Tremolo set up?

I have a 1984 MIJ Squier Strat and I never used the arm but I just got a new Wilkinson with the steel block and push in arm. I would like to set it up for light use. I use .010-.046 strings any advice on setting it up right would be greatly appreciated. Thanx

Presuming your trem is the vintage style with six screws , there is a great way of setting them up which holds the tuning very well .
I personally prefer the trem to be floating with 3 springs .
I have mine about 2.5 - 3 mm floating at the back of the bridge .
Tune up .Turn the trem arm around facing the back of the guitar and pull the trem flat against the body . Raise all 6 screws about 1.5-2mm , then lower the outside screws back down to touch the plate . This allows the trem to pivot and will keep it in tune for most types of use .

Also Carl Verheyen shows how he does his here , although vaguely .
http://www.gitaarnet.nl/magazine/wor...lverheyen.php3

Scroll down to Strat set up 101. You need Real player.

I don't necessarily agree about the advice he quotes about string tension , but who am I to argue :wink:

This is my method for Strats with "Vintage" trems with 6 screws:

1st:pull the springs and strings, back the 6 screws out a good ways...

Then lay the Strat's body on a flat stable padded surface (table top or workbench with a bath towel will do)
Taking one at a time, tighten each of the 6 screws just until it makes contact with the bridge plate. if the rear of the plate starts to lift up off of the body, loosen that screw just until the bridge plate lays back flat on the body...
Do not tighten those 6 screws down, it will hinder/interfere with the vibrato bridge's operation if you do....

After that's done, attach 3 springs to the block/claw and tighten the two mounting screws until there's 3/8" or so between the claw body and the cavity's back wall...
String up/tune up, then adjust the springs' tension until you like how it feels....
i use D-Addario XL110 strings (.010-.046) with 3 springs with fairly high tension, as i personally prefer the plate flush/tight to the body for tuning stability and tonal reasons, but some guys like 'em floating so they can pull notes up a step...

Hope it helps

Jes' m.h.o., y.m.m.v.

Here is my method.

I actually made a tremelo screw height gauge from an old credit card.

I used a hole punch to punch 6 holes in the edge of the card that line up perfect with the bridge screws. Then with the strings loosened and the screws all raised up about 1/4" I slide the gauge under the screws and tighten them all down until they touch the top of the credit card gauge then remove it and tighten the outside 2 screws down as tight as they go.

I use 3 springs 10-46 and set the claw so its 5/8" away from the top of the trem cavity this makes the back of the bridge lay flat.