Menu
I own two six-strings: a Squier Jagmaster and a
Cyclone II. On the Jagmaster I have the trem locked
down and I use the trem (pretty tight with four
springs; strat style trem) on my Cyclone. The
Jagmaster stays in tune really well, but the Cyclone
tends to come out rather quickly, especially when I
work the trem. I tried redistributing the springs but
that didn't really make much of a difference. There
also doesn't seem to be any real pattern to it when it
goes out. Sometimes the high strings go way out while
the low strings stay put, sometimes the opposite, and
sometimes the high strings go sharp (this last one
baffles me). I asked my tech and he said to chalk it
up to it being Mexican; upgrade the hardware, get a
new guitar, or learn to live with it. Do any of you
Strat players have a similar problem?
Richard
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
Do you have the springs adjusted so that the bridge is floating or tight against
the body. I have found that floating it gives you equal tension between the
strings and springs, and stays in tune better. Also, are you having string
binding problems at the nut or under the string trees?
Ferenc wrote:
> I own two six-strings: a Squier Jagmaster and a
> Cyclone II. On the Jagmaster I have the trem locked
> down and I use the trem (pretty tight with four
> springs; strat style trem) on my Cyclone. The
> Jagmaster stays in tune really well, but the Cyclone
> tends to come out rather quickly, especially when I
> work the trem. I tried redistributing the springs but
> that didn't really make much of a difference. There
> also doesn't seem to be any real pattern to it when it
> goes out. Sometimes the high strings go way out while
> the low strings stay put, sometimes the opposite, and
> sometimes the high strings go sharp (this last one
> baffles me). I asked my tech and he said to chalk it
> up to it being Mexican; upgrade the hardware, get a
> new guitar, or learn to live with it. Do any of you
> Strat players have a similar problem?
>
> Richard
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> .
> Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>
>
--- Ferenc Dobronyi <> wrote:
> Do you have the springs adjusted so that the bridge
> is floating or tight against
> the body.
I have it floating. I had thought about tightening it
against the body to see if that fixed it.
I have found that floating it gives you
> equal tension between the
> strings and springs, and stays in tune better. Also,
> are you having string
> binding problems at the nut or under the string
> trees?
By "binding" do you mean hearing the string kind of
pop as it moves through the nut? I can hear the
strings squeaking a bit when I work the trem.
Richard
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
wrote:
>>equal tension between the
>>strings and springs, and stays in tune better. Also,
>>are you having string
>>binding problems at the nut or under the string
>>trees?
>
>
> By "binding" do you mean hearing the string kind of
> pop as it moves through the nut? I can hear the
> strings squeaking a bit when I work the trem.
This might be the problem, or at least part of it. Try taking a sharp pencil and
rubbing some of the graphite in the nut and on the underside of the string
trees. This will help the strings flow a little easier under the trees and over
the nut (to grandmothers house we go).
fd
Richard,
The nut is critical to getting the trem working properly: Lube it up with a
little graphite (others may suggest something better), and, more critically,
take it to someone who really does know how to cut a nut. Before you have
this done, you will have to pretty much decide on what string gauge you'll
use going forward: A well-cut nut will usually allow some adjacent gauge
changes, but don't count on it.
Good luck,
-Brad
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, December 01, 2003 8:28 PM
To:
Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] Staying in tune with cheaper hardware
--- Ferenc Dobronyi <> wrote:
> Do you have the springs adjusted so that the bridge
> is floating or tight against
> the body.
I have it floating. I had thought about tightening it
against the body to see if that fixed it.
I have found that floating it gives you
> equal tension between the
> strings and springs, and stays in tune better. Also,
> are you having string
> binding problems at the nut or under the string
> trees?
By "binding" do you mean hearing the string kind of
pop as it moves through the nut? I can hear the
strings squeaking a bit when I work the trem.
Richard
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
<
web/S=1705032047:HM/EXP=1070418503/A=1853619/R=0/*http:/www.netflix.com/Defa
ult?mqso=60178356&partid=4116732> click here
<
l/S=:HM/A=1853619/rand=845229400>
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo!
<> Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I tried redistributing the springs but
> that didn't really make much of a difference. (down as I type)
Maybe one will fit the Cyclone.
--
Malcolm <<-- not a signature
"They should know they're the Grateful Dead now." -- Phil
"It's never too late to be up-to-date" -- Dan Hicks
"My clock loses time like there's no tomorrow" -- Malcolm
--- In , Richard <errant_jedi@y...> wrote:
>
> I own two six-strings: a Squier Jagmaster and a
> Cyclone II.
> Do any of you
> Strat players have a similar problem?
>
> Richard
>
Richard
I have a squiar strat and had that problem too.
I went with a ball bearing nut. had it installed and now
can trem all I want and it stays tuned.
