For an electric guitar in a rock setting, it's really hard to appreciate the character of string sound. Just too many other things upstream and downstream from the strings that are more sonically impactful. If you're going to experiment with string gauge, pay attention to neck relief. Too little relief WILL change the character of how your strings sound by limiting string vibration. Too much relief will sound nice, but mess with playability (for me), action and intonation. Intonation is not hard to measure, and easy to dial in with a little experience. Never adjust string height or intonation without at least checking relief. Also, if you're moving up in gauge, don't forget the nut slot width. Most electrics are slotted for lighter gauges, so heavier strings may bind if the slots are not widened. You'll usually hear this as a "tink" coming from the nut when tuning...

The above is an oversimplified opinion.

If you're a Stevie Ray Vaughan devotee, ignore all of this.

Last edited by DC Ron; 06/30/25 11:21 AM.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
StudioCat DAW dual screen
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)