Is there a set number of tension springs that you have to use on the tremolo bridge based on the string gauge that you use on a Strat?

My 2008 American Standard came with 3 springs, and I can get it to float with up to 12's on it by adjusting the claw screws. If I want it flush, I just add 2 more springs to hold it flush.

I have been reading about using 3 springs for 9's, 4 springs for 10's, and 5 springs for 11's and up. I have 11's on it right now and using the 3 original springs that came with the guitar. I can get it to float at 1/8th inch and still have plenty of adjustment on the claw screws.

Is there some sort of standard thing that I should be following?

Or am I fine with using 3 springs with 11's?

I don't know of any rule of thumb.

It really depends on player preference I think.

I had some tuning problems (was new to Strats) so I added a spring ( 4 springs- strings are 9's)
and it seemed a little too stiff and hard to press the arm to get a nice smooth vibrato for surf music.

I went back to 3, and cranked the claw in so the back of my plate is just a tad above the body and it works great !

If your the type that doesn't use the trem, 4 should hold it down but with those heavy strings you may need 5, or just block it.

I don't see where there is a problem with cranking the claw in as far as you have to even with your 3 springs, if that spring tension, is GREATER than the string pull, and your tuning stays on even with heavy bends, you're all set I would say. It's a mechanical thing.

I used to have just 3 springs using 13's. Worked great for me. It's a balancing act getting it set up properly.
The more springs you use the stiffer the trem works. It also returns to normal a little bit quicker.

I don't use my trem much. I prefer 5 springs, trem floating and either 9's or 10's on my Strats.

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Chet Feathers

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

No, there is no rule of thumb as this is yet another classic example of, "One size does NOT fit all." You truly have to devote some time to this and freely experiment where surely, you shall come upon and know when it is just right for YOU. Oh, and once it works just right for you, simply ignore any disparaging comments to the contrary. Remember, it is YOUR guitar and being such, YOU are the only one who has to be totally comfortable with it.

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You dig?

Martian is right as usual,it's purely a matter of personal choice,I use 8-38s but I use all 5 springs as I just prefer the feel of that much resistance.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

When I do setups for other people, I usually go with 3 for 9's & smaller and 4 for 10's and up. That generally gets you the ballpark balance to float the trem without a lot of farting around with claw adjustments. This works especially well on Floyds but also seems to cover all the fulcrum trems.

RE: Floating vs. Flush setups - While a flush mounted baseplate will give you more tuning stability, it does seem to damp some of the ring of the strings d/t less concentrated contact point with the body wood. I don't notice a huge increase in sustain so much as a brighter ring on open chords. This same difference is evident when comparing the AD strat (Cast saddles) to the AS strat (bent steel); the bent saddles seem to be the thing that makes the AS strat sound better barefoot (all other parts being the same). Again, it's a matter of taste and preference.

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60th Anniversary AD Strat, Deluxe Nashville Tele, Player's P Bass. Mesa/Boogie Mk IV combo, Marshall JCM800, 1960A cab, Genz Benz El Diablo 60, Genz 2x12" cab, too many neat little practice amps and kit projects!