After blocking, after dive-only setups, after tremolo-stops… It’s time to look at ways to keep the bridge fully floating but still add a little extra stability to the system. Let’s take a look at tremolo stabiliser devices…
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We understand how to block a trem completely. We understand some of the problems inherent in a fully floating trem system. Now let’s look at some possible solutions to help bring a little stability.
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All this tremolo/vibrato bridge system talk has prompted me to talk about the problems that are inherent in these systems. Let’s consider the delicate balance and how some chimps can upset things…
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A vintage Strat-style tremolo is relatively easy to block. A fully floating trem bridge is more challenging to do properly. The bridge should be blocked so it’s fixed in its ‘neutral’ position. That needs a little more work…
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Don’t like that wobbly bridge on your Strat? Fed up with it moving about when you bend strings or (oh no) going out of tune when a string breaks? Well, block that bridge.
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The whammy bar is jammed in this Strat Elite. Trapped. Won’t come out. What’s to be done?
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The thrilling second instalment in the terrific tremolo tuning troubleshooting series. If you’re having trouble keeping your vibrato bridge in tune when you wiggle that whammy, check it out. It might just help…
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Tremolo bridge not staying in tune? While the maintenance and troubleshooting of vibrato systems could fill a book, here’s part 1 of a ‘dump’ of tips. Maybe one of them will help you out.
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It’s occurred to me that a lot of a guitar repairer’s time is spent removing things from guitars. Sometimes that just involves unscrewing some screws but, other times (often?), some additional effort and knowledge is required to safely remove something.
Like various ‘bushings’. Read on…
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So, you might have heard along the way that the tremolo bridge should really be called a vibrato bridge. And you might have heard that it's Leo Fender's fault that we have to live with this heinous misnomer. Oh, the pedantic angst of it all!
Well, I wanted to confirm this and found some interesting stuff…
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If you play in dropped tunings or you detune your guitar, you'll probably want to give some thought to the instrument's setup. Do you set up for the dropped or standard tuning? What sort of setup adjustments should you worry about. What's the low-down?
Get it? Low-down. Ha. Click through for more info and fewer jokes.
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In an electric guitar or bass, it's usually necessary to 'ground' the strings.
By this, I mean that all the strings should have a path to ground — a wire that connects them to a ground point inside the instrument. Usually that ground point will be the back of a pot or the sleeve of the output jack.
When it's properly grounded, you can touch the strings of your guitar and you'll usually hear the background hiss reduce. Yay.
There’s a common misconception that by touching the strings you are grounding the guitar.
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