Floyd Rose tips and hints

[pointyheadstock]

Hi there, I figured since alot of us bros play guitars with floyd rose style bridges that it would be cool to see some hints and tips about them

setups, tuning, care, adjustment, repair, maybe even some "rigging" secrets
even guitar licks using the tremolo.

it could be fun to learn

rock on

LONG LIVE THE 2 point trem!

[metalchurch]

My only real secret is lubrication.

About twice a year during cleaning, or during build up of a new mutt, or when I get a new guitar, I take a Q-tip with some 3-in-1 oil and dab some into the hinge of the saddles, and a little bit on the edge of the locking nut slots to help a little with friction.
I also put some onto any threaded part of the trem to help against rust that comes from the acid of your palm sweat.

Another thing that I do is, put a dab of grease on the knife edges of the trem to help with friction, return to pitch, and premature wear.

Another thing that I stress is cleanliness. During string changes, take a minute and wipe the floyd down with a Q-tip or something similar. Routine cleaning helps fight off rust, and gunk build up.
Remember: a clean Floyd, is a happy Floyd.

Hope this was of some help.

Don't tell anyone though:nono :D

[pointyheadstock]

My only real secret is lubrication.

About twice a year during cleaning, or during build up of a new mutt, or when I get a new guitar, I take a Q-tip with some 3-in-1 oil and dab some into the hinge of the saddles, and a little bit on the edge of the locking nut slots to help a little with friction.
I also put some onto any threaded part of the trem to help against rust that comes from the acid of your palm sweat.

Another thing that I do is, put a dab of grease on the knife edges of the trem to help with friction, return to pitch, and premature wear.

Another thing that I stress is cleanliness. During string changes, take a minute and wipe the floyd down with a Q-tip or something similar. Routine cleaning helps fight off rust, and gunk build up.
Remember: a clean Floyd, is a happy Floyd.

Hope this was of some help.

Don't tell anyone though:nono :D

Im a big 3+1 oil guy too, never heard of greasing the pivot edges.. is that lithium grease used for that? Ive used graphite, seems to work well. :thumbsup

[metalchurch]

You can use anything really, as long as it's somewhat thick in consistency. You don't need alot of it, just enough for the knife edges and the posts.
I started doing that a long time ago when I found out that some of the liscensed floyds dont have a hardened trem base, so as a precautionary measure I used grease to help with the friction and wear.
It really helps the return to pitch after dives as well.

[smorgdonkey]

Silicone spray for the entire unit and chapstick for 'greasing' the knife edges.

[NightRider]

on alot of mine.... i grind down the intonation screws even with bottom of the plate to prevent them digging into the body

[metalchurch]

Oh that reminds me of something else. Every once in a while, i'll take the string blocks out of the saddles and take my dremel to them to clean up and burrs or gouges caused from tightening them against the strings.

[moku]

1) youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1c-7-VMY_w)

2) read about it with pictures (http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/floydrosetremolo.htm). this site is pretty good on other issues, such as intoning your guitar, adjusting truss rod, etc.

3) cleaning your floyd (http://audiozone.dk/index-filer/floyd-tremolo-tips.htm#top).

4) where i buy floyd parts (http://www.guitarnucleus.com/gnstore/tremolo.html). i buy from this place too (http://www.guitarpartsdepot.com/cart.cgi?group=10279&movetopage=0). others may have a better site?

5) for floyd rose screaming harmonic tricks, it can be done from the g string at 12th, 7th, and 3rd frets. one basically whips the g string at any of these frets without touching the fretboard with one's index finger while the floyd bar down, then just pull up the bar. hard to explain thry words... maybe others can chime in.

[kb7010]

a problem that I have is.. when I bend the G string up and hold the B and E strings.. ( basic blues lick )

the Floyd fights back and I can't seem to get it perfect.. anybody have a tip for that one..????

using the key of A as a example...
I use this "lick " all the time to move up the neck.. ie: bend at 5th fret then at 7th .. etc. etc. until I am at A again in upper notes.. 17th fret as a guess..????
or think of the song... Somebody Save ME... from the band Cinderella.. the intro and ending part/lead..!!!

