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Post subject: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 10:30 pm
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Can anybody supply a photo of a proper floating tremolo bridge? I've never floated a vintage style one. Does this look like a proper resting position? I can pull the tremolo bar up so the screws are level with the bridge then it settles to this position after playing it for a minute. Stays in tune just fine, just checking if it the behavior is correct.

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 10:32 pm
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It looks perfectly fine to me.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 10:37 pm
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Cool. Thanks Arjay!

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 10:45 pm
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How many springs are installed?

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 10:55 pm
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3. I find it odd that its not smooth like the two scew pivot trems I've had. It kinda migrates up on its own to a point, slowly after a dive bomb. Maybe I should lube something? Also, the string height stays low after a dive like that. Kinda messes with the action temporarily unless I pull back fully on it. Other than that its fine. Fender Setup Guide says to lube but I'm not sure where to apply it.

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 11:30 pm
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Three springs should be ideal.

How snug are the screws holding the base plate to the body?

Many players prefer tightening the screws at each end while leaving the middle four to "float" a bit. You might see if you get a better return-to-pitch with that configuration.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 11:42 pm
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The scews aren't tight. Might be a little loose if anything. Its hard to tell with the pickguard in the way of the front end of the bridge. I'm gonna change strings tomorrow and take the pickguard off and examine it. With the springs off I should be able to adjust the bridge flat, then back off the four middle screws as you suggest. I'm not even sure this would make sense. Fender recommends pulling back on the arm to seat the bridge flat but I can't see the front of the bridge due to the pickguard. It appears I'm in the ballpark but I'd like to get it as close as I can. I like a floating bridge.

Then there's the whole lubricating bit. I'll update tomorrow. Thanks for your insights.

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 1:11 am
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gldfshkpr wrote:
...the string height stays low after a dive like that. Kinda messes with the action temporarily unless I pull back fully on it...


That is as good as you can get with the six-screw bridge. There is no pivot point on the screws, so the bevel of the plate just slides on the screws. Loosening the four middle screws does nothing as far as return to pitch, you still have no pivot point. Loosening the four middle screws is really a goofy idea. If in fact the screws are tapered shaft, you would now put more force on the two outside screws' shafts and grind away with the bevel of the plate. :roll:

As far as your floating setup, I agree that it looks fine. Fender specs suggest 1/8" clearance between the body and rear of the plate.

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 6:01 am
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There is a detailed floating trem set-up video from Fender Custom Shop. It should still be available on this site...

The six point trem's were designed for a light vibrato action. Dive bombs are always going to upset the balance and a readjustment on the fly is always necessary....
All of those screws should be tightened down to allow movement but not so loose that they are showing threads.... The six screws are set into a shallow plate as the trem pocket removes much of the wood below the the screws. Those screws should not be allowed to have any play...
it is a fine adjustment but the entire setup requires all parts to be set accordingly....
It is dependent on the player's preference but adjustment is standard...

Check out the You-Tube Vid.

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 6:10 am
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gldfshkpr wrote:
The scews aren't tight. Might be a little loose if anything. Its hard to tell with the pickguard in the way of the front end of the bridge. I'm gonna change strings tomorrow and take the pickguard off and examine it. With the springs off I should be able to adjust the bridge flat, then back off the four middle screws as you suggest. I'm not even sure this would make sense. Fender recommends pulling back on the arm to seat the bridge flat but I can't see the front of the bridge due to the pickguard. It appears I'm in the ballpark but I'd like to get it as close as I can. I like a floating bridge.

Then there's the whole lubricating bit. I'll update tomorrow. Thanks for your insights.


Just detune the strings fully so the baseplate comes into contact with the body and moves no further.
Then tighten the screws individually - when the baseplate starts to slacken the screw off a touch. Repeat with the remaining screws.



The video is useful to you from around 3 minutes 20 seconds.


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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 7:44 am
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This is how to check the tremolo alignment.

