Floating tremolos are the more versatile option. They allow you to use the tremolo arm to bend the pitch of the strings up or down, which can create a variety of expressive effects. Floating tremolos are also more common on high-end guitars, as they allow for more precise control over the pitch.
However, floating tremolos also have some drawbacks. They can be more difficult to set up and maintain, and they can be less stable than non-floating tremolos. If you’re not careful, you can easily knock the bridge out of alignment, which can cause the guitar to go out of tune.
Non-Floating Tremolos
Non-floating tremolos are simpler and more stable than floating tremolos. They’re also easier to set up and maintain. However, they don’t offer the same level of versatility as floating tremolos. You can’t use the tremolo arm to bend the pitch of the strings, so you’re limited to traditional vibrato effects.
Which Type is Right for You?
So, which type of tremolo is right for you? It depends on your playing style and your needs. If you’re a lead player who likes to use the tremolo arm for expressive effects, then a floating tremolo is a good option. However, if you’re a rhythm player who doesn’t use the tremolo arm much, then a non-floating tremolo is a better choice.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of tremolo is right for you is to try out both types and see which one you prefer.
Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of floating tremolos and non-floating tremolos:
| Feature | Floating Tremolos | Non-Floating Tremolos |
|---|---|---|
| Versatility | More versatile | Less versatile |
| Stability | Less stable | More stable |
| Ease of setup | More difficult to set up | Easier to set up |
| Ease of maintenance | More difficult to maintain | Easier to maintain |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between a floating tremolo and a non-floating tremolo:
- Your playing style: If you’re a lead player who likes to use the tremolo arm for expressive effects, then a floating tremolo is a good option. However, if you’re a rhythm player who doesn’t use the tremolo arm much, then a non-floating tremolo is a better choice.
- Your budget: Floating tremolos are typically more expensive than non-floating tremolos.
- The type of music you play: If you play a lot of genres that require extreme vibrato, such as shred metal or jazz fusion, then a floating tremolo is a good option. However, if you play more traditional genres, such as blues or rock, then a non-floating tremolo is a better choice.
I hope this article has helped you to understand the differences between floating tremolos and non-floating tremolos. Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of tremolo is right for you is to try out both types and see which one you prefer.
