Surfocaster
Joined: Jan 16, 2010
Posts: 214
Somerset, England
|
Posted on Dec 24 2011 08:34 AM
My attempt at a festive post.
I recently went up from 10s to 11s on my strat and dutifuly did as i was told in the music shop to add a spring to take the extra tension.That took the compliment up to 4 springs. I liked the extra feel 11s gave and the more solid tone (not a huge improvement but worth it all the same). However, the trem arm was almost immmovable, useless for surfy wobbling so I read some threads and decided to take a spring out. Adjusted the claw which brought the action down and as a result of having 3 springs the trem was useable again. The tone has changed completely now to one which I really like. All of this im sure is predictable to most of you here but im just trying to get a handle on the relationship between spring numbers and string gauges and also if there is a combination that the majority feel is standard in a strat where you intend to use the trem.
Happy Christmas.
|
Ruhar
Joined: Jun 21, 2007
Posts: 3909
San Diego, CA
|
Posted on Dec 24 2011 09:26 AM
I use .011 gauge strings along with four trem springs and haven't had any issues with that setup. When you added a spring, did you adjust the claw to get the amount of float you want from the bridge?
— Ryan
The Secret Samurai Website
The Secret Samurai on Facebook
|
BJB
Joined: Jul 28, 2008
Posts: 413
|
Posted on Dec 24 2011 01:15 PM
I normally use .011's with five springs on my Stratocasters, but as an experiment, I set up one with only two springs. The idea was that if there were fewer springs, there would be less friction and the guitar would go out of tune. I had to tighten the claw way back, but it works fine. The trem is now incredibly sensitive, which some people might not like, but it works for me since I use the guitar for Shadows songs.
I also removed the middle four trem plate screws, again for less friction, which means the trem is held in place only by the outer two screws. I don't know which mod made the most difference, but together, they really change the character of the trem.
— If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
|
Surfocaster
Joined: Jan 16, 2010
Posts: 214
Somerset, England
|
Posted on Dec 26 2011 04:13 AM
Hi Ruhar. When I added the extra spring I didnt adjust the claw. Didnt really know much about that. I have adjusted it now though and am very happy with the "new" tone. Its most notable on the 3 bass strings which to my ears have a lot more resonance about them and also a fair bit of "punch and bite". The bass used to be muddy and ,well, nondescript.I have also adjusted the claw so that it is angled, the treble side is screwed in further than the bass side. Funny, ive had that guitar 13 years and I am finaly getting a good solid tone!!
Cheers
|
Fady
Joined: Mar 07, 2010
Posts: 2277
North Carolina
|
Posted on Dec 26 2011 07:28 AM
Sounds like you're on the right track, Surfocaster. Not uncommon for the claw to be a little angled.
Also, while it won't affect resonance like the heavier strings, which you can you feel & hear acoustically, pickup height adjustments of a few 32'nds of an inch will also make notable differences when plugged in.
Fender's guide here.
Some good SG101 convo's on Strat pickup height here specifically, and a few more on the topic in general in this short list of results.
— Fady
El Mirage & Mondo Guitaro
|
June Birthdays 
