Fat Strings on Jag-Stangs?

VoodooChild

Hello,

Just got my jag-stang and I really like how prone it is to feedback 😁 Anyway last night I replaced the small (probably 9's) set of strings the store put on with my usual size (i play a strat mainly) of 11-50. I immediately noticed with the shorter scale neck and the fatter strings the tension is MUCH greater than before. I have always been a fan of fat strings, stevie knows best 😉 , but I think with my new Jag - Stang I'm gonna try and keep the strings a little smaller. It gives it a more distinguished sound from my strat if the strings are different...and to be honest the bigger strings just don't feel right with the wee little jag-stang.

What are your thoughts? anyone had luck with fat strings on the JS, and if so how is the tremolo working out for you? I am pretty sure the fatter strings make the bar harder to push and pull.

Cheers,

jacksonjackass

Welcome to the forums 😉

I'm pretty flexible with strings, necks etc, but when it come to affecting the way a guitar functions......

I find that fat strings mean that the vibrato can't work as it should (or it can) because it pulls the tailpiece to close to the neck

VoodooChild

It seems they will eat away at the vintage frets as well. What size strings do you use?

jacksonjackass

I've had it with 11s but right now its no fender 9s which need replacing because of damn EMG pickup

VoodooChild

JW whats the emg pickup have to do with the life of your strings? My rule of thumb is to change strings once every 1-2 weeks, or after each gig.

jacksonjackass

Voodoo Child said: JW whats the emg pickup have to do with the life of your strings? My rule of thumb is to change strings once every 1-2 weeks, or after each gig.

Nothing to do with the life of the strings.

For some reason EMGs pick up minute vibrations from the trems and some strings stop this better than others. Fender string don't cut it ☹

I need to get EBs or D'addarios

MovEax

Those aren't fat strings... My guitar is/has been running 12 - 56 since i bought it 4 years ago ish. I don't see any frets wearing down but i do hurt the fretboard itself every now and again nothing bad but you can see the 3 or so times it's happened. As for the bridge, the guy who sold it to me had it set up for heavy gauge and had two massive springs set up in the vibrato so it sits just right. I actually find the fatter stings sound much nicer? Like a warmer and just more happy sounding? Just my opinion though.

VoodooChild

MovEax said: Those aren't fat strings... My guitar is/has been running 12 - 56 since i bought it 4 years ago ish. I don't see any frets wearing down but i do hurt the fretboard itself every now and again nothing bad but you can see the 3 or so times it's happened. As for the bridge, the guy who sold it to me had it set up for heavy gauge and had two massive springs set up in the vibrato so it sits just right. I actually find the fatter stings sound much nicer? Like a warmer and just more happy sounding? Just my opinion though.

Finally someone who understand me. Everyone @ GC thinks I'm crazy. I love 12-56 guage but the G string is almost always too fat. I like a 19 flatwound. Eric Johnson signature strings are one of the few packs made that have a 19 flatwound.

Note to self* Get some big springs for big strings.

MovEax- do you use tremolo at all?

MovEax

Yes, but it goes out of tune after I use it 10 or so times. I haven't gotten around to 'setting it up' so i think it could get better. Only string i have problems with is high E but i need to adjust my action.

tragictravisty

you're problem is probably you're nut. regular, unlubricated nuts just don't cut it for vibratos.

jacksonjackass

tragictravisty said: you're problem is probably you're nut. regular, unlubricated nuts just don't cut it for vibratos.

THIS

Just file it to fit the string better and get a mechanical pencil and keep 'colouring in' the nut slots until they're completely black 😉

VoodooChild

MovEax said: Yes, but it goes out of tune after I use it 10 or so times. I haven't gotten around to 'setting it up' so i think it could get better. Only string i have problems with is high E but i need to adjust my action.

! I have the same problem. Time to buy a file.