What are the advantages and disadvantages to a floating bridge on a Strat? Do most of you like a floating bridge or a set bridge? I just got my first Strat about a month ago and I'm getting it set up but I'm debating if I should float the bridge or have it set. I know it's all personal preference but I was looking for some tips and advice.

Thanks

If your going to use the trem at all you need a bit of float. The back pressure does wonders to bring the guitar back to correct pitch and stop snagging at the nut. That said it needs the tension across the springs balanced to a quite accurate degree.
No doubt many will disagree but of the synchronised trem guitars i've owned over the years i've never had one set flat that works properly.
Ofcourse a well maintained nut, saddles and correct string winding methods are required too.

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No no and no

An important consideration ... in my opinion ... is which trem you have. An MIA two-point will have more tuning stability. So, if you want to use the trem and you have 2-point, then float. Otherwise, no float. Just my opinion...

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

I orignally had a slight float, but when i brought it in to a new tech in the area. He recommended i set it flat (i dont use much trem) to get more stability in my tuning. He did set it up beautifully but im sure the same can be said about a well done floating setup. Boils down to preference as usual.

Cheers,
Jack

Mr Eibach your a flat setter whos opinion i value I know from your musings its something you've looked into. Would you care to expound on your theory of 2point being better than 6 for floating?

Myself i find no difference other than ease of use, but as i've said before i spend an inordinate amount of time setting up my trems.

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No no and no

My opinion is based primarily on my experience with a vintage trem ... which is a staunch "no float" vote, for sure. That is ... in my experience ... the 2-point seems much better about coming back to the exact original float setting (after using the trem) compared to a vintage trem, thus providing more tuning stability. Maybe this is only a simple "the grass is greener" effect, but it does not seem so.

Again ... this is just one opinion ...

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

I have mostly used Vintage Style trems and have had them set both floating and down on the deck. My personal preference right now is 5 springs and floating. I do my own setups and have no tuning issues with my trems!

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

I agree 01GT the two point does seem to return back better then the Vintage. Proper setups help with either though. On a Strat float when thats the type of bridge it has but I do like hardtails.

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