The Floyd Rose tremolo system is renowned for its versatility and ability to create extreme pitch bending, dive bombs, and expressive vibrato effects. However, some guitarists may find that they prefer the simplicity and control of dive-only use, eliminating the upward pitch manipulation. By converting a Floyd Rose into a dive-only setup, guitarists can focus solely on delivering thunderous dive bomb effects while still enjoying the stability and tuning features of the tremolo system. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a Floyd Rose dive-only and discuss its impact on your guitar’s performance.
Important Note: Converting a Floyd Rose into a dive-only setup is a permanent modification that restricts upward pitch bending. Before proceeding, ensure that you fully understand the process and its implications. 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 Making a Floyd Rose Dive-Only:
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 prevent any damage during the conversion process.
Step 2: Block the Tremolo System To convert the Floyd Rose into a dive-only setup, we will create a physical stop to prevent the bridge from moving upwards. Here’s how to do it:
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 forward (toward the neck), effectively immobilizing the upward motion of the bridge.
Method 2: Full Block Method:
- Similar to the wedge method, access the tremolo cavity by removing the backplate.
- Place a wood block, foam, or custom-designed metal plate (known as a “full block”) between the tremolo block and the cavity floor.
- Adjust the height of the block to achieve the desired bridge height and ensure that the bridge is level with the guitar body.
Step 3: Re-tune and Check After converting the Floyd Rose into a dive-only setup, re-tune your guitar and check the intonation. You may need to make some adjustments to achieve optimal playability and performance.
Impact on Guitar Performance:
1. Enhanced Tuning Stability: Restricting the upward motion of the Floyd Rose bridge enhances tuning stability, as it prevents the bridge from moving during aggressive playing.
2. Simplified Setup and Maintenance: With the tremolo converted to dive-only use, restringing and adjusting the action and intonation become easier and more straightforward.
3. Dive Bomb Dominance: The conversion allows you to focus solely on delivering powerful and controlled dive bomb effects, ideal for guitarists who emphasize this technique in their playing style.
Conclusion:
Converting a Floyd Rose into a dive-only setup is a suitable modification for guitarists who prefer the simplicity and control of dive bomb effects while still retaining the stability and tuning features of the tremolo system. As with any permanent guitar modification, it’s essential to be certain about your decision before proceeding. If the dive-only setup aligns with your playing style and preferences, you can enjoy the benefits of a focused and powerful dive bomb performance while still owning a guitar equipped with the versatile Floyd Rose tremolo system. Remember to consult a professional guitar technician if you have any doubts or need guidance during the conversion process.
