The Floyd Rose tremolo system is a popular choice among guitarists who crave the ability to perform extreme pitch bending, dive bombs, and expressive vibrato effects. However, some players may prefer a more straightforward setup that allows for dive-only use, eliminating the upward pitch manipulation. By blocking the Floyd Rose tremolo system, guitarists can enhance tuning stability, simplify setup and maintenance, and focus solely on delivering thunderous dive bomb effects. In this article, we will explore the process of blocking a Floyd Rose for dive-only use and discuss its impact on your guitar’s performance.
Important Note: Blocking a Floyd Rose for dive-only use is a permanent modification that restricts upward pitch bending. Make sure you understand the implications and are willing to commit to this setup before proceeding. If you have any doubts, consult a professional guitar technician.
Tools Required:
- Tremolo arm (whammy bar)
- Small block of wood, foam, or stack of picks
Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking a Floyd Rose for Dive-Only Use:
Step 1: Detune the Guitar Begin by detuning your guitar to release tension from the strings and the Floyd Rose springs. This step is crucial to avoid any damage during the blocking process.
Step 2: Block the Tremolo System To block the Floyd Rose tremolo for dive-only use, we will create a physical stop to prevent the bridge from moving upwards. There are a few methods to achieve this:
Method 1: Wedge Method:
- Access the tremolo cavity on the back of your guitar by removing the backplate.
- Insert a small block of wood, foam, or a stack of picks between the tremolo block (the metal block inside the cavity) and the inside wall of the cavity.
- The wedge should be placed in such a way that it prevents the tremolo block from moving backward, effectively immobilizing the upward motion of the bridge.
Method 2: Decking Method:
- Access the tremolo cavity by removing the backplate.
- Add extra tremolo springs to increase the spring tension. This will balance the string tension and cause the bridge to rest flat against the guitar body.
- Adjust the spring tension by tightening or loosening the tremolo claw screws until the bridge becomes flush with the body. The goal is to make the bridge sit parallel to the guitar’s top surface.
Step 3: Re-tune and Check After blocking the Floyd Rose for dive-only use, re-tune your guitar and check the intonation. You may need to make some adjustments to ensure optimal playability and performance.
Impact on Guitar Performance:
1. Enhanced Tuning Stability: Blocking the Floyd Rose for dive-only use enhances tuning stability by preventing the bridge from moving upwards during aggressive playing.
2. Simplified Setup and Maintenance: With the Floyd Rose blocked, restringing and adjusting the action and intonation become easier and more straightforward.
3. Dive Bomb Dominance: By restricting upward pitch bending, the focus shifts solely to delivering powerful and controlled dive bomb effects, ideal for guitarists who emphasize this technique in their playing style.
Conclusion:
Blocking a Floyd Rose for dive-only use can be a valuable modification for guitarists who want to enhance tuning stability and simplify their setup while focusing on delivering thunderous dive bomb effects. However, it’s essential to understand that this is a permanent modification that limits the upward pitch manipulation characteristic of the Floyd Rose system. If you’re considering this modification, be sure it aligns with your playing style and preferences. As with any permanent guitar modification, consulting a professional guitar technician is recommended to ensure the best possible results and to preserve the integrity of your instrument.