The Floyd Rose tremolo system is well-known for its ability to produce extreme pitch bending, dive bombs, and expressive vibrato effects. However, some guitarists may prefer the simplicity and tuning stability of a fixed bridge. Converting a Floyd Rose into a fixed bridge setup involves locking the tremolo system and effectively transforming it into a non-floating bridge. This modification allows guitarists to enjoy the benefits of a fixed bridge while preserving the guitar’s original body and neck. In this article, we will guide you through the process of converting a Floyd Rose into a fixed bridge and discuss its impact on your guitar’s performance.
Important Note: Converting a Floyd Rose into a fixed bridge is a permanent modification that eliminates the tremolo’s functionality. 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 a Fixed Bridge:
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 fixed bridge, we will create a physical stop to prevent the bridge from moving. 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 in any direction, effectively locking 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 fixed bridge, 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: Converting the Floyd Rose into a fixed bridge enhances tuning stability by locking the bridge and preventing any movement during aggressive playing.
2. Simplified Setup and Maintenance: With the tremolo converted into a fixed bridge setup, restringing and adjusting the action and intonation become easier and more straightforward.
3. Loss of Tremolo Functionality: The conversion eliminates the ability to perform pitch bending, dive bombs, and vibrato effects characteristic of the Floyd Rose system. The guitar will play like a traditional fixed-bridge instrument.
Conclusion:
Converting a Floyd Rose into a fixed bridge setup is a suitable modification for guitarists who prefer the simplicity and tuning stability of a non-floating bridge. This process permanently locks the tremolo’s functionality, so it’s essential to be certain about your decision before proceeding. As with any permanent guitar modification, consulting a professional guitar technician is recommended to ensure the best possible results and to maintain the integrity of your instrument. If converting to a fixed bridge aligns with your playing style and preferences, you can enjoy the benefits of a stable and straightforward setup while still owning a guitar equipped with the versatile Floyd Rose tremolo system.