Floated bridge - tricks to stay in tune

[Robert]

What tricks do you use to keep your floated tremolo bridge in tune?

My strat seems to catch the strings a bit when I release the tremolo bar after having pressed it down. Some strings go sharp, and if I grab them and pull on them a bit (or bend a lot), they go back to being in tune again. Where lies the problem?

 

[ShortBuSX]

Where lies the problem?

The NUT! Especially those plastic ones...but just about any non-roller nut will cause the string to bind or stick.

My trick is to pull on the strings as Im tuning. Turn the machine head, check with your tuner, alot of times I'll end up a little sharp, but then once you tug it it gets past the nut and tuning is stablized. Id really suggest trying this.

 

[Tone2TheBone]

Just rub some pencil graphite under the strings at the nut and on the string tree. Also use at least 4 springs. 5 is probably better but 4 works good.

 

[Robert]

5 springs and a floated trem? How's that possible?

I see I forgot to mention that I have the trem bridge floated, so that I can pull the bar up a bit.

If the bridge is fixed, this problem doesn't really happen, since the the bridge can't go "up".

 

[Tone2TheBone]

If you put 5 springs on the claw you'll have to back the main screws out to compensate for the added tension that's why I use only 4. I can see a problem with the claw screws being backed out too much though with 5 springs. Use only 4.

 

[ShortBuSX]

If you put 5 springs on the claw you'll have to back the main screws out to compensate for the added tension that's why I use only 4. I can see a problem with the claw screws being backed out too much though with 5 springs. Use only 4.

And how does this help with tunnig stability...and if its floating, then your 4 or 5 springs with the screws backed out would still have the same spring tension(as my 3 springs)...so I still dont understand the benifit??? BUT it does make sense for string bending...hmmm

 

[Tone2TheBone]

Adding another spring ...even with the same amount of trem angle on the bridge from the body will make the trem block more stable and faster because of the added spring tension. It will fall "in place" faster and more consistant thus keeping things in better tune when floating. For me having 4 springs helps if I put them on the outer edges of the claw. 2 springs at each edge. 3 springs in the V shape (one in the middle and the 2 outer springs angled toward the middle spring on the claw) seems to be less stable than the 2 springs per outer edge way. At least it is for me.

 

[Big_Rob]

Locking tuners couldnt hurt either.

 

[LagrangeCalvert]

well...I have my Strat set up with non floating...but I can dive bomb her out and she will fall right back in tune....but I always go with a graph tech string tree, saddles and an LSR roller nut. A good set of Sperzels (I put on every guitar I own) helps too

But other than that you can get a better nut and get some graphite in the nut, on the saddles, and make sure there are absofreakinluty no burrs on the metal.

 

[tremoloman]

This is what works for me:

#1. Locking tuners - Here are the two models I use. Both work excellent and make a night & day difference.

Schaller

http://www.catalinaguitars.com/catalog2/product_thumb.php?img=images/123456set.jpg&w=260&h=203

Gotoh (vintage)

#2. 3-in-1 weight oil - When changing strings I apply a minute amount on all friction points. Using a Q-tip I lubricate string trees, saddles, and on the bridge screws. I also take drop and rub it along the string where it will lie against the saddle to aid in reducing stickage and possible string breakage.

3. LSR / Graph Tech / Tusq nuts - LSR nuts are fantastic as they are virtually frictionless. The only downside is that they do require some modification and skill to install. Graph Tech & Tusq nuts are a Strat's best friend. These can be purchased precut and make a world of difference in tone and tuning stability. I'd never own a Strat or Tele without one of these three nuts.

LSR Rolling Nut

Graph-Tech / Tusq

Hope this helps!

 

[Robert]

What about string trees? The vintage ones seem to "catch" the string a bit.

 

[duhvoodooman]

Get a set of GrapTech strings trees. Only $5 a pair at StewMac. The string trees in my Fat Fully squeaked something fierce, and this cured it immediately.

 

[Tone2TheBone]

Rob don't order any I'll send you a pair of mine. I don't use them.

 

[Robert]

Thanks Tone! (Send that Suhr you saw too please )

 

[Tone2TheBone]

Thanks Tone! (Send that Suhr you saw too please )

LOL Suhr why not!

 

[snarph]

you could always employ a hip shot which will maintain a zero position so the bridge always returns to the right place.

 

[snarph]

heres a source

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Hipshot-Tremsetter-Kit?sku=361269&src=3SOSWXXA

 

[333maxwell]

What tricks do you use to keep your floated tremolo bridge in tune?

My strat seems to catch the strings a bit when I release the tremolo bar after having pressed it down. Some strings go sharp, and if I grab them and pull on them a bit (or bend a lot), they go back to being in tune again. Where lies the problem?

I mount a block of hardoowd flush against the back of the block on the trem in the cavity. Then the thing only goes down. Rather than pull it all the way back with tension, the hardwood allows for better sustain, and you can use any gauge strings you want without having to re-intone. Not to mention if you break a string on stage, everything stays in tune just dandy.

I've been doing it for years, and I read in an interview awhile back EVH has been doing this as well for many moons.
_______________

I also graphite all contact points and stretch the strings beyond belief....over and over and over.









________________
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandid=676362

 

[fendermojoman]

Floater works

I use 3 springs, Locking tuners and a graphite nut. My MIM stays in tune surprisingly well. The tuners are Planet Waves with the built in cutter. I also have the "big" steel block on the trem.

 

[TS808]

Alot, I think depends on the set up. I agree though too with alot of the recommendations from others; I always lubricate the nut with graphite too. I use 3 springs, make sure the neck is pretty straight, etc. Also, when I put new strings on, I stretch them real well....stretch, tune the guitar, stretch the strings again, tune, etc...until when you stretch the guitar doesn't go out of tune.

With 9's on my strats and a floating trem, this seems to do the trick: the guitar stays in tune very well. Changes in temperature seem to kick it out of tune more than the floating trem (no kidding..)

 

[tremoloman]

Changes in temperature seem to kick it out of tune more than the floating trem (no kidding..)

Boy is that ever true!

Before gigs I setup around 1-2 hours early for the guitars to "breathe" so I don't wind up tuning like mad between songs.

I forgot to mention the modern Fender string trees... huge improvement over the vintage butterfly models.

I've also seen ones at Stew-Mac and other places that have a weel on the similar to a LSR nut. Been anxious to try one of those out.