promblem with brige changing string guages on a Dean Vendetta XMT with vintage tremolo

I recently bought Dean Vendetta XMT with a vintage tremolo.I changed the string guage from a 9 to a 10.The bridge is now sticking out it is not flush with the body which I read it should be.I read I need too turn the screws in the back of the guitar.My question is: Do I loosen the strings to tighten the screws on the back ,because it seems the strings might break if I don't?And how do you know how much to turn the screws without breaking strings?I tried once turning the screws in the back and the 6th string broke and the bridge is still sticking out.Your help would be greatly appreciated!Thanks

Hi Jim94535,
Welcome to the forum! I hope you get an answer that will help you, but I'll try, as I just went through a similar experience with my new Ibanez electric.

It's mostly a trial and error setup, as you should take tension from the strings (so they don't break, as you've found out), then turn the screws only about 1/4 turn at a time (in= increases spring tension, out= reduces spring tension). Try to move both screws the same, to keep the tension equal and balanced.

When you think you've got it close, tune up your strings again, but notice the string tension, as you don't want it too tight to break the strings.

It may take a while, or you may get it right away, but be patient, don't get frustrated, and come back to let us know if it works, or if you have more questions!

Good Luck, we'll be here...

Thankyou!That helped a lot and it worked!I very much appreciated it.It just took a little patience

Glad to know it helped. Could you share pictures of your guitar? We appreciate them here, as guitar enthusiasts, owners, and players!

Happened to me with the same guitar yesterday. I bought 3 more tremolo springs and added them to the trem base.

My new XMT has a dead flat neck and I needed heavier strings to pull some relief into it. Leveled and dressed my frets as they had flat spots from the factory (unfinnished factory level). When I put the new strings on it pulled the trem up, it took a few minutes to realise what was happening. Do not tighten the bridge to body scews, they will rip off the body or bend the bridge/trem base plate when string tension is applied. You must get a few more springs. I bought three more and put 1/4 inch rubber tubing inside them so they won't ring, for a total of five springs. The 52 gauge strings won't pull that up. one thing to consider though, it will make working the trem a lot stiffer. You may only need four springs in there anyways.

I put 2 more springs on and it worked like a charm.I have no problems with it now.Thankyou guys for all your help!