If you wish to check the bevel, the bridge assembly needs to be removed. To do this you should do the following:

    Remove the strings.
    Remove the tremolo cover from the rear of the guitar.
    Unclip the tremolo springs.
    Unscrew the 6 bridge retaining screws and lift the bridge clear.
    Examine the countersink, the rim should be between 3/64" and 1/16" and consistent for all 6 screws. To adjust the bevel use a No.4 metalworkers' countersink.
    Lubricate using Vaseline or similar.
    Replace the bridge and 6 retaining screws, tightening the screws until they are flush with the top of the bridge plate. The middle 4 screws should be loosened until they measure 1/16" above the bridge plate and the outermost should be loosened 1/4 turn.
    Replace the tremolo springs.
    Restring the guitar and tune to pitch.
    Adjust the tremolo at the claw.
    Replace the tremolo cover on the rear of the guitar.

If you do not wish to check the bevel you should do the following:

    Remove the tremolo cover from the rear of the guitar.
    Check the tuning.
    Using the tremolo arm, pull the bridge back flush to the body.
    Raise the bridge screws until they measure 1/16" above the bridge plate.
    Tighten the two outermost screws until they are flush with the bridge plate and then loosen them1/4 turn. The bridge will now pivot on the two outer screws.
    Tune the guitar to pitch.
    Adjust the tremolo at the claw.
    Replace the tremolo cover on the rear of the guitar.

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 10:40 am
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Big thanks to everybody who contributed to this thread. This is a new guitar for me and we all know what's that's like. Until it is setup properly and fine tuned to our personal tastes it just bugs us a little.

I pulled the Ernie Ball strings or whatever it came with and removed the back cover, springs, and bridge assembly. Gave me a nice view of the set screws that adjust the saddles that way as kind of a bonus. I fine tuned those so that each pair is even with it's partner. Then I cleaned up the mess a bit. Left over production goobers and what-not. Watching that video helped see how easy it was to re-install the bridge. Thanks for that! I couldn't help (here comes the corny part) but think of Leo at his desk, tinkering with the bridge and tremolo system. Really, I did lol. Oiled the upper smooth part of the screw shafts and top of the bridge holes as I went along installing them. Then it was just a matter of replacing the springs and stringing her up, playing, tuning, checking neck bow, intonation, pickup height, string height.

She plays beautifully now! I haven't done any dive bombs yet. But that's really not how I play. The bridge returns just where it's supposed to with light tremolo bends. Perfect. Oh, and I put on Bullets. No spring adjustment has been needed.

Thanks again for all the help here.

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-Kirk

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'12 Sonoran Acoustic - black (dated 10/31/12)
'13 Standard Strat
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Big Muff
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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 3:51 pm
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I figured I should post a photo of a proper float setup on my guitar now that I have one. Notice the six screws holding down the bridge assembly are now even and half touching (pivoting if you will) on the plate at a normal resting point. If you notice my previous photos the scews were too loose. It really helps to take everything off to make sure the plate is level and screws are backed off just enough. For me anyway.

Image

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-Kirk

GUITARS
'12 Sonoran Acoustic - black (dated 10/31/12)
'13 Standard Strat
AMP
Vox ac4c1-bl
PEDALS
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Big Muff
Vox Stomplab 1G
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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 4:14 pm
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if you want more information about it, I suggest you to see the method "Frudua" an Italian luthier, simple and effective!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgfMyJ76p4o&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL51EDE4C9EE773C24

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Post subject: Re: Request: Photo of Floating Tremolo
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 4:22 pm
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I have seen a video of his. Thanks. I understand the concepts. Dude sure covers all the angles (pun intended) doesn't he!

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-Kirk

GUITARS
'12 Sonoran Acoustic - black (dated 10/31/12)
'13 Standard Strat
AMP
Vox ac4c1-bl
PEDALS
Compressor
Big Muff
Vox Stomplab 1G
Carbon Copy Delay


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