First electric guitar (Strat), need tremolo adjustment help

[MMiller28]

I just changed the strings on my new Strat for the first time and my tremolo seems to need adjustment. I've looked online but haven't found anything very helpful. I did increase the gauge of the string. Can anyone tell me what I need to do based on the pics?

 

[Diamond_Dave]

I just changed the strings on my new Strat for the first time and my tremolo seems to need adjustment. I've looked online but haven't found anything very helpful. I did increase the gauge of the string. Can anyone tell me what I need to do based on the pics?

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Go on Strat Talk and ask there. You'll get a quick answer.

 

[ddnidd1]

Detune the strings. Screw IN both philips screws. Tune to pitch and check. Repeat as necessary.

If you run out of adjustment, you will have to add springs.

 

[Diamond_Dave]

But based on the pics, you need more springs on the claw. Four or five.

 

[MMiller28]

Thanks guys. I played around with it a little more to no avail. I'm just gonna take it in to a local shop tomorrow.

 

[Bassbubble11]

Don’t waste your money on a tech. Just add 2 more springs like suggested above. You will most likely have to back out the screws a bit after adding the additional springs. This is an easy fix.

 

[ddnidd1]

Just add the springs.

Its a lot more complicated to change a set of strings than to add two springs.

 

[Skybone]

View attachment 2956135

Detune the strings. Screw IN both philips screws. Tune to pitch and check. Repeat as necessary.

If you run out of adjustment, you will have to add springs.

The plate holding the screws needs to be closer to the body. The 3 springs don't have enough tension to counter the string tension, so tighten the screws on the spring holder back towards the body, and if that doesn't have enough pull, add springs.

 

[ONYX]

Here's all you need to set up a Strat. More than likely, your trem-claw needs tightening.

BUT--if you've changed to a different gauge of string, you'll need to do a complete set-up.


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[James Collins]

Watch this video. It will explain most of the process to you and also go over how to setup the tremolo to a specific interval. For the most part you need to tighten those screws at the top on the back to increase tension on your springs. You probably went to a higher gauge string than what was on their before. Most of the time guitar strings on a strat are light gauge FWIW.

 

[ICM]

Just get two more springs; problem solved!

 

[oldcatfish]

I just changed the strings on my new Strat for the first time and my tremolo seems to need adjustment. I've looked online but haven't found anything very helpful. I did increase the gauge of the string. Can anyone tell me what I need to do based on the pics?

View attachment 2956134 View attachment 2956135

I love strats, but hate the tremolo design. I prefer hard tail or Floyd rose. That being said, I have a couple of strats with the tremolos. You have three choices, one is free, one is cheap, and one doesn't cost too much either. It's an easy fix.

Free--Take the back cover plate off of the guitar to expose the springs. Retune your strings at the tuning pegs. The springs are attached to the body will be screws...just tighten those. Retune the guitar and check the tremolo. I do this to all of my strats.

Cheap--Take off the back cover and add more springs.

The best, but most expensive option ---take it to a tech for a complete setup.

 

[ICM]

I love strats, but hate the tremolo design. I prefer hard tail or Floyd rose. That being said, I have a couple of strats with the tremolos. You have three choices, one is free, one is cheap, and one doesn't cost too much either. It's an easy fix.

Free--Take the back cover plate off of the guitar to expose the springs. Retune your strings at the tuning pegs. The springs are attached to the body will be screws...just tighten those. Retune the guitar and check the tremolo. I do this to all of my strats.

Cheap--Take off the back cover and add more springs.

The best, but most expensive option ---take it to a tech for a complete setup.

Option 4 (also free): Block the trem so it sits flush with the body and doesn't move.

 

[Medicine Man]

I blocked the trem in mine so it mimics a hard tail by cutting a piece of wood to size and sticking it behind that block inside the bridge between the body. Sounds great and stays in tune perfectly. If you must wammy, do so responsibly by adding 2 more springs. Trial and error the tightness of two screws that hold the spring bracket with the strings detuned, and then tune up to see if you got it right. After a few times, you will get the feel of it.

 

[aprod]

It is not just as easy as adding springs or screwing in the claw screws. This book will teach you how do to a proper Strat setup.
https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Playe...id=1521566701&sr=8-4&keywords=erlewine+guitar

 

[saabfender]

Blocked trems are stupid. There, I said it. Fastest way to destroy its characteristic sound.

Rather than having four springs, it worked out well on mine to have the two all the way on the outside and the third is placed diagonally. Adjust anchor screws to taste as a fine-tuning measure. I wax those screws.

 

[mmon77]

I wax those screws.

This is a very good idea, and quick and easy while you're in there. You don't want those snapping off when you try and tighten them. Then a really easy job turns into a big pain, really quickly.

 

[ICM]

Blocked trems are stupid. There, I said it. Fastest way to destroy its characteristic sound.

Rather than having four springs, it worked out well on mine to have the two all the way on the outside and the third is placed diagonally. Adjust anchor screws to taste as a fine-tuning measure. I wax those screws.

I "block" the trem by having 5 screws cranked really tight. However the block is a quick fix.

 

[James Collins]

It is not just as easy as adding springs or screwing in the claw screws. This book will teach you how do to a proper Strat setup.
https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Playe...id=1521566701&sr=8-4&keywords=erlewine+guitar

I would save money and not buy a $25 book just to tell you that two screws need adjusted to tighten the claw of the tremolo or that you might need another spring to balance the pull from the strings. This is the modern style of tremolo with two pivot screws, and unless he is planning on keeping a floating tremolo, he shouldn't even need to adjust those.

 

[GIBrat51]

Youtube. Watch Dave's World Of Fun Stuff. He sets Strats up a lot on his site; he mostly uses tools that you might already have; and he's fun to watch. I don't own one, but after watching him set up/fix dozens of them - and their many clones - I could probably set a Strat up, too...