best way to adjust luke bridge so it lays flat on body?

[davyk]

Was wondering how you guys would recommend laying the bridge flat to the body on Luke 2.
Now I know that the springs need tightened to bring the bridge back but the prob i have is:
The guitar came with 2 springs in cavity and i tightened these up until I got the desired position (flat to body with forward trem use still available) but guitar would not return to tune (maybe because the springs tightened too much)
i tried extra spring but bridge very hard to tremelo.
Now my question is:
should i loosen the 2 springs and add a third until its at the right position or tighten the 2 original springs as i originally done.
Guitar never moves out of tune when floating but steel guitar bends and drop d tuning is a no no

 

[Spudmurphy]

It's a fine balance. It could be the case that you have to add a third spring and back out the trem claw.
Try that.

 

[ksandvik]

When I did one of my Strats fixed I added all five springs and adjusted the spring tension so the bridge was flat. I think the best is to experiment and see how it sounds and rings out. There's a big debate if Strats-like guitars should always be floating or not for best sustain. I did it mostly to have one unit that was rock solid concerning tuning. Then again Lukes even in floating mode are very stable.

 

[djlynch]

When I try to deck the bridge here is what do. I do not screw the trem claw in so far as it effects tensions. I tweak the trem claw so that when I bend the B string the bridge starts to slightly rise when I bend just over a full step bend. To me this keeps the trem decked without effecting what the tension should be. Then again you could clamp down the claw for a more tense feel.

 

[DrKev]

Any pinging or creaking noises when using the trem? That would suggest friction in the nut slots and the cure is to lubricate. Pencil lead will do fine (though it will leave black marks on a white nut). You can also use vaseline, chapstick, or my current personal favourite is white lithium grease. Use only the tiniest amount, apply with a toothpick or needle, clean up any excess. I also like a little on the top of the saddles (for anything greasy I'll apply with a toothpick or the tip of my finger).

The spring tension won't affect tuning stability when the bridge is against the top of the guitar. As djlynch said, just enough spring tension at the claw so that the bridge doesn't move when you bend a string. Too much tension will make the trem stiffer and will also force bridge into top of the body which could eventually leave marks in the finish at the back of the bridge plate. Two or three springs is entirely up to your personal preference and will make no difference to tuning stability in this case.

 

[davyk]

Ok guys, tried everything over the last few days to deck the bridge. great until the trem is pushed forward (dive only) but then out of tune when bridge is returned to former position.
Usually the g string suffers the tuning prob most and seems to go sharper.(others do too but g string worse)
I have the nut lubed with big bend nut suace and have set the tension springs so that the bridge will lift ever so slightly when b string is bent a full tone (trem not so stiff this way)
I have since returned to float and guitar will stay in tune no problem even after violent trem abuse (believe me ive tried lol)
Would love it working when decked for the doublestop bends etc but alas not to be