Mike
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
>
My strat hardly ever goes out of tune, and I use the trem a lot.
Most tuning problems originate at the nut when they aren't cut
properly ( too deeply )and they snag the strings. You should go to a
pro and have them cut you a new nut and make sure the srtings only
sit half way down into the slots. I take vaseline and mix it with
powdered pencil lead and put that into the nut grooves. I also use
all five springs and keep the bridge flush with the body, this gives
the trem a 'positive' stoping point - the strat bridge was designed
to be set up this way. "Floating" set ups weren't really done until
the sixties and cause a lot of tuning instability; thats why Bigsbys
go out of tune so easy, because there isn't any zero point for the
trem to stop. Also, when the bridge touches the body, the string
vibrations ring out through the body more, giving you a better tone.
Strats have almost a natural reverb unit because of the springs,
which is in part responsible for thier 'singing' tone. Hope this
helps, viktor -
-- In , "domezone2003" <mpowell@m...>
wrote:
> --- In , Richard <errant_jedi@y...>
wrote:
> >
> > I own two six-strings: a Squier Jagmaster and a
> > Cyclone II.
> > Do any of you
> > Strat players have a similar problem?
> >
> > Richard
> >
> Richard
> I have a squiar strat and had that problem too.
> I went with a ball bearing nut. had it installed and now
> can trem all I want and it stays tuned.
> Mike
> > __________________________________
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
> >
I can't disagree with most of Viktor's statements- except: with a floating trem
you can raise the pitch, and get the Shadows style vibrato. A well set up
floating bridge will stay in tune just as well as a locked one. There is a "Zero
Point"- it is the point when then tension of the springs is equal to the tension
of the strings. True, you will lose the bridge to body vibration.
ferenc wrote:
> My strat hardly ever goes out of tune, and I use the trem a lot.
> Most tuning problems originate at the nut when they aren't cut
> properly ( too deeply )and they snag the strings. You should go to a
> pro and have them cut you a new nut and make sure the srtings only
> sit half way down into the slots. I take vaseline and mix it with
> powdered pencil lead and put that into the nut grooves. I also use
> all five springs and keep the bridge flush with the body, this gives
> the trem a 'positive' stoping point - the strat bridge was designed
> to be set up this way. "Floating" set ups weren't really done until
> the sixties and cause a lot of tuning instability; thats why Bigsbys
> go out of tune so easy, because there isn't any zero point for the
> trem to stop. Also, when the bridge touches the body, the string
> vibrations ring out through the body more, giving you a better tone.
> Strats have almost a natural reverb unit because of the springs,
> which is in part responsible for thier 'singing' tone. Hope this
> helps, viktor -
I've never been able to get the floating set up on a strat to work
for me for the following reasons; When you do a unison bend, one
string will invariably sound out of tune because the bend pulls the
bridge up. If you rest your hand on the bridge while playing string
mutes you can accidently make the guitar go sharp. And lastly, if you
break a string during a song, the rest of the guitar will go out of
tune because the tension will change. While it is very cool to be
able to raise the pitch with the trem, I don't do this as often as I
bend strings and I palm mute, and break strings often because I have
a very heavy handed aproach. In the end however, you really have to
please yourself. Although they are somewhat maligned on this board,
a well set up strat is a thing of beauty. By the way, I wonder how
many of the first wave surf bands used strats as opossed to
jazzmasters or jaguars? I think strats were a lot more common than
people would have you believe. Off the top of my head, I can think
of Dick Dale(of course), the Pyramids, the Chantays(although not on
Pipeline!), the Atlantics, the Bel-aires. Any thoughts on this?
Don't get me wrong, I like Jazzmasters ( I bought a japanese one in
Japan for $300 [40,000yen], and yes they are much better than the
export models; alder body, better pickups, and a better finish on the
neck ), a strat is just more versatile. Viktor -
-- In , Ferenc Dobronyi <ferencnd@n...>
wrote:
> I can't disagree with most of Viktor's statements- except: with a
floating trem
> you can raise the pitch, and get the Shadows style vibrato. A well
set up
> floating bridge will stay in tune just as well as a locked one.
There is a "Zero
> Point"- it is the point when then tension of the springs is equal
to the tension
> of the strings. True, you will lose the bridge to body vibration.
>
> ferenc
>
>
>
> vd423@y... wrote:
> > My strat hardly ever goes out of tune, and I use the trem a
lot.
> > Most tuning problems originate at the nut when they aren't cut
> > properly ( too deeply )and they snag the strings. You should go
to a
> > pro and have them cut you a new nut and make sure the srtings
only
> > sit half way down into the slots. I take vaseline and mix it
with
> > powdered pencil lead and put that into the nut grooves. I also
use
> > all five springs and keep the bridge flush with the body, this
gives
> > the trem a 'positive' stoping point - the strat bridge was
designed
> > to be set up this way. "Floating" set ups weren't really done
until
> > the sixties and cause a lot of tuning instability; thats why
Bigsbys
> > go out of tune so easy, because there isn't any zero point for
the
> > trem to stop. Also, when the bridge touches the body, the string
> > vibrations ring out through the body more, giving you a better
tone.
