The Stratocaster is one of the most popular electric guitars in the world, and its iconic tremolo bridge is a big part of its appeal. But how do you adjust a floating bridge Strat?
Here are the steps on how to adjust a floating bridge Strat:
- Tune your guitar. This is important because you’ll need to have a reference point for when you’re adjusting the bridge.
- Loosen the tremolo springs. This will allow the bridge to float freely.
- Adjust the string height. Use the screws on the back of the bridge to adjust the string height. You want the strings to be high enough so that they can be bent easily, but not so high that they’re difficult to play.
- Adjust the intonation. Use the screws on the bridge saddles to adjust the intonation. This will ensure that the notes are in tune all the way up and down the neck.
- Retighten the tremolo springs. Once you’re happy with the string height and intonation, you can retighten the tremolo springs.
Here are some additional tips for adjusting a floating bridge Strat:
- Use a feeler gauge to measure the string height. This will give you a more accurate measurement than just eyeballing it.
- Check the intonation after every time you adjust the string height. This will help you ensure that the notes stay in tune.
- If you’re having trouble getting the bridge to float freely, you may need to adjust the tremolo claw. The tremolo claw is a small piece of metal that is located in the back of the guitar. It helps to keep the bridge in place.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to adjust your floating bridge Strat like a pro!
Here are some common problems that you may encounter when adjusting a floating bridge Strat:
- The bridge won’t float freely. This is usually caused by the tremolo springs being too tight.
- The strings are too high or too low. This can be caused by the string height being adjusted incorrectly.
- The intonation is off. This can be caused by the intonation being adjusted incorrectly.
If you’re having any problems adjusting your floating bridge Strat, you can always take it to a qualified luthier. They will be able to help you get your guitar set up properly.
