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?

[larimar]

Originally Posted by 00_hns_00

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]

Originally Posted by DGTCrazy

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

that's why for me.

[monty]

Originally Posted by lakehaus

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

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.