The floating bridge on a Stratocaster is one of the most iconic features of the guitar. It allows you to use the tremolo arm to bend the pitch of the strings up or down, which can create a variety of expressive effects. However, in order to get the best results from your floating bridge, it’s important to set it up properly.
One of the most important aspects of setting up a floating bridge is getting the correct height. If the bridge is too high, it will be difficult to bend the strings, and the guitar may go out of tune. If the bridge is too low, it will be difficult to get a good vibrato effect.
The ideal height for a Strat floating bridge is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch above the body of the guitar. This will give you enough clearance to bend the strings without going out of tune, and it will also allow you to get a good vibrato effect.
To set the height of your floating bridge, you will need a set of feeler gauges. These are thin metal gauges that come in a variety of sizes. You can find them at most guitar stores.
Once you have your feeler gauges, follow these steps to set the height of your floating bridge:
- Place the guitar on a flat surface.
- Locate the two screws that hold the bridge to the body of the guitar.
- Insert a feeler gauge between the bridge and the body of the guitar.
- Adjust the screws until the feeler gauge fits snugly.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other screw.
Once you have set the height of the bridge, you will need to adjust the tension of the springs. The springs are located in the back cavity of the guitar. There are usually six springs.
To adjust the tension of the springs, you will need a screwdriver. Turn the screws clockwise to increase the tension, and counterclockwise to decrease the tension.
The goal is to get the bridge to float evenly. If the bridge is too high, the springs will be too tight. If the bridge is too low, the springs will be too loose.
Once you have adjusted the tension of the springs, you should test the bridge to make sure it is floating evenly. Play a few notes and bend the strings. If the bridge is floating evenly, you should not hear any buzzing or rattling.
If you do hear buzzing or rattling, you may need to adjust the height of the bridge or the tension of the springs.
Setting up a floating bridge can be a bit tricky, but it is worth the effort. A properly set up floating bridge will give you years of enjoyment.
Here are some additional tips for setting up a Strat floating bridge:
- Use a level to make sure the bridge is floating evenly.
- If you are using a tremolo arm, make sure it is lubricated.
- Check the intonation of the guitar after you have set up the bridge.
- Practice using the tremolo arm to get a feel for how it works.
With a little practice, you will be able to set up your Strat floating bridge like a pro.