Re: Another Reason Compensated Claw is a MYTH
Lew, you're changing topic here. The argument you quoted above has some degree of plausibility, and could be worthy of looking in to further. Expansion springs such as those used here are not constant tension, and the force required to expand them can increase exponentially as they near their elastic limits. This could allow for a change in stability when bending a string on a floating trem if the increase in force required to further expand the elongated spring outweighed the decreased resistance of the shortened side. It could be a similar effect to adding additional springs and loosening the claw to float the trem in the same position.
Another point could be argued regarding the distribution of pressure on the fulcrum screws, and although so slight as to be largely insignificant, a slight amount of tighter adjustment on the treble side to balance force on the block inverse to string tension would distribute the pressure (and therby friction) more evenly across the fulcrum points.
Problem is, neither of these points involve anything remotely related to the topic in discussion. So let's stay on point, shall we?
When you set a trem floating, will angling the trem claw to alter distribution of force across the block affect a change in how much the 1st and 2nd strings sharpen relative to the 3rd?
1 - If you stretch a string by a given amount, it will increase in pitch by a proportional amount (which depends on the string's core diameter and the material's modulus of elasticity). Every time you stretch it by a given amount, you will see the same increase in pitch.
2 - If the fulcrum points of a tremolo do not change (ie, one side doesn't lift away from the posts as you engage the bar), and the saddle positions remain constant relative to the fulcrum points, then when you pivot the bridge back by the same amount, each string will be elongated to the same degree.
So please explain to me, if the you pull the bridge back enough to raise the 3rd string 3 half steps, and the 1st and second string saddles remain in constant positions relative the fulcrum points and 3rd string, how does altering the lateral distribution of tension on the back side of the tremolo block affect a difference in pitch shift in the 1st and 2nd strings?
You repeatedly reference Carl and Eric as great players, and they are. I've set up far more guitars than the two of them combined (it is my profession), and have a much more advanced understanding of the physics of musical instruments as well, but that's neither here nor there. To quote a particular scientist whom I respect and admire -
"If you have to give the pedigree of who is presenting the evidence, then the evidence is not speaking for itself, as it should."
So please, as much as I admire Carl and Eric for their musicianship, I really don't care much what irrational beliefs or flawed associations of causality they prescribe to in relation to guitar setups. I know how this stuff works, both from study and decades of full time experience. If you wish to continue arguing this topic, let's please stick to the original point and argue the case rather than reference who subscribes to whatever notions.
