techinique, you simply reinforce bad habits. Since you seem to be more acustom to acoustics, I would suggest you move up a gauge (.011). They'd be closer to what you're used to, without hurting your fingers. But there really is no right or wrong answer here, use whatever method that takes you where you want to go and whatever string gauge that gets you there.

[winston]

If you take Clint's advice (which seems more than reasonable)...............don't forget that you will have to adjust your bridge saddles to achieve perfect intonation as well.

[david/wales/u.k]

I am working on technique regarding the 10's.........I should have said that it's only very recently that I've had a good amp and so been able to practise regularly on the Ric.........Before that it was quite intermittent and as you said, practising on the acoustic (however committed) was completely different. My technique has to be modified when it comes to the Ric and it is getting better all the time...no doubt about that.. I'm hoping to get her set up towards the end of February so I'll know well before then if I'm going to go for a higher gauge.......my gut instinct is no...I like being able to just 'stroke the 10's as opposed to really digging in which, for me at least, is more suited to my acoustic..........By the way, do Rics have higher gauge strings....I've only seen them in the 10's.......( be interesting to know how many Ric players use Ric strings but that would be another post)