Really naive tremolo question...

Still new to Strats, so this question may be a no-brainer for you all.

I've got an 08 American Standard that I'm still getting acquainted with after a long love/hate affair with a Floyd Rose-equipped Ibanez V. What would be the effect of adding another spring to the Strat trem, other than increasing string tension and providing more resistance when using the bar?

I'm asking because I'm curious if adding another spring might regularize tuning a little.

The increased tension of one or two more trem springs should reduce the amount of 'tension swing' the strings undergo, and should make them stay in tune better.

Another step would be some Gotoh 'kluson' vintage tuners with conversions. Much less 'goof' in the tuning post, internal mechanisms, and in the string's relationship to the tuner itself. If find the two (extra springs + klusons) together have erased any tuning concerns I have on a Am Se/ AS style strat.

Good question, one I thought about for a bit.

You usually only add another spring to equalize the spring tension to a larger sized string. So lets say your using 9's and go to 11's the bridge is gonna be way up in the air. You could screw in the claw a little more but it still might not be enough tension thats why you would add another spring.

If it doesnt stay intune now adding a spring wont help much it needs to be setup correctly.

If you ever get tired of battling the tuning, and have decided that your tremolo "whammy bar" days have passed, block the neck and set yourself free. You can bend the strings across the continents, and enjoy an in-tune guitar for as long as she is plugged in. As far as the extra spring(s) goes, you should be able to regulate the tuning a bit better, but your really deep dives will be a bit more of a challenge... Also, take notice of some of the aftermarket trem bars if you are insisting on keeping it and adding springs. There are some newer designs that seat the bar deeper into the bridge system, and will keep you from any unfortunate snapping incidents should you get a little frisky on the bar.

~stealy

Thanks for the responses. Much appreciated.

One more question: I've noticed that when the bridge is floating normally (and the guitar is tuned up), the bridge is slightly elevated (i.e., upwards from the body). Should it be level? If so, do I level it by loosening the strings and tightening the claw screws?

Thanks again!

Floating bridges are a matter of taste, really, but for it to be floating, the bridge does need to be up a little (pitched forward). Once you've figured out how much up-pull you want (the ability to pull on the bar to raise the pitch), then adjust your action using the saddle screws.

Personally, I like to set the trem to go only down, and I like 4 springs with the claw tightened all the way down.

A side effect of an extra spring will be a more reverb-y sound. This may or may not be to your liking (for me it's part of the Strat sound).


Franc Robert
Back Alley Blues Band

Floating bridges are a matter of taste, really, but for it to be floating, the bridge does need to be up a little (pitched forward). Once you've figured out how much up-pull you want (the ability to pull on the bar to raise the pitch), then adjust your action using the saddle screws.

Franc Robert
Back Alley Blues Band

I just added the 3rd spring to my S-500 yesterday. I hear a mechanical buzz coming from the bridge until I adjusted it up to about a 1/4" float. I prefer the tighter control.

Will adjusting the string height affect intonation?

Will adjusting the string height affect intonation?

Yes. But that's the beauty of Strats: They're terribly easy to intonate. :mrgreen:
If it's flat, move the saddle toward the nut. If it's sharp, move the saddle toward the bridge. Voila~!

Yes. But that's the beauty of Strats: They're terribly easy to intonate. :mrgreen:
If it's flat, move the saddle toward the nut. If it's sharp, move the saddle toward the bridge. Voila~!

Ok, I'll take the plunge. Hope I don't mess up.

Lake Oswego rocks!