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I'm a newbie transitioning to intermediate and I have a rather nice strat with 11 gauge strings. I'd like to try lighter strings but someone told me changing gauge will require the guitar to be re-set up.

I'm pretty competent at changing strings but I don't want to screw up my lovely guitar.

Should I take it to the shop and have them do it? Is setting up a guitar something that I can learn to do easily?

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1  
Not quite... and it also depends on the type of guitar you have. If you're going to a lower gauge, I wouldn't worry too much about getting it set up again. I switch between mediums and lights on my guitar every now and then and I never have to get it set up or anything. The real danger only lies in switching to a gauge much higher than your guitar can handle. I wouldn't worry if I were going lighter. – Jimi Oke Jan 14 '11 at 0:23
@Jimi Is there a reason you didn't post that as an answer? – Matthew Read♦ Jan 14 '11 at 1:42
@Matthew Read: Well, just out of habit, like I do on other SE sites, I wouldn't really post an answer except I am absolutely sure it is correct or my comment has been affirmed by other users. That way, I don't mislead other users. As you can see, the other posters insist on getting a set-up regardless of what gauge you switch to. For me, this has not been an issue between medium and lights. Thus, my answer is based on personal experience and practice, and probably stuff I read way back, but I guess the asker has found a useful answer that professional luthiers would most likely subscribe to. – Jimi Oke Jan 14 '11 at 1:49
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@jimi Conversation in comments is excellent, questions to get more context are excellent. But I like to see even tentative answers posted as answers. Reputation and voting will help me find the useful one. Even though I accepted a different answer, I would have voted yours up as it is useful to know that there is a different point of view. It also makes me a little more confident that I could do it myself next time. – Kevin Lawrence Jan 14 '11 at 1:59
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@Kevin and @Matthew: you guys are right. I'll go for answers, especially at this early stage. The thing is, I invest considerable time in posting answers. And I'm trying to work right now, so I cannot really focus on this at the same time :D But I will start posting answers seriously now, damning the consequences! – Jimi Oke Jan 14 '11 at 2:03
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4 Answers

up vote 6 down vote

Yes, If you change the gauge of the strings the tension on the neck will be different resulting in your guitar falling and staying out of tune.

Take it in to a shop and that will show you what they are doing (try and find a local shop). The cost is generally not that bad and you will make sure it was done right. Most shops will put a new pair of strings on your guitar if you are getting a setup.

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Yup, a resetup is required if any significant change in string gauge is made. This is because the intonation and tuning will be all wrong on the guitar, and The action will also not be as you want it. Do not try and setup your guitar yourself the first couple of times. Find a local guitar shop that specialises in guitars (general music stores I have found do a low quality job), take it there and they will guide you through what they are doing to your instrument if you ask. After that, if you are confident you can try doing it yourself. If in doubt, take it to a pro. It can cost a fair bit, but the few times I have had to do it it has been SO worth it. Hope this helps.

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up vote 2 down vote

The need for a resetup is especially true if the guitar has a tremolo/Floyd Rose; as the different tension of the new strings will unbalance the bridge springs, possibly leaving the bridge too high or too low (ideally it should be parallel to the body).

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While at the shop, also be sure to check the highest gauge your guitar is meant to handle. My first electric ended up with a busted nut due to trying to drop a set of 12s on it since the low E was wider than the clearance left for it.

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