> > Strats have almost a natural reverb unit because of the springs,
> > which is in part responsible for thier 'singing' tone. Hope this
> > helps,
viktor -
I had considered zeroing the bridge against the body
and just using the trem one way, but I like the
floating vibrato. I do not really have a problem with
breaking strings and such because I actually don't
play very heavy-handedly, and I have a pretty light
touch on the bridge when I'm muting (so no noticeable
going sharp), though I know exactly what Victor is
talking about with breaking a string and having the
whole thing go wack. I loaned the guitar to a friend
of mine who broke a string and wasted half the show
trying to get back in tune. But, with the 11's on it
I think it'll be fine.
I think that the problem was pinpointed when the idea
of the lubing or recutting the nut was brought up,
because I can hear the binding when I trem and when I
tune.
Richard
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
Here's the hot ticket: www.guitaristsonly.com This stuff works.
-d
Richard <> wrote:
I had considered zeroing the bridge against the body
and just using the trem one way, but I like the
floating vibrato. I do not really have a problem with
breaking strings and such because I actually don't
play very heavy-handedly, and I have a pretty light
touch on the bridge when I'm muting (so no noticeable
going sharp), though I know exactly what Victor is
talking about with breaking a string and having the
whole thing go wack. I loaned the guitar to a friend
of mine who broke a string and wasted half the show
trying to get back in tune. But, with the 11's on it
I think it'll be fine.
I think that the problem was pinpointed when the idea
of the lubing or recutting the nut was brought up,
because I can hear the binding when I trem and when I
tune.
Richard
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dave was real close. It's
www.guitaristonly.com (only one 's')
And thanks for the link!
Steven
On Dec 6, 2003, at 5:53 AM, dave wronski wrote:
> Here's the hot ticket: www.guitaristsonly.com This stuff works.
> -d
>
> Richard <> wrote:
>
> I had considered zeroing the bridge against the body
> and just using the trem one way, but I like the
> floating vibrato. I do not really have a problem with
> breaking strings and such because I actually don't
> play very heavy-handedly, and I have a pretty light
> touch on the bridge when I'm muting (so no noticeable
> going sharp), though I know exactly what Victor is
> talking about with breaking a string and having the
> whole thing go wack. I loaned the guitar to a friend
> of mine who broke a string and wasted half the show
> trying to get back in tune. But, with the 11's on it
> I think it'll be fine.
>
> I think that the problem was pinpointed when the idea
> of the lubing or recutting the nut was brought up,
> because I can hear the binding when I trem and when I
> tune.
>
> Richard
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> .
> Visit for archived
> messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Do you Yahoo!?
> New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> ---------------------~-->
> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark
> Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US &
> Canada.
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> ~->
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> .
> Visit for archived
> messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>
>
...I should have followed the thread. :)
-Dano
-=The Nebulas=-
-Pn Jarvis <>
>Reply-To:
>To:
>Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] Re: Staying in tune with cheaper hardware
>Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2003 09:44:58 -0600
>
>Dave was real close. It's
>
>www.guitaristonly.com (only one 's')
>
>And thanks for the link!
>
>Steven
>
>On Dec 6, 2003, at 5:53 AM, dave wronski wrote:
>
> > Here's the hot ticket: www.guitaristsonly.com This stuff works.
> > -d
> >
> > Richard <> wrote:
> >
> > I had considered zeroing the bridge against the body
> > and just using the trem one way, but I like the
> > floating vibrato. I do not really have a problem with
> > breaking strings and such because I actually don't
> > play very heavy-handedly, and I have a pretty light
> > touch on the bridge when I'm muting (so no noticeable
> > going sharp), though I know exactly what Victor is
> > talking about with breaking a string and having the
> > whole thing go wack. I loaned the guitar to a friend
> > of mine who broke a string and wasted half the show
> > trying to get back in tune. But, with the 11's on it
> > I think it'll be fine.
> >
> > I think that the problem was pinpointed when the idea
> > of the lubing or recutting the nut was brought up,
> > because I can hear the binding when I trem and when I
> > tune.
> >
> > Richard
> >
> > __________________________________
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > .
> > Visit for archived
> > messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> > ---------------------~-->
> > Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark
> > Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US &
> > Canada.
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> > ~->
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > .
> > Visit for archived
> > messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>.
>Visit for archived messages,
>bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>
>
_________________________________________________________________
Take advantage of our best MSN Dial-up offer of the year six months
@$9.95/month. Sign up now!
