Hello there.

First post here...

I've just bought a MIM Strat after having been 'Strat-less' for about 7 years and have a question Re: string gauge and trem springs.

On my old, main #1 Strat (a '64) I used three springs. This let the bridge-plate rest almost flush with the deck and there were never any problems regarding returning to pitch.

On my new guitar - which only had 3 springs fitted; is this standard practice now? - when set-up as recommended by Fender, the bridge-plate rear is about 1/2" above the deck!

I've stuck in some spare springs (I've had quite a few Strats and used 3 springs in all of them, so had some lying around) and adjusted the claw so now the set-up is almost working properly...

Is my need for all five springs a result of my latterday preference for heavier strings or has something fundamental been designed differently - such as the profile of the underside of the bridge-plate?

I used to string up with .009's but have since converted to .011's.

Hoping for some advice!

P.

Hi,

With heavier gauges is better to use 4 or 5 springs. If you want to use the whammy bar i recomend 4 springs. I prefer to set the bridge-plate rear at 1/8".

Regards.

Tremolo flush to the body or floating is a personal choice. I have all my strats flush. I have three springs holding it down. I use 10 - 48's on mine. As far as tension, you could use just three springs with your guage, you just have to tighten the tremolo claw in the back. I have to say that you may need another spring, but I would try just tightening the tremolo claw.

_________________
RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Thanks very much for the replies, folks.

I'll tighten the claw a bit more and see how I get on with that set-up. I already have the 5 springs in place and it's a lot better than it was.

I suspect there might be a little bit of 'string-bind' in the nut-slots as well (with the thicker than stock strings) so they'll need either easing-out or lubrication. Can only help?

I almost never use the trem anyhow and, when I do, I don't need much by way of pitch variation; I really do use it just as a gentle vibrato.

Best wishes,

P.

It's not easy to fix the nut for a new string gauge. If you are using 0.11's you should file the slots. Try WD-40 or graphite powder or nut sauce for lubrication but some day you are going to need a luthier to file those nuts ( it's not that expensive ).

Regards

Thanks, Joaquin.

I'll almost certainly adjust the nut. As you say; It'll have to be done eventually so I might as well do it now. I've re-cut nuts for a couple of my Fenders in the past but if I've lost the knack in the interim then there's a great luthier ten minutes away!

In fact he cut and fitted one for a Gibson I have (the original nut had two slots cut too low) as that is a much more difficult job than the Fender-type of 'slot-in' nut. He did such a great job it looks like it was done by the factory.

Regards.

P.

+1 .

Good luck, enjoy that axe !!