Hey, I'm just seeking some advice in string gauges. I have a Mexican Stratocaster strung with .010s currently. I'm contemplating whether or not to move up to .011s for a few reasons: 1) to improve my tone (warmer) and 2) for better tuning stability (by the way, my temolo is floating with three springs installed). I'm just not sure how much different the feel would be as opposed to .010s. I don't want to struggle to much to bend up a whole step, yet I want to keep my tuning. I was also wondering if these two things must been done in order to switch from 10s to 11s:
1) Filing out the nut slots to accommodate the larger strings

2) Adding two more springs to the tremolo (5 in total) to accommodate the extra tension while still keeping the bridge floating.

I believe doing these 2 things are necessary and will improve my overall tuning stability. Am I wrong? What do you guys think?

changing from 10's to 11's will require you to adjust the springs,possibly a truss rod adjustment. In other words a complete setup. I moved from 10's to 11's but decided to change back since there not much difference in tone and 10's are easier to play especially at a 4 hour show.

after 4 hours of playin with 11s,your fingers will thank when you go back to 10s or 9s but it really counts on what your playin. I use 9s thats what Ive always used but I do have other guitars with 10s..

I'm into the blues, and I wanted a nice, deep bluesy strat tone. Listening to SRV really started me on thinking about thicker strings (of course I wouldn't even think of going to the extent that he went to). I know that going after wild bends with them is going to take some time, but I think I could get used to them. Is it that hard to go up .001?

You can try moving up to the next gauge but it won't a big difference just a pain to setup your guitar with the added tension.

I'm assuming to give the neck as much relief as possible while keeping it healthy. Would you recommend a slightly higher action even though I do like mine relatively low? Anyone?

[Edited on 7/9/2007 by Bill15]

To change up to 11's, you will need to adjust the truss rod.
An 8th of a turn clockwise should do it, but don't attempt it unless you are confident you know what you are doing.

Bill15 any luck or did you change your mind?

Well I switched a few weeks ago and my neck was a little to straight when I had the 10's on so when I strung on the 11's, there was the right amount of relief. However, I had some trouble dealing with the added tension and my fingertips began to get sore (as if I was learning to play again!) Bending up a whole step on the high e was difficult as well. So I switched back to 10s and as of now I'm still using them. But I'm missing the 11's tone right now and I'm thinking of switching back and just sticking it out so that maybe I'll get used to them and not notice the tension anymore.

How about getting some hybrid or beefy ernie balls.
You get a bit more beef without having to go up a string guage.
I use Beefy 11's on my Jaguar, they're great