SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Jan 27 2015 03:43 PM
Hi guys, my guitar tech did some basic maintenance on my Strat yesterday, and asked me if I wanted a floating trem. I told him yes, and I love it! Do you guys prefer a floating trem for surf music? The only downfall I have noticed is I can't keep the tremolo arm in my hand while I pick individual notes. The notes keep going out of tune. Do you guys have any advice in order to minimize this?
Also, I have been reading on the internet how difficult it is to change the strings on a floating trem. Could someone please recommend me a video or a guide to changing strings? Thanks for your help.
— MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website.
Last edited: Jan 27, 2015 15:46:13
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Surf_Skater
Joined: Sep 06, 2012
Posts: 1300
Lawrenceville , GA
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Posted on Jan 27 2015 03:54 PM
I too prefer to float my trem. As far as playing while holding the arm, practice is the only thing that will help. You can also knock it out a little by being too heavy handed while palm muting.
For string changes find something to make a shim that won't mark the finish while you restring. If you don't want to shim it. It will go back into place once you tune the new strings but will take a little longer to tune.
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Stormtiger
Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2683
Ventura, CA
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Posted on Jan 27 2015 04:39 PM
Not difficult at all. It is exactly the same process, but then tune the guitar and flip it over and adjust the screw that holds the spring claw until the back of the bridge is about 1/8" (Fender's recommendation, can be more or less) above the body when tuned. You may have to repeat the process as adjusting the claw will detune the guitar slightly. You will have to readjust if you change string gauge.
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4536
Wisconsin
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Posted on Jan 27 2015 08:44 PM
SixStringSurfer wrote:
Also, I have been reading on the internet how difficult it is to change the strings on a floating trem.
No difference to changing strings. There's nothing cataclysmic about letting the trem springs in the cavity return to their relaxed position; restringing to pitch (after pulling the new strings in anyway) will put things back where they were essentially.
Trem picking is... one of those things that just flat takes practice. I'm no pro but I find just keeping the bar in the crook of my little finger (I have large hands) helps it just be there, so the rest of the fine-motor skill that is picking gets first priority.
One mechanical thing I do is I bend my trem bar the way I want it. You may want to take a good look at how the bar sits on the guitar and, if it's not to your convenience, bend it till it is. Mine actually is rather "arched" looking as I get done with it, looking at it on the guitar. The end of the arm is down where I want it, but because of the arch it still clears the guitar when taking it out. Also, just my opinion, but a gentler curve in the bend of the bar (vs. acute angles) 'seems' to make it less twitchy in terms of what motion of yours translates to what pitch changes result, so a bit smoother. But that's just me.
If it's too loosy-goosy you can also add springs (unless you're already running 5) or tighten the claw. Fender has this stuff on their support page; they used to just have it listed as a download. If you'd like a copy PM me your email address. There's a simple little guide as well about how much slack to leave in when attaching each new string before you start cranking 'em on.
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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zzero
Joined: Jul 09, 2010
Posts: 1153
Lillian Alabama
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Posted on Jan 28 2015 03:46 AM
If I use a tremolo I want it floating-1/8 inch clearance from the body.
Picking with the trem arm in hand--practice-lots of practice!!
— Enjoying the surf,sun and sand!!
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ParkRowe
Joined: Apr 01, 2013
Posts: 147
Vancouver BC
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Posted on Jan 28 2015 10:06 AM
i always have a floating bridge on my strat. always have. i find it does work best with 4 springs. because with only 3 springs, if i hit a low E too hard it moves the trem and changes the pitch... not when i want it to ;)
as far as tuning goes, i never noticed a difference.
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SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Jan 28 2015 12:31 PM
Thanks so much for the replies, everybody. You guys' experience and knowledge helps a beginner like myself out more than you know. Also, does anybody know how many tremolo springs my 2014 American Special Strat came with? Thanks again.
— MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website.
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Stormtiger
Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2683
Ventura, CA
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Posted on Jan 28 2015 01:28 PM
Probably 3, I think that is standard and those should be fine, mine works perfectly with 3 using .11s.
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ParkRowe
Joined: Apr 01, 2013
Posts: 147
Vancouver BC
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Posted on Jan 29 2015 12:12 PM
should have come with 3 installed and 2 in the case... i think it comes with the extra 2 in the case.
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JeffLeites
Joined: Mar 27, 2006
Posts: 343
North Hollywood, California
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Posted on Jan 29 2015 07:03 PM
If you change the strings one at a time, I think the other five will hold the trem in place good enough.
— My Web Site - Tunes - Pictures - Guitar Projects - Hard Rock Cafe Guitar Pins
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slopoke
Joined: Dec 24, 2013
Posts: 145
Maribor
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Posted on Feb 02 2015 09:13 AM
Picking while holding the trem is how you get that Hank Marvin warble.
— https://striciizozadja.bandcamp.com/
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supertonesurf
Joined: Apr 28, 2006
Posts: 419
n.y.c.
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Posted on Feb 02 2015 10:50 AM
yes the true master of this is Hank Marvin there is even a Video on youtubes where He describes in Detail how he does it and why he does it and what kinda strings he used ETC
— Facebook pages theSupertones
or @ Timothy C Sullivan
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4536
Wisconsin
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Posted on Feb 03 2015 08:41 PM
supertonesurf wrote:
yes the true master of this is Hank Marvin there is even a Video on youtubes where He describes in Detail how he does it and why he does it and what kinda strings he used ETC
Don't know if this is the one but is certainly worth an hour's time.
(Besides that, he's so personable & always happy to talk with anyone about anything he does. Real gentleman.)
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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