Improved tuning stability with a floating bridge?

GordonRules24 · 08-18-2010, 12:29 AM

Lately, I've been playing around with the tremolo on my Deluxe Strat and working it more into my playing. So just for something different, I spent last Saturday afternoon setting the bridge up to float. Right now, the entire thing is raised 1/8th of an inch above the guitar's body. As I've been playing, I've noticed something really strange; the guitar stays solidly in tune with the floating bridge! With it decked to the body, I had a problem with the D and G strings returning sharp after I used the trem now matter how much I lubed the nut and the string trees. For what it's worth, my guitar is back to 100% stock (except for a third spring), so the saddles and trem block are the originals. Has anyone else noticed this with a floating bridge? And even better, does anyone have any theories as to why this is happening?

By the way, while setting up the guitar, I found out the hard way that the outer two saddles have shorter height adjustment screws than the inner four. It's a pretty slick way to keep them from poking into your palms if you bridge mute.

Papa Joe · 08-18-2010, 12:59 AM

I prefer a floating trem so most of my Strats are setup that way..I usualy use 4 or 5 springs and have zero tuning problems..Don't realy understand why it works but it does..

frank79 · 08-18-2010, 03:20 AM

i also have a floating trem .but use a tremsetter as well ,makes the tunning very stable.

YeahDoIt · 08-18-2010, 06:18 AM

I wouldn't say tuning stability is improved by floating the bridge but I am satisfied with how my Affinity stays in tune.

pictoratus · 08-18-2010, 08:34 AM

I have a floating trem on my SE and it stays in tune.

AllroyPA · 08-18-2010, 09:27 AM

The other key is less winds on the peg, no extra play up there helps tuning stability, try to get it to once over one-two under. The stability comes from the inherent balance of the componants. Also the bridge should ride on the outermost scews as a true pivot with 6 screw bridges, so back out the middle 4 a touch.

GordonRules24 · 08-19-2010, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllroyPA

Also the bridge should ride on the outermost scews as a true pivot with 6 screw bridges, so back out the middle 4 a touch.

My Strat has the 2-point trem, so I don't have to worry about the inner screws. The cool thing about this design is that the front of the bridge can be raised as well as the back. My base plate is perfectly flat, but it's floating above the surface of the body. The only contact points are where the front of the base plate rests against the two posts. There's a lot less friction because there aren't any hard metal pieces rocking against the softer wooden body. The other advantage is that you get same range of downward motion you do with the trem decked, but you also get the upward motion of a floating bridge.

I wonder if the tuning stability is caused by the equal tension of the strings in the front and the springs in the back determining a more accurate point to return to pitch than the guitar's body holding the bridge in place and determining where the strings stop moving. Interesting...

Papa Joe · 08-19-2010, 12:14 AM

I put a tremsetter in one of my Strats at the same time my buddy put one in his...He didn't setup a floating trem and it all worked good for him.I went floating and had a hell of a time getting it set right.Once I did it was fine but no better than without the tremsetter.That's it.

AllroyPA · 08-19-2010, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordonRules24

I wonder if the tuning stability is caused by the equal tension of the strings in the front and the springs in the back determining a more accurate point to return to pitch than the guitar's body holding the bridge in place and determining where the strings stop moving. Interesting...

Yes that's true, I've seen it discussed before.

woolbrig · 08-19-2010, 08:35 AM

Anyone have any tips for setting up a floating bridge? I have a Deluxe I'm trying to setup this way, but I can't seem to get it to stay in tune when I use the tremolo bar. It always seems to be about 1/2 step off.

pictoratus · 08-19-2010, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woolbrig

Anyone have any tips for setting up a floating bridge? I have a Deluxe I'm trying to setup this way, but I can't seem to get it to stay in tune when I use the tremolo bar. It always seems to be about 1/2 step off.

With tuning problems like you describe, I'd look at something causing the strings to bind at the nut or saddles. Make sure there are no burs or rough areas and maybe use a bit of lubricant. The graphite from a pencil is often suggested.

You would also want to make sure the trem moves freely and doesn't bind or 'hang'.

AllroyPA · 08-19-2010, 09:36 AM

Here's the discussion:
"Hi BWD, Here's what I do and it's worked for nearly forty years; I tune up, pick the E6th string open and fret the E1 at the 15th fret and bend the note up to the 16th-17th fret(G sharp-A) and notice if the E6 goes flat. If it goes flat the springs need to be tightened. Retune and try again until the E6 stays on pitch when you bend the E1 at the 15-16th fret. Also The spring on the side closest to the E6 has more tension on it so it should be tighter than the E1 side springs by a little angle. This will get you as close as humanly possible. Remember the 1/8' measurement that Fender states is a maximum distance of the bridge from the body. Let me know if this helps you. Take care,
Tim"

Sparkfire · 08-19-2010, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordonRules24

My Strat has the 2-point trem, so I don't have to worry about the inner screws. The cool thing about this design is that the front of the bridge can be raised as well as the back. My base plate is perfectly flat, but it's floating above the surface of the body. The only contact points are where the front of the base plate rests against the two posts. There's a lot less friction because there aren't any hard metal pieces rocking against the softer wooden body. The other advantage is that you get same range of downward motion you do with the trem decked, but you also get the upward motion of a floating bridge.

I wonder if the tuning stability is caused by the equal tension of the strings in the front and the springs in the back determining a more accurate point to return to pitch than the guitar's body holding the bridge in place and determining where the strings stop moving. Interesting...

It talks about this on Fenders official sight under Setup.