[moku]

i found some on youtube... these will help you get the idea. you just have to practice. if casey sees this thread, maybe he can demo for us on youtube and explain it better... but until then:
1) dimbag squeel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbQBtbiV-Ss&feature=related).....
2) another way is to quickly use the index finger to do a pull off and quickly place the ring finger to place over, say, the 5th, 7th, or 12th frets (but you can do it over any fret). watch this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65XJ6V__pvE&feature=related).
:headbang

[unchained1984]

Biggest single tip I could give anyone for tone,feel and stability would be to make sure the floyd is bottomed out on the body. If you have any screw in posts that are egging get them out and replace with bushings.

[moku]

a problem that I have is.. when I bend the G string up and hold the B and E strings.. ( basic blues lick )

the Floyd fights back and I can't seem to get it perfect.. anybody have a tip for that one..????


what do you mean the floyd "fights back"?

jus found this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpiSy4EAXxE does it help?

[NightRider]

a problem that I have is.. when I bend the G string up and hold the B and E strings.. ( basic blues lick )

the Floyd fights back and I can't seem to get it perfect.. anybody have a tip for that one..????

using the key of A as a example...
I use this "lick " all the time to move up the neck.. ie: bend at 5th fret then at 7th .. etc. etc. until I am at A again in upper notes.. 17th fret as a guess..????
or think of the song... Somebody Save ME... from the band Cinderella.. the intro and ending part/lead..!!!

hey rex... if your floyd is flush to the body... you could always put more tension on the springs or add another spring

[sticktrix1]

haha i seen it :)
i'm out for some tips on flutter myself, Reb style:)


but i guess the easiest string to do these sorta of 'squeels' on is the G string.
But there can be much more melodic harmonics used on say the A string, as reb does in the start of his Tokyo solo in 1991 i think??? something around then.


If you want a screaming high harmonic thats easy to get most of the time, try the 14th fret bar G string.

This acheives i think from memory either an Octave D or A??

I think its D thou, so if you have the ability to pull up 1 tone, whallaa, u have an octave E. which is like the equivelent of 36th fret or sometin?

but otherwise the ole artificial harmonics on the 2nd fret G string seem to do the trick, (van halen style).

But just muck around heaps with it, its something thats easier to explain when u have a guitar in ur hands


i found some on youtube... these will help you get the idea. you just have to practice. if casey sees this thread, maybe he can demo for us on youtube and explain it better... but until then:
1) dimbag squeel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbQBtbiV-Ss&feature=related).....

[moku]

casey, why don't you video tape something if u have the time and post it here. not only the squeel thing but other tricks that can be done with a floyd?

[floydkramer]

lots of good advice and tips here. good questions too.
heres my 2 cents.
Use it, dont be scared thats what its for, grab that bar and use it!

[metalchurch]

There are alot of great ideas here.
I'm surprised that this subject wasn't a sticky.
Maybe we can make this one a sticky? It will help out alot of new floyd users for sure.

[StevanL]

How agout making sure that the radius on your Floyd actually matches the radius of your neck (at the heel end)

OFR radius is 10' and your neck is likely to be 12' or higher at the heel depending on what neck you have. This is going to translate into uneven string heights so if you want the lowest action possible, I suggest you get chopping up a coke can :lol :lol

Good thread here (http://www.rackcreations.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=130) detailing what shims you need to add under your saddles.

I know that both the guitars I have with Floyds suffer from incorrect bridge radius syndrome and am about to order some of these and fix it up:

http://www.axcessories.com/prodimages/axfrsdlshma.gif

[jonasaberg]

Don't know if anyone else has noticed this but you can grab that wiggly stick thingy that usually just hangs there and pull on it.
You can also push down on it. Doing it fast is neat...but not too fast or you might hurt yourself.

[floydkramer]

Don't know if anyone else has noticed this but you can grab that wiggly stick thingy that usually just hangs there and pull on it.
You can also push down on it. Doing it fast is neat...but not too fast or you might hurt yourself.

you can also give it a few quick smacks and get that Brad Gillis, Vinny Vincent type extreme vibrations.

