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Post subject: How to properly setup the tremolo on a strat?
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 2:31 pm
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I know I could google (and I did), but just wanted to have some "up-and-close" information regarding my guitar.

So... prob some of you saw my other posts regarding a few issues I am/was having with my new Fender American Standard Strat.

With those almost ironed out, it is time to make it play even more gloriously! :)
So, I have changed the tuners to Fender's locking tuners (made in Taiwan... The irony!!!!) and I am now trying to set up the tremolo, so that I can use it without throwing everything out of tone!

So far... Haven't achieved it! :) I have watched several movies (including the amazing Frudua videos), but I was hoping to have someone with my setup, sharing his/her experience with me.

What am I looking for? Sporadic/light use of the tremolo.

So far, I have my tremolo floating at around 5mm (or something like that). I tune every single string and then push the whammy down a couple of times. I retune the same string and repeat this, until the string stays in tune. I do the same for all the strings. In this way, I can manage to maintain tuning within reasonable limits (if whamming quite a bit). The problem I have is, when I start playing scales or solos and going for bends... The bent string completely goes out of tune!

So... what am I doing wrong and how can I improve it?

Thank you all!


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Post subject: Re: How to properly setup the tremolo on a strat?
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 2:33 pm
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Another quick question related to this...
How do you guys cover the hole where the whammy bar attaches to, when this is not in use (I keep putting the sticker that came with the guitar, but I don't think this will last for long)?


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Post subject: Re: How to properly setup the tremolo on a strat?
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 3:24 pm
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Joined: Wed Apr 02, 2014 2:32 pm
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Location: Rossendale, UK
Set the tremolo bridge up without any strings, and without springs connected to the block first.
The base plate should be flat against the body.
Tighten screws until the bridge plate starts to raise, then release the screw until the plate sits flat on the guitar body.
Repeat for all screws.
This ensures that the bridge will return to a tightly defined position when not being used

You also need to lubricate the nut slots - pencil graphite is widely used. Nut Sauce is pretty slippery stuff that doesn't tend to get everywhere.

The rest is down to personal preference :)

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Post subject: Re: How to properly setup the tremolo on a strat?
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 1:09 am
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Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 12:39 pm
Posts: 287
Location: Sackville, New Brunswick
milcs - What gauge of strings are you using?
As I increased from .009s up to a peak of .013s, I both tightened the spring mounting claw screws, and added springs, for a total of 5 at one time, I think. I'm back down to 4 springs and using strings (I think) from .011-.049.
Adding springs is a cheap mod to try, and is easily reversible.
My base plate floats about half a millimeter off the body.
I never have detuning trouble from using the whammy bar, even after a session of Surf.

About the empty hole:
Try looking for one of these plated hole plugs at an electrical or electronics supply store.
Image
I don't know what size, you'd have to measure the hole. The flexible fingers hold it in place, and they pop in with just a bit of pressure. It's easy to pry them off too.

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