How do you setup your floating trem?
- Thread starter Rivers
- Start date
Last time, I set mine at 1.5 steps.
There's a tutorial on YouTube direct from Fender that works great for setting it up consistently.
I randomly ran into a weird issue with mine. On random string changes, somehow the new string set would seem to have more tension than the previous set even though they were the same exact strings. It was such a difference that it would cause my floating trem to go from, for example, the usual 5 degree angle when tuned up to a 15-20 degree angle with the new strings tuned up.
No difference in strings. Same sizes from the same mfg. But for some reason, I'd get random sets that would pull my trem up like that, as if they had more tension for some reason. So I'd screw the claw screws in until the trem was back to the normal resting spot. All would be fine until the next string change.
So I'd change them again and this time, it'd be a "normal" set of strings with no "extra tension". So when I got done tuning up, the trem would be decked because I screwed the claw screws in last time. So then I'd have to loosen the claw screws until it was back in standard resting position.
It happens so randomly that I haven't been able to nail down a reason why. I thought I did something wrong the first time it happened. When it happened multiple times after that, I knew it wasn't my fault.
There's a tutorial on YouTube direct from Fender that works great for setting it up consistently.
I randomly ran into a weird issue with mine. On random string changes, somehow the new string set would seem to have more tension than the previous set even though they were the same exact strings. It was such a difference that it would cause my floating trem to go from, for example, the usual 5 degree angle when tuned up to a 15-20 degree angle with the new strings tuned up.
No difference in strings. Same sizes from the same mfg. But for some reason, I'd get random sets that would pull my trem up like that, as if they had more tension for some reason. So I'd screw the claw screws in until the trem was back to the normal resting spot. All would be fine until the next string change.
So I'd change them again and this time, it'd be a "normal" set of strings with no "extra tension". So when I got done tuning up, the trem would be decked because I screwed the claw screws in last time. So then I'd have to loosen the claw screws until it was back in standard resting position.
It happens so randomly that I haven't been able to nail down a reason why. I thought I did something wrong the first time it happened. When it happened multiple times after that, I knew it wasn't my fault.
Fujigen Gakki
Strat-Talker
Bending a half step or a hundred steps depend on how hard you push/ pull the bar not the position of the tremolo. What you want is the trem sitting at zero, which is flat/ parallel to the body.
Yeah, I have to agree, that’s not right.
stormin1155
Strat-O-Master
I have mine set for a half-step pull-up....floating.
Curious if you managed to get a consistent half step pull up across the lower e b g strings?
4pickupguy
Strat-Talker
Three springs. Up a half step there abouts. I use the spacer drop method. No string tree. Graphite in the nut. Works fantastic
Guithartic
Senior Stratmaster
That’s not right. The OP means when you pull up on the bar all the way until the bridge touches the body and can’t go anymore. Some will have the high E go up 1.5, 1, or .5 steps. When the bar is released, the bridge will always be at an angle to the body unless it’s decked against the body. In other words, if the bridge is parallel to the body, it will be decked against the body.
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Guithartic
Senior Stratmaster
I just have the bridge raised a little ( about 1/8 inch or a little more than that). I don’t care if it can go .5, 1, or 1.5 steps up. I just use it to give a little vibrato or dive bomb, so it doesn’t matter.
Guithartic
Senior Stratmaster
Every time I’ve checked, the different strings do have different number of steps that go up.
tubedude
Senior Stratmaster
The amount of pitch change can be adjusted by differential adjustment of the claw screws.
Try this on youtube
Try this on youtube
Carl Verheyen: Whammy Bar Setup Secrets
Likewise, except I do have string trees and don’t need to lubricate the nut (this nut was cut by a master technician who told me it was among the best he’d ever done… “a work of art” he called it). But the spacer drop gives you a consistent setup.
Depends on 2 point or 6 point. Two point bridge I set to float level. 6 point are set at an angle. How much they float out how far I can raise pitch varies on where the optimization
Optimum position for my setup is.
I am not worried much about getting a half or full step on a pull and haven't measured anything in a guitar setup with anything other than my eyes and fingers in all over 10 years.
Optimum position for my setup is.
I am not worried much about getting a half or full step on a pull and haven't measured anything in a guitar setup with anything other than my eyes and fingers in all over 10 years.
Oldiemurphy
Senior Stratmaster
Like this. 3 springs on back.
View attachment 648164
View attachment 648164
Oldiemurphy
Senior Stratmaster
Fujigen Gakki
Strat-Talker
Parallel to the body and decked against the body are two different things. A floating bridge can be parallel but not decked against the body. But if it is decked then it is automatically parallel to the body. I thought you already knew that.
Maranello94
Senior Stratmaster
I need those double stop bends so floating a trem is a no no for me
Guithartic
Senior Stratmaster
I thought about my comment later in the day and started to wonder if you could loosen the pivot pins to raise them up so that the bridge would be elevated off the body but still parallel to it. I’ve never seen one that way. All the ones on any Strat I bought or have seen in stores have the pins down low seemingly as far down as possible, and the floating trem is close to the body at the blade edge and up a little at the back edge, so not parallel to the body.I found this pic online after searching.
Maybe I’ll try your way some day just to see how it works. It’s surprising. In my mind, it seems like if you raise the pins like this, the string tension would still pull up the back of the bridge, making it not parallel. Got any pictures of yours?
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