What mistakes have you made while restringing and setting up a Floyd Rose guitar?

Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing and Setting Up a Floyd Rose Guitar

Introduction

Restringing and setting up a Floyd Rose guitar can be a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. Many guitarists have encountered challenges and made mistakes during this procedure. In this article, we will discuss common mistakes to avoid when restringing and setting up a Floyd Rose guitar, providing expert tips and insights to help you achieve optimal results.

1. Restringing One String at a Time

When restringing a Floyd Rose guitar, it is crucial to restring one string at a time instead of removing all the strings at once. This approach helps maintain the delicate balance between the tension of the strings and the tension of the tremolo springs. Removing all the strings simultaneously can cause the bridge to collapse into the guitar’s body, making it challenging to reassemble later.

2. Cutting the Ball End of the String

Most Floyd Rose style bridges are not designed to accommodate ball end strings. Therefore, it is necessary to cut off the ball end of the string before locking it into the saddle’s locking mechanism. However, it is essential to exercise caution when cutting the string to ensure that it is not too short to tune properly.

3. Resetting Fine Tuning Screws

Before finalizing the tuning and locking the nut in place, it is advisable to reset all the fine tuning screws to their midway point. This allows for adjustments in case a string needs further tuning after the initial setup. By starting from a neutral position, you can fine-tune each string individually.

4. Using Popsicle Sticks for Support

When removing all the strings from a Floyd Rose guitar, it can be challenging to keep the bridge in place due to the tension of the tremolo springs. To prevent the bridge from collapsing into the guitar’s body, a useful tip is to use popsicle sticks as support. By placing them under the bridge, you can safely remove all the strings without the tremolo spring tension yanking the bridge off its posts.

5. Taping the Bridge

Once all the strings are removed, it is essential to prevent the string blocks from falling out and getting lost. To secure the string blocks during the restringing process, you can place a piece of tape across the top of the bridge. Painter’s or masking tape works well for this purpose, as it is not overly sticky and can be easily removed without damaging the guitar’s finish.

6. Balancing String Tension and Spring Tension

Achieving the right balance between string tension and spring tension is crucial for a Floyd Rose tremolo system to function properly. This can be a time-consuming process, as making slight adjustments to the tuning or spring tension requires compensating adjustments on the other side. However, using a wedge specifically designed for Floyd Rose equipped guitars can simplify this process. By inserting the wedge between the body and the tremolo block, you can position the tremolo plate parallel to the strings, ensuring stability and ease of tuning.

7. Adjusting the Nut

Most Floyd Rose nuts are set too high from the factory, which can affect playability and intonation. To address this issue, it may be necessary to adjust the nut. There are two approaches: removing material from the nut or from the neck. Working on the nut is generally safer and does not require building a jig for a router. Careful measurements are crucial for achieving the desired action at the first fret. Gradual sanding of the nut’s bottom, using a belt sander, can help lower the string action. It’s important to regularly reinstall the nut and check the action to avoid cutting it too low.

Conclusion

Restringing and setting up a Floyd Rose guitar can be a complex process, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth and successful setup. Remember to restring one string at a time, cut the ball end of the strings, reset the fine tuning screws, use popsicle sticks for support, tape the bridge to prevent loss of string blocks, balance string tension and spring tension, and adjust the nut carefully. By following these expert tips, you can achieve optimal performance and stability with your Floyd Rose guitar.

Sources:

• “What mistakes have you made while restringing and setting up a Floyd Rose guitar?” Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange. [Online]. Available: https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/89655/what-mistakes-have-you-made-while-restringing-and-setting-up-a-floyd-rose-guitar. [Accessed: February 13, 2024].
• “Floyd Rose tips and tricks.” Strange Guitarworks. [Online]. Available: https://www.strangeguitarworks.com/floyd-rose-tips-and-tricks/. [Accessed: February 13, 2024].
• “Change Floyd Rose Guitars String.” Instructables. [Online]. Available: https://www.instructables.com/Change-Floyd-rose-Guitars-String/. [Accessed: February 13, 2024].

FAQs

Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing and Setting Up a Floyd Rose Guitar

What are the consequences of restringing all the strings at once on a Floyd Rose guitar?

Restringing all the strings at once on a Floyd Rose guitar can cause the bridge to collapse into the guitar’s body. This makes it challenging to reassemble the bridge later and can disrupt the delicate balance between the tension of the strings and the tension of the tremolo springs.

Why is it necessary to cut the ball end of the strings on a Floyd Rose guitar?

Floyd Rose style bridges are not designed to accommodate ball end strings. Cutting the ball end of the strings is necessary before locking them into the saddle’s locking mechanism. This ensures a secure fit and proper tuning stability.

What is the purpose of resetting the fine tuning screws during the setup process?

Resetting the fine tuning screws to their midway point before finalizing the tuning and locking the nut allows for further adjustments if a string needs additional tuning after the initial setup. Starting from a neutral position enables fine-tuning each string individually.

How can popsicle sticks be used to support the bridge during restringing?

Popsicle sticks can be placed under the bridge of a Floyd Rose guitar to provide support when removing all the strings. This prevents the bridge from collapsing into the guitar’s body due to the tension of the tremolo springs, making it easier to restring the guitar.

Why is taping the bridge important during the restringing process?

Taping the bridge with painter’s or masking tape is essential to secure the string blocks during the restringing process. This prevents the string blocks from falling out and getting lost, ensuring a smooth restringing experience.

How can the balance between string tension and spring tension be achieved on a Floyd Rose guitar?

Balancing string tension and spring tension on a Floyd Rose guitar requires making slight adjustments to the tuning or spring tension and compensating adjustments on the other side. Using a wedge specifically designed for Floyd Rose equipped guitars can simplify this process by positioning the tremolo plate parallel to the strings, ensuring stability and ease of tuning.

What are the options for adjusting the nut on a Floyd Rose guitar?

To address issues with playability and intonation, the nut on a Floyd Rose guitar may need adjustment. Two approaches are commonly used: removing material from the nut or from the neck. Working on the nut is generally safer and does not require advanced tools. Careful measurements and gradual sanding of the nut’s bottom can help achieve the desired action at the first fret.

Are there any additional precautions to keep in mind when restringing and setting up a Floyd Rose guitar?

When working on a Floyd Rose guitar, it is important to take your time, exercise caution, and refer to reliable resources or seek professional assistance if needed. Additionally, it’s advisable to have spare strings and necessary tools readily available to ensure a smooth restringing and setup process.