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Post subject: Tremolo springs
Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 3:58 pm
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What is the best number of tremolo springs to use with 10's? Also how springs affect tuning stability? Is more springs better or less etc? Also does tuning lower helps tuning stability, like eflat etc.?


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Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:04 pm
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Lower tunings wouldn't help stability. As for the springs, standard is three
to four springs. Jimi and Stevie used five springs.
I use five springs but block the tremolo for better tuning stability and
sustain. It's best to try out yourself how many springs you like.

Peter


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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:48 am
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i use 3 springs. and I use 9's for strings. it balances the bridge out nicely on my guitar. i have 3 springs so that I can just tap the tremolo and it'll give a nice vibrato. I don't like to have to push on the arm much.


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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:04 am
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I use 3 springs with 10s. but you should choose the number of springs based on how you want the trem to respond, not how stable you want the tuning to be.

Because tuning stability is not a result of more springs: it's a result of having the nut cut properly for your string gauge so that strings don't hang up in the slot.

Think about it: If there is nothing to prevent the string from returning to pitch, then it will return to pitch. What is the most likely thing to be interfering with the strings natural desire to return to pitch? The nut.

I have a wraptail PRS that wouldn't stay in tune if you bent the strings. I had a new nut made for it and it's perfect. Proof that you could lock down the trem on a Strat and still have tuning problems if the nut isn't right.

It's not the springs, Mars.


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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:23 am
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A proper setup will provide tuning stability. A properly cut nut, burrless saddles, intonation, neck relief, and action are all part of the big picture.
As far as springs go, well......

How many springs you use depends on how you want the trem to respond. If you want a stiffer trem that returns to pitch faster then you need to use 5 springs. If you want the trem lighter and not so fast to return then 3 springs is probably for you.

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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:56 am
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For modern Stratocasters (two point bridge) strung with 10s, I use 3 strandard springs combined with a Hipshot Tremsetter. The Tremsetter is great device that stablizes the bridge by returning it to the same zero point after each use. It improves your tone and sustain in addition to the tuning stability.
Vintage Strats; 4 strings angling in from the bridge to the center four hooks of the string claw and set to dive only.
As others have stated - a proper set up is important, especially with a Strat. Also, the use of locking tuners, LSR roller nuts or Graphic Tech type nuts can be a huge help to getting the most out of the trem bridge system.


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Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 4:16 pm
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I float the bridge on my '06 Highway One. With 5 springs, the pitch is stable - not tuning, pitch. I can't stand the pitch being off. It's like nails on a chalk board. Since the springs broke in, my Strat's always stayed in tune and been set up correctly with no pitch problems and no fretting out, but initially with 3 springs in the back the trem was too sensitive and easily jacked the pitch. I couldn't stand to have the pitch wandering around. With 5 springs it's rock solid and still gives me plenty of vibrato when I need to cheat. Thanks to CA Feathers about the 5 spring tip.


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Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 8:39 am
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strat58cat wrote:
I float the bridge on my '06 Highway One. With 5 springs, the pitch is stable - not tuning, pitch. I can't stand the pitch being off. It's like nails on a chalk board. Since the springs broke in, my Strat's always stayed in tune and been set up correctly with no pitch problems and no fretting out, but initially with 3 springs in the back the trem was too sensitive and easily jacked the pitch. I couldn't stand to have the pitch wandering around. With 5 springs it's rock solid and still gives me plenty of vibrato when I need to cheat. Thanks to CA Feathers about the 5 spring tip.


Excellent observation by CA and you. I do the same thing with 5 springs and float the bridge about 1/16" off the body.


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