String Questions

[Bigsnake]

I have three questions.

1) How can I figure out what weight strings are on my guitar from the factory? I didn't really get anything with the guitar to tell me. It's a Mexican Strat.

2) Can I get some brand recommendations? Will probably be getting some fresh strings on this guitar soon and I've never purchased strings for an electric before. On my Acoustic I've been using Elixirs.

3) And, not too much a string question but I figured I'd stick in here too, but, why is there such a volume difference between my high and low strings? I can hit my low E and it's loud. Then I'll hit my high e and can barely hear it. Are all electrics like this? Is it a setting thing? Is there something I can do so all strings ring equally loud when picking?

[Zeppelin_Maniac]

You could probably check the manufacturer website to see which brand/style strings ship with which guitars.

I have no problems with Ernie Ball guitar strings. Specifically, I use the Super Slinky Customs on my electrics. But all of their Super Slinky sets are good. I can tell that by using Elixirs on your acoustic, you know what good strings sound like. You'd probably dig Ernie Ball strings. I used to use the Elixir Polywebs and I loved them. But they're expensive. So I went to the Ernie Ball Earthwoods. I think the Earthwoods sound just as good as Elixirs, but for half the price.

I'm not sure what to tell you about your high E. Have you turned your treb up on your amp. Switched pickups to see if you get a better sound? ...Just the basics. There's like someone like Stickley who can better answer that question than me.

[v4viper]

I have a Fender mexican strat and have not noticed a difference in the volume between the high and low E. I just got it about a month ago so I'm no expert, but I tried all switch settings and tone controls and it seems pretty consistant to me on mine.

[Blewbyou]

Not sure about the Mexican Strats but my American Strat came with 9-42's on it when I changed out the strings the first time I put 10-46 Ernie Ball regular slinkys on and had to adjust the tension on the tremolo. The 9's were great and bending strings was very easy but had 12 sets of 10 here so I swapped them

[Jstickley]

Yes 9's came on the mexican strats. You would have to replace them with 9's again, IF you didnt want to adjust the bridge. If you did change gauge sizes, you will also have to reset the intonation, all which are very easy to do.

As far as your high E string being quieter than your low E string, that can be caused by a multitude of things. The first thing, would be the pickup adjustment. I tend to set strats up with the pickup a tad closer to the high E string than the low E string. Usually it is about a 8th inch closer to the string on the high side than the low side. Usually gives a nice even tone throughout. Now keep in mind, lower notes carry more than higher notes, so be sure thats not what your experiencing. Another cause could be the pickups. A pickup change for a strat can run from 50 bucks to 500 bucks.. just depends on the tone your looking for and how deep your pockets are ;)

Hope this helps

Jesse

[Bigsnake]

Now keep in mind, lower notes carry more than higher notes, so be sure thats not what your experiencing.

Hope this helps

Jesse

I actually think that is what I'm experiencing. I've been playing it more and fiddling with the amp/guitar settings.

I'lll probably be switching strings out soon to 10s or 11s. I'm just not positive yet on how to adjust the tremolo for the newer tensions. It also seems my low E string is set a little close. I get a buzz on it but not on any other strings.