Floyd Rose Help

[vic_loher]

I am looking at an Axis that has a Floyd Rose. I have not had experience with a FR. I know that opinions are split on them. Could anyone with experience give me your thoughts on the drawbacks as that is my big concern.

Thank you.
Vic

 

[BrickGlass]

Floyds are excellent at keeping a guitar in tune when using a whammy bar. There are only a few issues to consider. Changing the tuning can be a difficulty and it requires re-setting up the bridge in regards to leveling it out. The change in tension makes the bridge sit at more of an angle forward or backwards, depending on whether you are tuning to a higher or lower pitch. There is a device that you can install called a tremol-no that can solve this issue. Another issue is they tend to take a little longer to change strings on. Also, when doing something like a double stop bend one of the notes will go flat as the bridge tilts forward just a tad on the bend. See tremol-no section for that problem as well. That is about it as far as drawbacks. If you use a whammy bar for vibrato or dives a Floyd is a great locking system.

 

[vic_loher]

Hi BrickGlass,

Thank you for your very detailed response. I have a much better feeling for the FR now.

Vic

 

[MJM]

Setting up a floyd trem with regards to tuning changes is really no different than any other bridge adjustment that you need to make on anything other than a hard tail. The biggest difference in my opinion is string changes.. cutting off the ball and tightening in the string with an allen wrench.. its just an extra step. You should note that the Axis floyds are set up to dive only.. so they are not floating (although can be). If you like the guitar, and it plays and sounds great, don't let the trem sway you.. they rock and you will get used to working with it.. buy that Axis

 

[vic_loher]

Hi MJM,

Thank you for your explanation on changing strings. It gives me a good picture on the process. Just what I needed.

Vic

 

[Flash Gordon]

Floyds are excellent at keeping a guitar in tune when using a whammy bar. There are only a few issues to consider. Changing the tuning can be a difficulty and it requires re-setting up the bridge in regards to leveling it out. The change in tension makes the bridge sit at more of an angle forward or backwards, depending on whether you are tuning to a higher or lower pitch. There is a device that you can install called a tremol-no that can solve this issue. Another issue is they tend to take a little longer to change strings on. Also, when doing something like a double stop bend one of the notes will go flat as the bridge tilts forward just a tad on the bend. See tremol-no section for that problem as well. That is about it as far as drawbacks. If you use a whammy bar for vibrato or dives a Floyd is a great locking system.

I agree with the above for a full floating FR. However, you said Axis... so those FR bridges do not float, and therefore require little in the way of adjustment when going to alternate tunings.

The FR bridge on the axis only dives. It's base plate rests on the top of the guitar. I rarely need to adjust, and when I do... a simple screw driver to the term claw is all I need to increase spring tension. In extreme changes, an extra spring can be added with ease also.

Just my 2 cents!

 

[vic_loher]

Thanks for the clarification Flash.

Vic