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Hi, what changes will i need to make to my Les paul copy if i change to heavier string gauge? thanks i am thinking of going from 9 to 11 or 12 or even 13.

thanks

YOu will more than likely have to tighten the truss rod to compensate for the added string tension. This tension will tend to pull the neck up a little. This will more than likely increase the action height as well. The other aspect is the intonation will need to be adjusted. When you change to a heavier gauge it affects the string length. Intonation is one of the most important adjustments in a setup to get the guitar to play in tune up and down the neck. So here is what you should do.

1. Select the string gauge you want to use and install the strings.

2. To check neck relief press down the 6th string at the last fret and at the first fret. You should have a very small amount of space between the 7th fret and the bottom of the string. If you have to much space you need to tighten the rod!

3. Adjust the action to the desired height. This is a matter of personal preference and playing style. Higher action will tend to increase sustain but will make the guitar a little more difficult to play.

4. Intonation should be checked by sounding the open string and getting the harmonic on the 12th fret to sound the same note. You will need a good quality tuner to do this properly. If the harmonic is flat you need to move the saddle forward! Good Luck!!

What Bludave said is the way to do it...let me ask you a question: Are you planning to tune to A440 or are you gonna detune some?

Oh another thing if you want to permanently switch to another guage I suggest you get new nut to fit the new guages cause if its cut for 9's and you switch to something higher the strings can bind in the nut.

The lowest i will go is probably drop C

Just an FYI, if you go from .009's to .010's if anything the action will need to be adjusted a little bit, but going more than that will require more setup.

My favorite is Les Pauls strung with 11's. In standard tuning, it has the same tension as a strat with 10's. 11's have the best feel IMO, when you tune down to Eb or other dropped tunings. Plus, if you slot the nut for 11's, you can still come back to 10's with no problem. If you slot the nut for 12's or 13's, the slots will be too wide to ever put lighter strings on again. Go with 11's.