Heavier strings affecting action?

relic245

My tele was set up for 9's and last night I fitted a set of 10's and now the action seems to be higher.

At first I thought I was imagining it but perhaps it makes sense. Could more tension bend the neck more?

The saddles are already low so can't do anything there. I'm guessing that the neck relief may be the first thing to look at. Am I along the right lines?

ToneControl

you're exactly right, if you change string gauge and keep the same tuning, you  will need to tweak the truss rod
Usually it's just 1/8 of a turn to 1/4 of a turn. If you get carried away and turn it  1 or 2 turns you can damage the guitar

typically, the  nut works the conventional way,  and you tighten it clockwise to  counteract more tension in the strings
I think you are recommended to  loosen the strings first

WezV

That's what truss rods are for.  Nothing to be scared off.  Truss rods only break when You force a seized rod, or you use the wrong tool.


loosen slightly before tightening to make sure it's not seized.  You can slacken strings first as an extra precaution.  I only do this when adjusting an old rod.

relic245

Thanks!

All sorted now and playing very well

Gassage

You also might need to check the nut- if it's cut only for 9 - 42  some of the bottom strings may be not quite in the groove- if it's a strat getting the nut right is key to keeping the thing in tune when using the trem and even if they look like they're sat in the grooves they may have too much friction on them to stay in tune when bombing and stuff.

pintspiller

Action can rise slightly going-up-a-gauge due to strings not sitting in grooves of nut the same

Gassage

pintspiller said:

Action can rise slightly going-up-a-gauge due to strings not sitting in grooves of nut the same

Cleartone Conversion guitars offer a universal gauge nut...