Can i put heavy strings into my IBANEZ RG120 guitar?

can i put heavy strings in this guitar? because everytime i put a new pair of heavy strings on my rg120 the bridge lifts up and im scared im going to break the guitar strings. please help me!



2 Responses to “Can i put heavy strings into my IBANEZ RG120 guitar?”

1. Adam D says:

   September 5, 2010 at 22:05

   Some strings may be meant to be detuned. Take your guitar to the guitar store and have them adjust your bridge and truss rod. Ask to setup your guitar to take the heavier strings. It’ll cost $45-$60, but if you don’t know how to do it, it’s necessary to do have it done, to keep your guitar in good playing shape, especially when you’re putting on super heavy strings.
2. gtarczar says:

   September 5, 2010 at 22:10

   No truss rod adjustment is necessary. What is happening is that the tremolo is set up for light gauge strings. (Ibanez sets their guitars up with .009-.042 gauge strings factory standard)
   By putting a heavier gauge string on the guitar you are increasing the tension on the strings. To compensate for the increased tension you must increase the tension on the tremolo springs. This is actually a fairly easy thing to do.
   #1. Remove the rear rectangular cover to allow access to the tremolo mechanism.
   #2. Locate the “claw” where the tremolo springs attach with loop ends (located on the neck end of the cavity)
   #3. Use a phillips screwdriver to tighten the two large phillips screws into the body further (turn clockwise). This will pull the claw towards the neck further and increase the tension on the springs.

   To achieve the amount of resistance necessary to compensate for very heavy string gauges, you may want to add another spring or two to the tremolo set up. This is not that hard but you may want to let an authorized dealer do it for you.

   The floating tremolo system that most guitars use today is based on the original Floyd Rose system. The thing to remember with any floating tremolo set up is that it is all a matter of balance between string tension and spring tension. The more tension on the strings will require more tension from the springs to balance the bridge out.

   Start with the strings on the guitar and tuned up to where the bridge is just beginning to pull upward. Tighten the two screws on the claw to increase the spring tension (about 1 turn on each screw)
   Tune the guitar up as close to pitch as possible without the bridge pulling too far forward (up)
   Tighten the screws again. Repeat this procedure until the guitar is in tune and the bridge remains level.

   If you do not feel up to doing this your self most music stores will be happy to do it for you as part of a string change. Just take the guitar in and let them know that you want a heavy gauge of strings on it. They will change the strings and adjust the tremolo all for a small fee. usually no more than $10 plus the cost of the strings.