Question Axis spring question - setup issue

[mikeller]

What is the difference between installing the Floyd bridge springs straight versus fanned out?

I have 3 in a straight line, and think I have the bridge set up pretty good, problem is if my hand rests on it or touches it, the strings detune. If I tighten the claw, then the bridge thumps against the body when I choke strings.

I am wondering if the fanned out arrangement of springs adds tension? Thanks

 

[Jack FFR1846]

It depends on how you set it up.

If you leave the screws holding the claw in place and fan out the springs (no other adjustments), you have more tension in the springs.....at least on the fanned springs. The center spring won't change.

If you rest your hand on the floyd (don't feel bad, EVH does this......so do I), then the advantage of the surface mount floyd is that you can crank the springs down enough that it won't make any difference. You may have the bridge whacking the body if you do a hard dive and just let go. I suppose you could go to 5 springs and have them just barely engage when the bridge is in the rest position. It'll obviously be much harder to trem down.

jack

 

[TNT]

In addition to what was said:

1. Fanning out is a good idea; it gives "wider" support and transmission of tension and prssure.

2. Make sure the trem plate is "level", so that the strings are resting in the saddle cradle fully; then tighten the springs enough so that the trem comes to rest snuggly on the body. So, even if you rest your hand on it (the bridge, NOT the trem arm) then it won't detune.

3. I like to hear/feel a very "slight" clunk when my trem comes to rest on the body.

NOTE: Make sure the rear of trem plate is resting on the body "evenly", not lifted up on one side or another, or this will also be a problem with it detuning.

 

[mikeller]

That is about how mine is set now - just wasn't sure if the clunk was bad for the finish?

 

[mikeller]

In addition to what was said:

1. Fanning out is a good idea; it gives "wider" support and transmission of tension and prssure.

2. Make sure the trem plate is "level", so that the strings are resting in the saddle cradle fully; then tighten the springs enough so that the trem comes to rest snuggly on the body. So, even if you rest your hand on it (the bridge, NOT the trem arm) then it won't detune.

3. I like to hear/feel a very "slight" clunk when my trem comes to rest on the body.

NOTE: Make sure the rear of trem plate is resting on the body "evenly", not lifted up on one side or another, or this will also be a problem with it detuning.

Mine does sit higher on the treble side - how do you bring that down?

 

[TNT]

Mike,

Did you mean that the rear of the trem plate (where it rests on the body) is slightly lifted up off the body on the high E side?

This is the very last phase of guitar set up - " the rear trem plate/body adjustment."

You can approach this many different ways (I've done them all). However, so you don't get involved with "sanding" and maybe screwing up - use rear trem plate shims.

I use custom made shims (I make all my own brass shims, i.e., 1. neck pocket shims 2. saddle shims 3. rear trem plate shims.)

Once your entire set- up is perfect, intonated, string action done, and the trem plate is level, then go to the body of the guitar (where the plate rests on the body) and wherever it's lifted up put a shim (could be thin metal, plastic card, etc..) and just fit it there perfectly.

Then the trem plate should come down and rest equally (at the same time) on the body. This will keep it in perfect tune!

Added Note: String "action" height should ONLY be done with saddle shims, NOT raising or lowering the pivot screws.

 

[mikeller]

Thanks TNT -

Question - how do you put a shim on just one side? What would keep in from fall out?

Another comment - when I put the guitar in it's case, the case press down on the trem arm and slightly dutunes the guitar. Is that common, or is my arm setting too high?

 

[TNT]

Mike,

I didn't want to get too technical, but now that you understand the solution.

I actually take apart the trem plate and slide shims in between the plate and the string lock screw "tension" plate .

However, you can just try it without doing this by fastening "something" to either the bottom of the trem plate or on the body itself. Many ways to do this.

Remember, Van Halen did this same principle screwing a quarter onto the body, and then the trem plate came to rest on the quarter. This leveled out the rear of the trem plate and there was no gap.