Floyd Rose is it worth it?
Hey Everybody 8)
So recently I just got a RG470 and have had to change the strings a couple times and every time I just struggle with it.
Now I love this guitar and playing with a whammy bar but I'm starting
to contemplate if the FR is really worth all my struggle with it.
So recently I just got a RG470 and have had to change the strings a couple times and every time I just struggle with it.
Now I love this guitar and playing with a whammy bar but I'm starting
to contemplate if the FR is really worth all my struggle with it.
Comments
When I string mine, I put the ball end up at the head-stock end. Feed it through the winder, trim the non-ball end so that it just reaches past the fine tuners on the FR, then put that end in it's slot and lock it down on the FR. Then with tension on the string, wind it up until its in tune (I remove and replace each string one at a time). When all strings have been replaced, stretch them well (carefully of course) and then lock the head lock screws. It takes some practice, but I've got it down to about 10 minutes and totally worth it to keep at it.
I have a 2001 version of the 470 with a Low Res trem system and ya once it is in tune it pretty much stays in tune.
My struggle with the thing is that when I tune up there will usually be one string that will have to much tension on it and break
And usually takes 45min. to an hour to get the thing up to tune and the bridge where I want it.
If you go from 8's to 10's then there will be more tension and you will have to tighten down the trem springs. Also the difference in gauges requires re-intoning your guitar because it will be flat when you increase gauge size. Switching between brands while even keeping the same exact gauge for each string can cause problems. I swapped out a set of 10-46 once for another brand 10-46 and the new set was much tighter and I had to significantly increase the trem spring tension. Most experienced guitar shops can set up a floating trem system including setting relief and action, p/u height and string intonation for under 100. It's well worth it. But only once you settle on strings you like.
I recently made the mistake of switching string brands based solely on one person's recommendation and had my guitar set up with them. I now have to go back to my old brand because I believe the new brand is to tinny. I've never really noticed the difference in string sounds before and wouldn't you figure it would have to be after I have my guitar set up specifically for the bad ones? lol c'est la vie eh?
Always change your strings one at a time. Use the ball end at the tuning key method described above, use a string winder and changing strings will become significantly less troublesome.
Odds are that if one string is consistently breaking say, the G string for example, then you probably have a bur in the saddle or nut or wherever it is breaking.
Then again, I don't worry much about tuning, 'cuz I have Elizabeth Hurley here tuning my guitars as she adoringly gazes upon me playing.
Then I woke up to the dog licking my face. Reality bites sometimes. :?
Should a guitar with a Floyd be your only guitar? No. Detuning is a pain (unless blocked).
I had one guitar for years, and it had a Floyd. It is a great guitar, but the detuned songs became a real problem, and I decided to add a fixed bridge guitar to my collection. I now have 3 fixed bridge guitars, and a Strat with the bridge pinned to the body (so it's like a fixed bridge).
So, yes, they are worth it. Should it be your only guitar, no.
I suppose that depends on the dog :shock: . I don't know about you, but my dog NEVER bitches at me for leaving my clothes on the floor
Hey cfsguitar, a floating trem will ride up on you like that if you crank the tension up on the strings. Once it is set-up properly, as long as you don't change string gauge, you shouldn't need to mess with the springs. If the brigde rides up, loosen all of the head tuning pegs equally until the bridge floats down to a neutral position. Cranking the strings up, and then cranking the springs to pull the bridge back down is creating un-necessary stress on the guitar, and could also be contributing to string breakage.
I think it is a common reaction guitarists have when they aquire their first floating bridge. At least, I felt frustrated at first too.
But it all becomes easier, the more you change strings and make your adjustments.
But it also can make rational excuses for you to justify your endulgence in this disease. ( GAS ) The whole string changing problem becomes easier, when you have floaters set up with 9's and one with 10's, and several or more fixed bridge for various strings and tunings. Excuses are vital.
You may also wish to justify endulgence through Guitarology Research. Seek a Government Grant.
First change the Low E and tune,
Second, the High E and tune,
Third, the A and tune,
Fourth, the B and tune,
Fifth, the D and tune,
Sixth, the G and tune,
Doing this keeps the spring to string tension equal to your last setup.
If you remove all the strings, re-balancing the tensions is a pain in the ass.
Simple enough... turn DOWN let the band role one while you grab your backup
I liked to use 9's, but using a heavier D and G seemed to balance the floyd much better. I also block the Floyd for string changes. saves from the hassles of setting tensions. Be sure you have stretched the strings as needed before locking down the nut.
Floyd's- depends on style, but always have a fixed bridge ready to go just in case.
Also I heard that running the ball end through the machine head can create a bur is this true or just myth?
Start on low E. If it's sharp, tune it halfway as flat as it is sharp. If it's 40 cents sharp, tune it 20 cents flat.
Repeat for each string. At the end, you should be in tune.
just broke the high e string and when I tune it back up there is way too much tension on it. So anybody got any ideas how to get the tension off the string?
Also all other strings are up to tune.
And be sure you tell Jenn when you see her...well, you know.... :roll:
I had lots of tuning problems because of my bend heavy style untill I discovered SIT strings. They are the ONLY product that does what it says stay in tune(SIT) . My Buddy uses a standard Strat Trem and he used to have problems untill I turned him on to these strings.
I cannot speak highly enough of these strings. I can tune once and play the heck out of my guitar for hours and it Stays in tune. With all other strings I have to tune every couple of songs at best.
This little company in Akron Ohio are my heros and made the rest of the band happy.
This is an endorsement from my experience ....I have no affiliation with SIT strings.