Strat: moved to 10s and bridge is pulling up!

[Jon Silberman]

When I went years ago from 9s to 9.5s, I didn't need to make any adjustments. But when I went to 10s a couple of weeks ago, whoa, that trem bridge just rose right up! I've never worked on a Strat's bridge, what's the cure, e.g., add another spring, adjust a screw or two?

[slipperyfingers]

Hi Jon,

Basically, you need to take the cover off the back and adjust the two "Claw" screws...you will need to tighten the screws to compensate for the heavier strings. Alternate tightening each one a half turn or so until the bridge is at the desired height...some sugest 3mm from the body of the guitar. I actually have mine just tight to the body. I can only push the tremolo down, and not up, but that's the way I like it.

Best Regards,
Bill

[Jon Silberman]

Thanks, Bill.

One last question: with the strings at full tension or loosen 1st?

[Jim Collins]

Jon -- the real solution is a full setup, which includes equalizing the tension of the bridge with the tension of the strings, when tuned to concert pitch.

I find that .010s work better with four springs than they do with 3. Try putting four springs on, leaving the middle position empty. Then, perform the setup.

First, use fresh strings. Take the plastic cover off of the spring claw cavity. The cover is probably about the proper thickness for what you will do, next. Place the cover between the bridge and the top of the guitar body. Tighten the spring claw screws until the cover is held in place, firmly.

Now, tune the guitar to concert pitch. Stretch the strings, adequately, and set the action and intonation. At this point, the cover should still be held firmly in place.

Now, remove the cover. The guitar's pitch should rise. Do not retune. Instead, slowly adjust the spring claw screws until the two E strings are back in tune. The other strings should be very close to being in tune, provided the strings were stretched, and the nut doesn't stick. The spring claw will not be parallel with the wall into which the claw screws are screwed. This is perfectly normal.

What you've done, here, is equalize the tension between the springs and the strings, for that gauge string, when the guitar is tuned. Provided nothing sticks, and the strings are fairly fresh, the guitar will be better at returning to pitch after use of the trem. Of course, Strat trems aren't really made for dive bombs, but you rockabilly guys don't generally indulge in that sort of thing, do you?

[Pedro58]

Jim is right on the money... if you have that kind of patience. A properly set up Strat trem will stay in tune. It's worth the effort IMHO.

[Jon Silberman]

Thank you, Jim and Pedro. FYI, when I discussed this yesterday with Phil Jacoby, he said just adding the 4th spring might even be enough in my case. So I'll start with that over the weekend and take it from there. :)

[Jon Silberman]

Update: I dropped back to 9.5s, added a fourth spring, and did a truss rod adjustment. Bottom line: guitar now plays like a shredder! Too easy even, perhaps, I may go back to 10s. But the bridge is set perfectly now.