A sunken Floyd Rose tremolo system can be a frustrating issue for guitarists, as it affects the guitar’s playability, tuning stability, and overall performance. The term “sunken” refers to when the bridge sits lower than its optimal position, causing the strings to rest too close to the fretboard and making it difficult to achieve proper action and pitch. This problem can occur due to various factors, including changes in string tension, spring tension, or improper adjustments. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to fix a sunken Floyd Rose and restore the tremolo system’s balance and playability.
Important Note: Fixing a sunken Floyd Rose requires careful adjustments, and it’s crucial to follow the steps correctly. If you are unsure about the process, it is highly recommended to seek assistance from a professional guitar technician.
Tools Required:
- Screwdriver
- Allen wrenches (sizes may vary depending on your Floyd Rose model)
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Sunken Floyd Rose:
Step 1: Detune the Guitar Before beginning the fix, detune your guitar to release tension from the strings and the Floyd Rose springs. This step is essential to avoid any damage or injuries during the process.
Step 2: Access the Tremolo Cavity Remove the backplate on the back of your guitar to access the tremolo cavity. This will allow you to make adjustments to the tremolo springs and the tremolo claw.
Step 3: Adjust the Tremolo Claw Screws
- Locate the tremolo claw inside the tremolo cavity. It is connected to the tremolo springs.
- Use the appropriate-sized Allen wrench to adjust the tremolo claw screws. Turning the screws clockwise will increase the tension of the springs, raising the bridge. Turning them counterclockwise will decrease the tension, allowing the bridge to rise.
Step 4: Check Bridge Position After adjusting the tremolo claw screws, check the bridge’s position. The goal is to have the bridge level with the guitar body. If the bridge is still sunken or tilted, you may need to make additional adjustments to the tremolo claw screws.
Step 5: Restring the Guitar Once the bridge is in the desired position, restring the guitar, starting with the low E string. Tune the guitar to the desired pitch, using the fine tuners on the Floyd Rose bridge to make any necessary adjustments.
Step 6: Fine-Tuning with the Fine Tuners After completing the main adjustments, use the fine tuners on the bridge to fine-tune the pitch of each string without affecting the overall bridge height.
Step 7: Check Intonation Finally, check the intonation of your guitar. Use an electronic tuner to ensure that each string plays in tune across the entire fretboard. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve accurate intonation.
Conclusion: Fixing a sunken Floyd Rose can greatly improve your guitar’s playability, tuning stability, and overall performance. By carefully adjusting the tremolo claw screws and restringing the guitar, you can restore the tremolo system’s balance and ensure that the bridge is in the correct position relative to the guitar body. If you are uncertain about the process or encounter any difficulties during the fix, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional guitar technician. With the bridge properly adjusted and the Floyd Rose setup optimized, your guitar will be ready to deliver mesmerizing pitch bends, dive bombs, and other captivating tremolo effects with ease.