[kb7010]

what do you mean the floyd "fights back"?

jus found this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpiSy4EAXxE does it help?

that is it.. as seen in 1:10 to 1:15 of that clip.. but i also put in the high E string as that was the way I was taught.. also how EVH does it..

I know what the problem is.. it is the floyd fighting me back.. plain and simple.. I just didn't know if anybody had a trick for it.. maybe a extra spring.. or maybe the way EVH has his set up..??? ie: one spring on one end.. and two on the other end.. right now I am one on each end and one in the middle..

as far as making noise with a Floyd.. just play around with it.. it is that simple.. honest..

here is one.. turn volume knob ALL the way off on guitar.. hit harmonics at 4th fret on D.. 5 th on G ...
7 th fret on B .. 12th fret on high E.. pull up on bar and turn volume on your axe at same time.. it should sound like a Elephant.. lol
just a cheap trick for you all..!!! ;)

EDIT: here is close to the way I do it ^^^^^^ Elephant sound trick.. via you tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8frDR-JGBE

I have tons of sounds/licks you name it.. just from playing around with it.. ( FLoyd that is .. black gold.. ) :lol

[metalchurch]

I have either a Floyd or a Kahler on all of my guitars and I dont even use a bar. Instead I just grab underneath the edge if I do a dive.
I got this playing style because my King V's are right handed and I could never use a bar.

I've never used a bar in my left handed guitars either.

I also wanted to mention string changes.
When I change strings I do them one at a time.
I start by unlocking the Low E and A locking nut.

Then I back the finetuner out 3/4's of the way, cause after you lock it down, the strings usually go flat and this allows more adjustment without the fine tuner sticking up too high.

Change the Low E, stretch it out and tune it to pitch, then move to the A and so forth.

Once all of the strings are changed and stretched I add the blocks and lock them down and proceed to fine tune and play.

This method has worked well for me, and by doing them one at a time, it helps keep the proper spring tension on the trem.
Other's may have their own method though.

[floydkramer]

Rex, i know what you mean about the floyd fighting back. especailly when doing bends and trying to keep the 2 strings in tune with each other. the string being bent pitches higher but the string not being bent goes flat due to the floyd moving from the bend. add another string like you mentioned the high E and it gets even more difficult to remain in correct tune. ive always just used a little vibrato on my bent string to make up for it, but if you wanted just non vibrating straight notes i think a floating bridge wont let you.

Metalchurch-- i just cut all my strings one at a time take them right off, pull the floyd, and then its so nice and easy to clean the whole guitar up, floyd and all.
i guess everyone has a differnt method.

[moku]

i used to change string one at a time, too, but have been taking all of them off all at once lately. this gives me a chance to clean the floyd the stuff. i just put a 9v battery (taped up so it's kinda padded) under the floyd when i'm ready to put strings back on.

[metalchurch]

I change my strings every 6 weeks, so my bridge doesn't get as dirty. But yeah I've heard of that method before. I choose to keep as much string tension on my neck at all times, cause it requires less adjustment.

[moku]

yeah, every 6 weeks is about right. i know some ppl change string every month.

when i had fewer guitars i would change strings more often. now that i have a herd and even though i try to play them on a rotatation basis (kramers only) i still don't play any of them enough to justify changing them every two months. havn't changed strings on my jacksons/charvels for over a year now... :whistle but then again, the last time i touched them was over a year ago. i'm a bad example.

but seriously, since this is a thread about using floyds, i just wanted to put this in for the record (even though you'all know this already): not changing strings can effect the guitar and the strings becomes hard to stay in tune and do all kinds of strange things when you play--not good for any guitar. :nono so it's good to change strings often if you play one guitar often.

[metalchurch]

I have 8 guitars now that are playable. My black Jackson King V and my Charvel Jake E. Lee mutt get the most play from me, so they get changed more often than the rest.

The way that i'm able to keep track is basically by guessing, or as soon as some corrosion or rust developes then it's time. It doesnt matter to me if they still sound good, as soon as I can feel or see the corrosion they're gone.

Also +1 on the strings bro! That's the only part between you and your guitar and it makes the most difference.


Keep the ideas comin guys!

