|
|
Post by cedarchoper58 on Nov 13, 2022 13:14:08 GMT -5
I have noticed over the years that strats come new with 5 springs and used some times with less like 3 or 4. Why would some one take some off? You can ajust tension way more acuratly with a screw driver. thks
|
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Nov 13, 2022 13:45:39 GMT -5
It's not a simple matter of adjusting the claw. The number of springs does affect the feel of the bar, because of the way the flexible steel 'loads' as the springs are stretched.
In my experience, more springs yields a softer, squishier feel. Fewer strings stiffens the feel. It's a very personal thing.
|
|
|
|
Post by cedarchoper58 on Nov 13, 2022 19:25:25 GMT -5
It's not a simple matter of adjusting the claw. The number of springs does affect the feel of the bar, because of the way the flexible steel 'loads' as the springs are stretched. In my experience, more springs yields a softer, squishier feel. Fewer strings stiffens the feel. It's a very personal thing. so does more springs mean your action is easier to bend strings |
|
|
|
Post by reverendrob on Nov 13, 2022 21:47:17 GMT -5
Springs aren't about string bending, but tremolo feel and stability. I've always run three on mine. Just don't do what this crackpot guitar that came into the shop for me to "fix" when I was working there...  Being the guitar guy at the gun shop with a pawn license got me some neat toys, but it was usually...crap like this to deal with. It was one of the craptastic 90s Danelectros with built-in effects. |
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Nov 14, 2022 3:40:42 GMT -5
While we're on the topic...the springs should be parallel, and the claw should be square with the rout. Placing the springs at an angle does nothing extra. Putting more on one side than the other does nothing extra. If you think it looks cool to angle them and you play better because of that, then knock yourself out.  |
|
DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 418
|
Post by DrKev on Nov 14, 2022 5:27:57 GMT -5
While we're on the topic...the springs should be parallel, and the claw should be square with the rout. Placing the springs at an angle does nothing extra. Putting more on one side than the other does nothing extra. If you think it looks cool to angle them and you play better because of that, then knock yourself out. Correct. The bridge is rigid and incapable of any torsion or twisting motion, so where the springs are and what the angle is or isn't doesn't matter, only the number of springs and the force they pull directly in line with the axis of the strings. That means do what ever makes you happy. |
|
|
|
Post by funkykikuchiyo on Nov 14, 2022 9:52:54 GMT -5
Usually just replacing with fresh springs like you get from AllParts is the best thing to do for changing the feel. Old, worn springs have a more squishy, wandering feel, and fresher ones will have some snap. The difference is most noticeable with a Floyd. If you do a dive bomb and release, the old springs won't quite be in tune but you have to wiggle the bar to get it back, while the new springs will go right back where you want them. If you just play with the springs in your fingers you can feel the difference, too. One will feel very snappy, the other like an over done noodle. Sometimes people add springs as the old ones get worn just because they run out of room on the claw screws, but it is usually better to replace them.
|
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Nov 14, 2022 10:15:04 GMT -5
I recently tried a different setup with the angled claw that allegedly compensates for the different string tensions. It's fairly easy to convince yourself something different works because it isn't an apparent failure right from the start. I have since reverted back to a straight claw, 3 springs set 1-3-5 and about a 1/8" float. About the only anomaly I have with any of my Strats is one that creates such a harmonic overtone with the springs on a specific note that I resorted to stuffing a make shift damper between the springs and cavity.
I've always loved a floating Strat setup. Recently I've been messing with my pseudo baritone mentioned in another thread and decided to deck instead of float. 5 Springs, increased tension on the claw. Interesting. You can acoustically hear (and feel) the sustain the setup offers. Not a surprise as I've done this before but for some reason keep returning to a functional tremolo setup. I may just try decking one of my Strats again. My 2nd ever Strat was a hardtail I bought new in the 70's, a real pig of a guitar (probably just needed a proper setup) but sounded good.
|
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Nov 14, 2022 20:49:22 GMT -5
More Strat Spring Folklore:
Another interesting thing about Strat vibrato springs is they do add a tonal component when playing through the bridge pickup. Since they run just underneath the pickup and they resonate (unless you add mutes to them), they do contribute to the sound. The pickup senses their vibrations and that comes through the amp. Some players like it because they claim it makes the guitar sound more "live." Others cannot stand it so they stick a pipe cleaner or a little foam stick in each spring, or poke little bits of foam between the springs to deaden them.
Some players claim the black springs sound better than the silver ones. Others like the yellow/gold springs for their springy springtime-fresh springiness.
If you like it, do it. You can use bad science to make good music. Many people over the last 80 years have done it--especially guitarists--with all the legend and folklore attached to this cultural icon of a musical instrument.
|
|
DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 418
|
Post by DrKev on Nov 15, 2022 6:45:02 GMT -5
I don't find the springs ringing out make any difference at all until you crank the distortion high enough. And then the springs rigning out is a problem, because you get really weird out of tune ringing notes when you chugga-chugga and mute the strings. Drives people insane trying to figure out why. Dampening the springs is the cure.
Personally, I find pieces of foam between the springs is best. I don't want to interfere with motion of the springs or their ability to return the bridge accurately to zero position so stuffing the cavity full of paper towels or cloth seems like a bad idea to me. . And I didn't like inserting things in the springs themselves, wasn't as effective as I wanted and reminds me that I'm almost 50 and proctology is on the radar.
I use 1" long x 1/4" wide foam pieces between the springs. You know the foam used in camera cases that you can pick out the shapes you want and end up with a gazillion little foam bricks all over the place? Those pieces of foam are PERFECT! The springs are nicely dampened, the foam is held in place by the springs and suspended above the cavity floor (or is it the roof?) and moves perfectly freely with the springs. None of the annoying noise, no change in bridge motion.
In fact I have a whole box of those little guys, I should sell 'em!
|
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Nov 15, 2022 7:09:02 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Cal-Woody on Nov 15, 2022 9:32:51 GMT -5
I had a Strat that really picked up the sound of the springs and brought some of those coated springs from Floyd Rose a few years ago and that quieted the noise I was hearing. But yes, new springs running in an aligned method works best to return the tremolo back to the desired position. The Strat I mentioned was really resonant and would pick up any unwanted noise or handling. I finally bought those springs and was very happy with the results. I think they still make them and might be a benefit to you. They offered 3 stiffnesses to choose from.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mike the marksman on Nov 18, 2022 9:09:08 GMT -5
For years I've heard this theory that strats sound better with all 5 springs, and that's how they came from the factory in the 50s and 60s. Companies like Raw Vintage have been marketing springs that are lower tension (supposedly like the vintage ones) so you can use all five of them..
they fail to take into account that strats came from the factory with .012-.054" or .013-.056" gauge strings with a wound third in the 50s and 60s and all five springs were needed for a proper setup and bridge angle, not because it "sounds better".
|
|
|
|
Post by modbus on Nov 18, 2022 11:24:41 GMT -5
I run 4, 2 on each side. Personal preference.
|
|
|
|
Post by reverendrob on Nov 18, 2022 21:24:05 GMT -5
I run however many are needed to keep the bridge not flying at a crazy angle.
|
|
