Trem cavity cover/backplate: on or off?

[burningyen]

I've read a bunch of threads on the topic, and it seems like most of the people posting don't have covers over their trem cavities, either because they don't want to or because their guitars didn't come with them. But maybe there's a silent majority out there who keep them on? Let's find out!

[Mike Duncan]

I like the cool and airy sounds I can get with the springs!

[Ashe]

removing the trem cover changes the tone?


sounds like corksniffing.

[teleclem]

I like the way it looks with it off.. Didn't really try to notice any tonal differences when I took it off.

[Jesus freak]

I hate 'em, especially when changing strings.

[DGTCrazy]

It makes changing strings much easier, so all of mine are off.

[lakehaus]

On some Strats I can actually feel vibration from the trem cavity with the cover off. Others not so much. I haven't found that makes a difference to my ears through the pickups. Cool feeling, but where would I place my vintage pinups if I didn't use the cover plate?

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/tidalsurge/Tidewater/Stratocaster/DSC_0246.jpg

[larimar]

removing the trem cover changes the tone?


sounds like corksniffing.



Spring manipulation possibilities.

[atquinn]

On. Always.
-
Austin

[Eagle1]

Off,it is pointless and gets in the way.

[Tommy Biggs]

It makes changing strings much easier, so all of mine are off.


that's why for me.

[monty]

where would I place my vintage pinups if I didn't use the cover plate?

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/tidalsurge/Tidewater/Stratocaster/DSC_0246.jpg


Ditto here, lol. Actually surprised most take it off.

[=JL=]

I couldn't vote, because I always cut mine in half!
They can get in the way of string changing so I used to ditch them, but in onstage heat-of-the-moment stuff I'd occasionally bang the trem block against my hip, knocking it out of tune.

[Rockerduck]

I take it off to change strings and put it back on. I guess I'm not lazy.

[rspencer]

On. I just change strings right through it, never had any trouble with it.

[Don A]

On. Otherwise, it looks like it's missing something.

[Stratobuc]

Off,it is pointless and gets in the way.


Yes.

[DanR]

I would leave it on except my trem is decked and that causes the holes in the cover to not line up with the holes in the bridge assembly. That would make changing a string quickly on a gig impossible.

[Binaural]

Off, they make for great coasters around the studio:drink

[CowTipton]

On for me. It's a FR Trem anyway, why get the cavity dirty?

[Kelsey]

I would leave it on except my trem is decked and that causes the holes in the cover to not line up with the holes in the bridge assembly. That would make changing a string quickly on a gig impossible.


That's the deal right there. If you have a vintage style backplate and deck the trem, then changing strings on the fly is a PITA. If you float the trem, then it's not likely to be a problem. Modern backplates have an open slot that gives more leeway for restringing no matter how you set the bridge plate.

If you leave the plate off, then you might find either joyful mischief or unexpected snagging in addition to ease of restringing. But that's all secondary to the main objective of being able to change the strings more easily on the fly.

[EADGBE]

I my tremolos are all Floyds so I leave the covers on.

[Deathmonkey]

Off. Always. I bag the screws and put it in a box I have specifically for backplates. Can't stand the damn things. For some reason, the thought of having a big plastic plate flapping away back there drives me nuts.

[Eagle1]

It is nice to find a guitar where the cavity is finished off nicely and no backplate has ever been fitted.

[hogy]

I can definitely hear the natural reverb the trem springs impart on the sound, especially through a detailed clean amp.

Without trem cover, my shirt dampens the strings and that effect is lost. So I keep it on.

As for problems changing springs, remember that Leo designed the trem to be floating. When it is set up that way, the holes in the cover line up perfectly. If your trem is set up flush against the body, use the arm when changing strings to depress the trem slightly until to holes line up.

[Crash-VR]

I take it off to change strings and put it back on. I guess I'm not lazy.

I guess you don't gig. There's no time to fuss with anything when you have to change a string between songs. That's what discourages me from Floyd Roses too. I don't want to need more than a string winder to change my strings in a hurry.

[rockonomics]

if I can't get the strings off with the trem cover on I mod the hole/s so I can. I think a strat looks tacky with it off.

[Amplite]

On some Strats I can actually feel vibration from the trem cavity with the cover off. Others not so much. I haven't found that makes a difference to my ears through the pickups. Cool feeling, but where would I place my vintage pinups if I didn't use the cover plate?

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/tidalsurge/Tidewater/Stratocaster/DSC_0246.jpg

I keep it off for string change and adjustments but if I had one of these I'd put it on!!

[SteveO]

I can definitely hear the natural reverb the trem springs impart on the sound, especially through a detailed clean amp.


I have a pair of foam earplugs tucked under my springs right next to the claw specifically to eliminate that reverb effect-it isn't quite so nice with higher gain at band volume!

[Crash-VR]

if I can't get the strings off with the trem cover on I mod the hole/s so I can. I think a strat looks tacky with it off.

That's funny. I never find myself looking at the back of someone's guitar while they're playing ;) In fact I rarely find myself looking at the back of my guitar, I guess I'm too busy playing it...

[Hulakatt]

Meh, can't really come up with any real reason to put one on, I just leave it off

[J Sudjian]

Personally I dont like how it grabs your clothing and such. Surprised that dosnt bother more people. Especially those of you playing gigs. Just seems better for the back to be smooth all over. Just me though. I might have to leave one off of my old 87 or so Japan Squire when I get a different trem block.

[DCAddy]

Off-EJ Strat-Don't have a choice