String gauge on Ric 330

mr_gravy · Post by **mr_gravy** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 4:10 am

I've been thinking of going to 11s from 10s on my 330. The guitar has never had 11s so I'm wondering what I need to do, if anything, to compensate for the heavier gauge strings. Since I'm primarily a rhythm player I don't have the need for bending strings and am looking for a richer sound.

spencer · Post by **spencer** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 4:15 am

You ought to put .011s on it, I think they play great with them. You may need to tweak the truss rod a little (just tighten the nuts slightly to lay the neck flat again) and check your intonation. It may be slightly off.

wormdiet · Post by **wormdiet** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 5:44 am

Pyramid Gold .011's!

DO IT.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 6:24 am

A complete set up may be in order. File the nut for wider strings (they may bind). Plus the other things already mentioned.

mr_gravy · Post by **mr_gravy** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:23 am

I've always thought that 11s went well with Rics. Will give it a shot. Thanks for the advice!

aristeas · Post by **aristeas** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 4:24 pm

I've just re-strung my new 330 with 9 to 42s. Is this too light a gauge?

early_topboost · Post by **early_topboost** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 3:34 am

I just purchased an '87 330 last Thursday with 10's on it. I was amazed at how easy it was to play i.e. low action so I am hesitant on throwing 11's on, which is what my Teles are strung with. The nut on the 330 already bites the 1st and 2nd strings a bit so it would definitely need to be filed. I would also hate to lose the nice high end sparkle of the tone. Will 11's kill that?

325_fan · Post by **325_fan** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 4:28 am

I had .009's on mine and it played like butter. Then I put .010's on it and I'm thinking about getting the .009's back on there.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 6:29 am

I usually play 10's on my electrics and 13's on my acoustic. I had 11's on a 610, they were great and no loss of sparkle.