How to keep a strat in tune?

[Tony Reid]

I would like some advice on how to keep a strat with a vintage tremolo in tune. I use a Callaham unit. I do a lot of string bending and I also like to use the trem to lower the pitch of a note (like a reverse kind of bend). So far I find I can do one or the other, but not both; otherwise the guitar tends to go out of tune. I know some people recommend doing a quick dip with the tremolo after bending a note, but I find this a little too distracting when I am doing a solo. When tuning I tune up to the note after giving a quick dip with the trem. I have the unit adjusted flat on the guitar body so that it will only lower the note.
However, at this point I have simply given up and have the 5 springs adjusted very tight so it doesn't move and the tremolo arm is in the draw.
Is it possible to set up a vintage tremolo so that you can bend notes and also dip with the trem? Or should I build a strat no. 2 with a Floyd Rose unit?
Any advice would be appreciated.... Boris?...Mellecaster?...

[wolfman63]

I've installed a graphite nut, and not used the string trees on the headstock. Also premium tuners. I also do a lot of string bending, and have kind of a ham fisted heavy touch, and use extra heavy picks. The trem has just three springs, and is adjusted "flat." Seems to stay in tune reasonably well. This setup works well on both my Strats.

[PennyCentury]

Only the cowboys stay in tune - Jimi Hendrix

[atroy]

Originally Posted by wolfman63

I've installed a graphite nut, and not used the string trees on the headstock. Also premium tuners. I also do a lot of string bending, and have kind of a ham fisted heavy touch, and use extra heavy picks. The trem has just three springs, and is adjusted "flat." Seems to stay in tune reasonably well. This setup works well on both my Strats.

This is great advice from Wolfman.

I have three springs and a floating trem. I like to keep the whole thing "loose" so to speak and not bind it up. I also use a little 3-in-1 oil with a little bit of pencil lead (I know they have better stuff for this but it's what I was taught and it seems to work for me) on the nut and bridge and then work the trem out. Deep dives, fluttering, wild shaking, etc. Just to get it all loose and worked out. Then tune back up if neaded and play as you normally would and see how that works. Stays in tune really well for me.

And as Wolfman suggested, nice tuners.

[Groovey Records]

Change your strings the day before the show not the day you play out

[Kornelius]

Maybe you could find some inspiration in this thread
http://www.tdpri.com/forum/bad-dog-c...s-sissies.html
It is called "whammy bar are for sissies" from a Brad Paisley quote!

[Stratotwanger]

http://www.tremking.com/
This is the answer you are looking for. Detune any string and stay in tune and so and so and so on.

[superhand]

+1 for graphite and 3 in 1 oil. Keep your nut and bridge lubed and you should be fine.

And always stretch your strings when they are new of course.

[Dizi]

Use less winds around the posts, rely on a string tree(s) for your break angle over the nut. Winds are great on a Telecaster, but are a headache on a guitar with a trem. Sounds tho like your biggest issue is binding at the nut, causing you to dip your trem to unbind the strings.

Nothing a good setup can't fix, no need for a Floyd.

[superhand]

I hate Floyd Rose bridges. I think they should be banned. Although, I saw something pretty cool yesterday on allparts.com. Seems like a good idea, if it works:

[Tony Reid]

O.K. To summarize:
Cowboy meets sissy ...
Graphite, 3 in 1 oil....
Good tuners (I have Grover vintage kluson style, should be O.K.)
3 springs, loose-ish...
New strings a day or 2 BEFORE a gig...
May need a Tremol-no....

I'll try again and report back next week.

Thanks for all the advice.

[atroy]

Hey man, Floyd Rose trems have their place in our gear universe. You can do unspeakable, relentless things to your guitar and the tuning is still there. I haven't owned a Floyd equipped axe or treated a guitar like that since the 80s or so. But very hard to knock them out out of tune. I used to walk the guitar across the stage by wildly shaking the trem, sort of bouncing it along. I saw SRV do it and had to try it.

[neocaster]

Graphite or not, make sure your nut is properly cut. Also a big fan of graphite for string trees. They're there to preserve the break angle over the nut. The vintage trem is a whole lot less touchy than one floating on a pair of studs. I break out an Ibanez RG570 with a Kahler Floyd Rose copy from time to time and no matter what I do, I have to tweak the fine-tuning on the trem every 20 minutes.

[leonard d rock]

anybody use a locking nut with a vintage whammy if the nut is the problem?

[Octave Doctor]

I have a Floyd on my Washburn MG42, I don't have it quite as solid as my old Yamaha RGZ, but it's pretty close. This mechanism requires some patience, but it CAN be made to work.

Of all 5 of my regular Strats, my Squier STRAT, the cheapest one of the bunch, is the one that stays in tune the best. Go figure.

[Squier Buyer]

big bends nut sauce....use it mostly cause I like the name. 3 springs, no problems.

[Al Watsky]

Lots of 3 & 1 and a well cut nut.
Lube the pivot points on the bridge plate lip , the trem spring claw hooks , the nut and the string trees.
The nut needs to be well cut. I prefer non graphite nuts so the precision is critical.
If you plan on using the trem lots you might consider locking tuners.
I like the traditional trem. Its the right sound. You can make it work. A little logic goes a long way.