Floating Tremelo

[IbanezShredder]

Hello

I just got a guitar with a floating tremelo. Does anyone have any tips on keeping that thing in tune? It's been my biggest issue.

 

[steelerboy329]

Have someone set it up so it is no longer floating.

 

[Mangy71]

Hello

I just got a guitar with a floating tremelo. Does anyone have any tips on keeping that thing in tune? It's been my biggest issue.

What model of guitar and trem? Is it double locking/Floyd Rose type?

 

[GCDEF]

Have someone set it up so it is no longer floating.

That could make it worse. As Mangy71 said, not enough info.

 

[IbanezShredder]

It's a Floyd Rose system. Someone mentioned something about taking a pencil or some kind of lubrication to the nut because the strings could be binding in the slots. Has anyone tried that?

 

[Adagietto]

Graphite can work. I use a pre-fab lube available from Planet Waves and others.

 

[Rumbeer]

There is no locking nut? If not do you have locking tuners? Also you have no make sure that the knife edges of the tremolo are not too worn out or dull, and same thing with the actual trem posts. It's also good to lubricate that area slightly with chapstick to reduce friction.

 

[IbanezShredder]

Thanks for all of the advice guys!

 

[vulcaniza P]

sell it

 

[GuitarToma]

It's all about the balance/tension to stay in tune. When changing strings, you really should go through the whole setup procedure which is a pain, but well worth it. Also, you want to stretch your strings when you put them on. Push on the strings at the bridge and nut as this is where a lot of the tuning problems occur.

Also, when playing, it's good to get in the habit of this: When you do a dive bomb or pull of any depth, push the bar in the opposite direction. This helps "spring" it back to tune.

Here's a decent video of how to change strings and tune it up:

 

[Lolaviola]

http://diystrat.blogspot.com/2011/08/setting-up-or-adjusting-stratocaster.html

 

[walterw]

It's a Floyd Rose system. Someone mentioned something about taking a pencil or some kind of lubrication to the nut because the strings could be binding in the slots.

not for floyds!

the locking saddles and nut are there to prevent anything from slipping or binding, because the string can't move anymore.

once you get the floyd in tune (a project in itself) and everything is properly tight (including the bolts that hold the nut onto the neck), it either stays in tune perfectly or you need a better floyd.

 

[Shreddi]

If its a Floyd and locking nut then Do Not lock the nut for a while. Stretch strings manually at first then play a while, eventually they will get to the point you can lock. If no locking nut when you wind strings use the locking method by first one or two winds under then over. (Sorry best to look that up and see pics) its like a sailors knot. Best if you adjust the bridge tuners out and only lock down the nut when you have to. have fun.

 

[stinkfoot]

Agreed - a Floyd will either stay in tune (once set up) or it has a problem. The trick with those is to let the strings stretch and settle before locking the nut, and then when restringing to only change (and stretch) one string at a time.