voxx
Quarternote
Posts: 9
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Post by voxx on Jan 23, 2023 11:01:10 GMT -5
I have 3 Strats all of which I set up with 2 springs because I like my trem floating and sort of soft and squishy. I use the floating trem a lot for vibrato. 2 of the strats are just the way I like them but the 3rd is a lot harder to use and the spring claw has to be screwed in almost touching the body to keep the back of the trem within a + - 1/8th. I've tried different springs but always get the same results .. the trem is hard to work. I have the front set up only using the 2 exterior screws and the middle screws are not touching the plate. Is there a certain height it should be at in the front ? I'm wondering if an incorrect front angle is giving me the problems I'm having.
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DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 418
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Post by DrKev on Jan 24, 2023 6:49:47 GMT -5
If any of the the 6 front mounting screws are too low they will absolutely restrict motion of the bridge and affect the feel of trem. Start by detuning all the strings. Then raise all six mounting screws about 1/16" above plate. Then lower the two outside screws to the point that they *just barely* touch the plate. Retune, reset the spring claw if necessary. If that's not the issue, and you've tried using the springs from the other guitars, I can't think what is.
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voxx
Quarternote
Posts: 9
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Post by voxx on Jan 24, 2023 17:22:45 GMT -5
Thanks for your reply DrKev .. I'll play around some more with the front screws and see if I can do better this time around. Maybe the middle screws are too high and that's why I need to have more pull from the spring claw being screwed almost flush to the body. Thanks again.
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Post by funkykikuchiyo on Jan 24, 2023 19:00:44 GMT -5
Check for any rubbing or weirdness against the cavity, too. Sometimes a combination of router fuzz and too much overspray can leave lots of lumps where things want to rub.
You can also try getting a couple fresh springs. Having to pull them back so far that it seems unnatural can be a sign they're just worn. New springs often have a nicer feel.
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voxx
Quarternote
Posts: 9
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Post by voxx on Jan 24, 2023 20:40:28 GMT -5
The very first thing I tried fixed the problem. I loosened the 2 outside screws about 1/8th", the front plate lifted up and the trem came alive just the way I like it. Who knew ? When doing the initial setup I found there's a lot written about how high the back of the trem should be but not much about the front and that was causing my problems.The front of the trem was screwed down too low. Thanks for the help guys.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jan 25, 2023 6:22:09 GMT -5
Then lower the two outside screws to the point that they *just barely* touch the plate. The method I use when installing the screws goes like this: 1. Install all the screws, but leave the heads about 1mm off the surface of the bridge plate. 2. Using magnification and bright light, watch the rear of the plate as you slowly rotate one of the screws clockwise. As soon as you see the rear of the plate lift, stop and rotate the screw 1/2 turn counterclockwise. 3. Move on to the next screw and do the same, etc. This gets all the screw heads to an identical height. You can, if you like, raise the four middle screws 3/4 of a turn if you're feeling some clicking or binding when using the bar. It also helps to apply a very tiny amount of light oil to the spot where each screw head contacts the plate. This makes the bar feel like it's on ball bearings. Do not apply the oil directly from the spout of an oil container because you'll get too much oil on there. Instead, dip the point of a toothpick in a drop of oil and apply it that way. Very little goes a long way. |
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Post by funkykikuchiyo on Jan 25, 2023 9:34:04 GMT -5
The very first thing I tried fixed the problem. I loosened the 2 outside screws about 1/8th", the front plate lifted up and the trem came alive just the way I like it. Who knew ? When doing the initial setup I found there's a lot written about how high the back of the trem should be but not much about the front and that was causing my problems.The front of the trem was screwed down too low. Thanks for the help guys. That's some good intuition from DrKev!
Sometimes tuning weirdness can be helped by being extra OCD about those heights, too.
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DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 418
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Post by DrKev on Jan 25, 2023 9:54:37 GMT -5
Years of experience, and years of learning from good folk like you and Peegoo. *hat tip*
I like to lube the screws. I add a super thin coat of oil (3-n-1 or machine oil applied with a Q tip) or pencil lead to solid shaft portion of the mounting screws. Also note that the base of the trem plate, at the bevel edge slides a little on the guitar top. To keep that moving smoothly I like to polish it up and add pencil lead.
I played over 1000 gigs with my old strat, floating bridge, used often, no backup guitar. So keeping it in tune was part of the job!
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Feb 1, 2023 16:31:20 GMT -5
If you have not seen this vid--it's a good one:
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