[moku]

this is suppose to help intone floyd. has anyone used this (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Bridges/The_Key.html) before?
update: here's a thread that discuss the use of the floyd intonation tool: http://www.kramerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29699

[moku]

i have bookmarked these threads but thought it's probably easier for future reference to have them all in one place:

1) Floyd Trems - Vintage vs New vs Lic copy (http://www.kramerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25252)
2) Floyd Rose Nut Widths (http://www.kramerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17103)
3) FR II discussion (http://www.kramerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28419)
4) OFR Saddle lineup (http://www.kramerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27326)
5) Floyd radius discussion (http://www.kramerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29796)

:toast

[NightRider]

this is suppose to help intone floyd. has anyone used this (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Bridges/The_Key.html) before?

i love them... especially the older ones with a metal knob:thumbsup

[moku]

here ya go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjU4n1Dn_sg)!!
thanks, casey :thumbsup

[jonasaberg]

Awesome!
Good tip on raking before hitting the pinch harmonic. That sounds cool. Tried getting the second fret G-string pinch harmonic yesterday but it was pretty difficult. Got it a few times though.

[moku]

a discussion on another thread (http://www.kramerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=301273#post301273). putting it here so it's all in one place.

[moku]

a recent thread (http://www.kramerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29392).

[junior]

I'm with Rick, the older ones with the metal knob are built better. If you mess with Floyds much one of these is a must. Unless you like to chain smoke while you adjust saddles back and forth. :D


i love them... especially the older ones with a metal knob:thumbsup

[moku]

our own amerturk discussing how to clean a floyd: http://www.kramerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37926

[mikethaninefive]

The SINGLE most important thing I learned about a Floyd- (and maybe it's common sense but I see it done alot) the nut locks. Make sure they are parallel with the strings or they don't lock properly causing the string to slip and your tuning to go all cattywompus. It's actually the only thing I've learned so far, lol :D Well that and make sure your strapnuts are properly intonated for optimum resonance. It's actually a good way to score a deal, look on craigslist ect, for a guitar that you can tell the author is frustrated ie: just needs a good setup, ect. look at the nut, if it's wrong go tune it, play it, hit that bar watch his face express fear that you discovered it's "broken" talk him down by saying "I shouldn't buy this, ect. ect. ect. and laugh all the way home. I just did this with a MIM strat with a Floyd and the locks were on backwards (peaks in) I'm not proud but I'll only do this to the self exclaimed "virtuoso" Don't do it to a young gun, you could ruin them for life. I'd show 'em the right way after I bought it, haha :thumbsup

[moku]

i found this video helpful about string intonation on a guitar w/ floyd rose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-eVYlXNIa4

a while back a member was saying that the saddles on his floyd line up straight, which i had doubts about it being intoned. the member assured me that the guitar was intoned. it seems that according to this video (the section on matching scale length w/ saddles), it probably isn't. just thought i share this video.

[moku]

here's a new find: replacement floyd rose block mounting screws:
http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr109/mokushozen/screws.jpg

bought them from this ebay seller: hols.86 or this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-duty-Floyd-Rose-block-mounting-screws-3-ACID-RESISTANT-Stainless-/110932570421?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item19d418b135
just bought another set for big brass blocks, which takes shorter screws: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-duty-Floyd-Rose-block-mounting-screws-3-shorter-version-/110938636131?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item19d4753f63
he also has other floyd related stuff, like locknut screws, which is very helpful.

[kremark]

I know what the problem is.. it is the floyd fighting me back.. plain and simple.. I just didn't know if anybody had a trick for it.. maybe a extra spring.. or maybe the way EVH has his set up..??? ie: one spring on one end.. and two on the other end.. right now I am one on each end and one in the middle..

:lol

Rex, I know of what you speak. The problem is with double stops and bends where your trying to harmonize with a normally fretted or an open string, the additional tension of the bend overcomes the tension of the springs on the floating tremolo. At this moment, the normally fretted and open strings go flat / drop in pitch. To demonstrate just watch the floyd base change angle when you bend the hell out of a string or two.
I believe Eddie used to block the trem at the sustain block against the routed cavity. (you can glue a shim) to the body and the spring side of the sustain block to dive only. This WILL NOT solve the problem. But I believe this device will, regardless of string guage:
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i0IiD1b_It4?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[sixstring]

Block the trem to dive only & add an extra spring. :thumbsup

[kremark]

That works too....just no up whammy.

