Changing strings on a guitar with a floating bridge, such as a Floyd Rose or similar tremolo system, requires a slightly different approach compared to guitars with fixed bridges. The floating bridge design allows for pitch changes and dive bombs, but it also adds complexity to the string-changing process. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to help you successfully change strings on a guitar with a floating bridge, ensuring proper tension, stability, and playability.
- Gather the Required Tools and Materials:
- New set of guitar strings
- String winder (optional but helpful)
- Wire cutters or string clippers
- Allen wrench or screwdriver (specific to your bridge system)
- Guitar tuner
- Prepare the Floating Bridge:
- Locate the tension adjustment screws or bolts on the bridge.
- Loosen the tension adjustment screws until the bridge sits parallel to the guitar body.
- Use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to adjust the screws, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Loosen and Remove the Old Strings:
- Begin by loosening the tension on each string.
- If you have a string winder, use it to speed up the process.
- Loosen the strings by turning the tuning pegs counterclockwise.
- Once the strings are sufficiently loosened, remove them from the tuning pegs.
- Use wire cutters or string clippers to cut the strings close to the bridge.
- Clean the Guitar and Bridge Area:
- Take the opportunity to clean the guitar’s body, fretboard, and bridge area with a soft cloth.
- Remove any dirt, dust, or residue that may have accumulated.
- Insert the New Strings:
- Starting with the thickest string (low E), insert it into the corresponding bridge saddle.
- Pull the string all the way through the saddle, leaving a few inches of slack on the opposite end.
- Repeat this process for each string, working from thickest to thinnest.
- Anchor the Strings:
- With the strings inserted through the bridge saddles, pull them taut towards the headstock.
- Make sure each string rests in the corresponding nut slot.
- Stretch the strings gently to remove excess slack.
- Tune the Strings:
- Use a guitar tuner to bring each string up to pitch.
- Gradually tighten the strings, working from thickest to thinnest.
- Check the bridge alignment as you tune the strings, ensuring it remains parallel to the guitar body.
- Fine-tune and Adjust the Bridge:
- As you tune the strings, you may notice changes in the bridge angle.
- Use the tension adjustment screws or bolts on the bridge to adjust the bridge angle and achieve proper balance.
- Make small adjustments, checking the bridge’s parallel position with the guitar body.
- Stretch and Retune:
- After tuning, gently stretch each string by pulling it away from the guitar body.
- Retune the strings as needed, as they may have gone slightly out of tune during stretching.
- Repeat the stretching and tuning process until the strings stabilize.
- Trim Excess String Length:
- Once the strings are properly tuned and stable, trim the excess length of each string close to the tuning pegs.
- Leave enough slack to prevent the strings from slipping out of the pegs.
Conclusion: Changing strings on a guitar with a floating bridge requires careful attention to maintain stability and proper tension. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can successfully change strings on your guitar with a floating bridge. Take your time, ensure the bridge remains parallel to the guitar body, and use a guitar tuner to achieve accurate tuning. Regular string changes will help maintain playability, tone, and overall condition of your instrument, allowing you to enjoy the full capabilities of a floating bridge system.
