Starter OG 1.036 or higher?

[Sparger]

I use brewers friend yeast starter calculator that has a default OG for the starter of 1.036. Is it adviseable to go higher, say to the OG of the lager (e.g., 1.049) you will be making? I’ve had no problems with 1.036 starters, but wondering if this would be worthwhile (smaller starter, better pre-acclimatization to the future OG of the Lager)?

 

[McKnuckle]

The whole purpose of a starter is to increase the number of viable yeast cells, not to acclimate them to what's coming down the road. That's why starter wort is not configured to match the real wort's predicted gravity or temperature. Gravity in the 30s and warmth (80-100°F) will do you fine with your starter.