farenheight101
First Lieutenant   Posts: 5 Registered: 5/15/2005 Status: Offline
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posted on 5/15/2005 at 18:40 |
Oi guys,
I used to have a Vantage with a regular whammy tremolo. But I was robbed
and insurance got me a nice Ibanez RG370. Only problem...I have no idea on
how to tune a floating tremolo! I broke a stock string, went and got
another set, this time I got .011 Ernie Ball because I play mainly punk. So
I went to install it the same way as my Vantage and learned what I have. I
ended up braking my little E screwing with it and also messed with the trem
springs. How do I tune this thing, also I need to tune it for .011's now.
Would you guys suggest a smaller guage now that I haveta get a new set?
Cheers,
Colin
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farenheight101
First Lieutenant Posts: 5 Registered: 5/15/2005 Status: Offline |
posted on 5/15/2005 at 23:16, Reply 1 |
Ahhhh...it has the floyd rose. Its just tightening and tuning  the strings evenly is
the problem. I think I might stick with .009's.
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jammer
First Lieutenant  Posts: 2 Registered: 5/16/2005 Status: Offline |
posted on 5/16/2005 at 17:28, Reply 2 |
farenheight101,
I had this same problem, it's a balancing act. Since you changed the
string gauge to heavier, you'll need to adjust the spring tension of the
tremolo. Take off the back plate and tighten the screws that hold the
spring plate nearest to the neck. You'll need to keep re-tuning the guitar
since each time you change the spring tension the tuning will change. It's
a PITA.
The main trick is to get the bridge to be perfectly level with the body
when you are in tune. If not, as you tune it, it goes further out of level
and you'll never get it tuned. The more you tune up, the more it pulls up
making the tuning go down. It will take some trial and error but once you
get it set, the next time won't be so bad.
A trick I found was to stick a 9 volt battery between the bar (that the
springs connect to) and the body to hold the bridge in level position. It
works out on my Ibanez JS at least. Then string it up and adjust the
springs until the bridge holds level after removing the battery.
Looking down the top edge of the body you can see if the bridge lines up
evenly (level) with the body.
Since you're jumping up to quite a bit heavier string gauge, you may need
heavier springs, or add more if possible. Mine has room for 5 springs but
there are only 3.
This is not real easy to explain, I hope you get the idea.
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farenheight101
First Lieutenant Posts: 5 Registered: 5/15/2005 Status: Offline |
posted on 5/17/2005 at 21:44, Reply 3 |
 nice...
thanks jammer, I get it now. just gotta get a new set of strings and try
this again.
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farenheight101
First Lieutenant Posts: 5 Registered: 5/15/2005 Status: Offline |
posted on 5/25/2005 at 23:28, Reply 4 |
dammit...I understand the spring tension...its just ACTUALLY tuning the
guitar, the bridge keeps raising and raising as I try and tune it.
E is low, so I tune it up, go to A, tune it, go to D tune it, by now E is
out again and I still haven't tuned G, B, and e. So if I keep going and
play with them it eventually gets close but still not in tune. Of course by
the time I get close the bridge is stick way the frig up there
it should still be in tune even if the bridge isn't in the right position
right? its tuning the strings evenly which is the problem here...do you
guys have certain techniques for tuning them in order?
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Spidercents
Moderator   Posts: 1016 Registered: 7/29/2004 Status: Offline |
posted on 5/26/2005 at 10:01, Reply 5 |
Some guitars respond differently to different gauge strings...what gauge
are you usuing now...I would go with a light gauge...or maybe even super
light if light still wont give you what you are looking for.
You have to adjust the spring tension...how much did you adjust the
tension...can you adjust it even more...I would adjust more...My tremlo
bridge does not sit flat on the body...it has a slight angle to it and is
off the body.
Here are a few things I adjust when I set up my guitar by ear so to
speak.
# 1...I adjust spring tension if needed
# 2...I raise or lower the posts on either side of the tremlo bridge to
raise or lower the action...I do this on my floyd rose.
# 3...I intonate each string or a couple strings if they need it by moving
the strings saddle position...you only have to loosen the screw and move
it to a different postion and tighten...you can leave string on when doing
this...just slacken the string...adjust saddle and then tighten string
again.
Anyway you probably already know all that I just mentioned...I know exactly
what the problem is...you need to use super light strings...If you cant
stand super light like me...then use light...anything higher than that and
you are going to have problems with the bridge staying low...heavy gauge
strings pull it up.
Also in the end if none of this works then you need new springs...or you
need more springs...I have three on mine however there is room for six
springs...springs dont cost that much I dont think.
I would get some super light strings first or light...Ive been where you
are right now so I know exactly what your talking about.
Also when tuning strings try not to bend the strings or play them to much
before you lock them...you need to play them to see if they are in tune
then lock...or tune the low E and A first...then lock them...then work on
the next two strings and tune and lock...then the last tow strings...you
will still need at least light gauge strings for this...Later
[Edited on 5/26/2005 by Spidercents] ____________________
Treat people the way you would want to be treated.
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farenheight101
First Lieutenant Posts: 5 Registered: 5/15/2005 Status: Offline |
posted on 5/28/2005 at 23:08, Reply 6 |
Awesome!! I got it! I wasn't keeping in mind that you havbe to tune the
strings over and over and over until they setlle and then see where the
tremolo sits, adjust it keeping in mind that tuning the strings will also
adjust it, so compensate.
One thing I don't understand is intonation and bow. How is it adjusted and
what do you look for and want?
Spidercents, I did searches and everytime you post its very informative and
cool, thanks man.
Cheers,
Colin
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mick8882003
First Lieutenant  Posts: 5 Registered: 10/22/2007 Status: Offline |
posted on 10/22/2007 at 09:16, Reply 7 |
now this is gold, dont abuse it.
start at the bass string then tune to the lead string, one string at a
time
repeat
repeat
repeat
repeat
until it is in tune
takes time but in the end its the quickest
oh yea u need a top tuner 2
once u get it in tune you only need to do this twice if its slightly out of
tune
this will get u started
mick
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