[cullenszoo]

I am all too familiar with the fighting issue. I use .08 gauge strings and usually run with 2 springs. If i start to do a bend the bar just waves at me as the bridge gives with the added tension. The trick I use is to scoop my pinky or ring finger under the bar, which is always parallel with the strings, and provide resistance or pull up slightly. This works best if your playing using long phrasing. if its just a short expression the drop in tuning from the unbent string usually isn't noticed.

As for other floyd stuff. I love floyd style double locking tremolos! But, until about 3 or 4 years ago I knew nothing about them. I've tried restringing by blocking the whole bridge. didn't care for it. I tried one string at a time, but i like to clean the neck, head, body, and bridge. Since I play .08s I rarely buy a guitar with them on it so I have to start all over each time. I've flipped a lot of guitars off craigslist and many with floyds so I'll give a quick rundown of what I do.
After cleaning I loosen the tension on the neck a half turn. Then I'll loosen the trem springs by 2 turns. both to compensate for lighter strings which = less tension.
I install all the strings and tune. I start with the low e, then d, back to e, compensating for the trem movement.
After tuning a string I start back with the low E until all the strings are in tune. then make sure the trem is parallel to the body. Adjust springs by half a turn and then retune.
If the strings are sharp I will start tuning from the high E repeating the process E, B, E, B, G, E, B, G, A, E, B, G, A, D ETC!
once the bridge is parallel I will check the intonation. adjusting each string until it is dialed in exactly.
Retune and check neck bow. I kinda prefer really low action so I keep a very slight bow. Ad tension to the truss if needed. Then check clearance up the neck. Adjust hight as needed (making sure the string doesn't fret out when you bend it.) then retune, lock the nut and fine tune.

I know it seems to be a long process but once the nut is locked down I rarely have to adjust anything until the strings come off again.
A good brand of string will limit the amount of stretching that happens so less retuning is needed as you play.
hope this helps!

[cullenszoo]

I know my last one was long winded but here is a simple one.

If your pickups are adjusted too closely to your strings the magnets will pull on the strings causing a chronic issue with tuning.

I don't believe the idea that the closer the pup is to the strings the "hotter" the sound. the pick ups create a field around the strings and translate the vibration of the string into the signal that goes to the amp...like you guys didn't know that.
Anyway, cranking your pups down from the strings should fix that tuning issue.

[fett]

a recent thread (http://www.kramerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29392). You guys remember all those POS Squier Stagemasters I own. I can't say they all do, but most of them have brass block Pings. Don't forget Takeuchi trems.:headbang

[strugs]

I used to DREAD changing strings until I came across this tutorial:

http://youtu.be/wwNVjNohOt4

It involves a radical but simple idea that I had never considered before. Try it and you will change your strings more often.

[cullenszoo]

I used to DREAD changing strings until I came across this tutorial:

http://youtu.be/wwNVjNohOt4

It involves a radical but simple idea that I had never considered before. Try it and you will change your strings more often.

That's one method I've been meaning to try. I kinda like the idea of leaving the ball end on at the tuner. cool technique.

[moku]

good, but he didn't stretch the strings! those strings will go out of tune after each play like that.

[cullenszoo]

good, but he didn't stretch the strings! those strings will go out of tune after each play like that.

Very true, you noticed he didn't mention the brand of strings. I personally have had good experiences with Ernie Ball Super Slinkys in my .08s. I can stretch them by hand and they settle in pretty quick, plus they are cheap at GC now days. DiAdderio (Sp) makes some good ones. they tend to take a bit longer to stretch out and settle in. Don't know about many other brands. not many more in my gauge.

[moku]

i thought he said he used d'addarios xl120, .9-.42...

[strugs]

I kinda like the idea of leaving the ball end on at the tuner. cool technique.

Yes - on my last floyd guitar (Peavey HP Special), I scratched my headstock with the end of the high E string when I threaded it through the tuner peg hole - GRRRRR. This technique ensures that won't happen.