Floyd Help?

Alonso Ortega

New member
I was changing strings on my floyd equipped guitar and the high e string came out from the bridge. I thought i hadn't tighten the insert block enough but when i check it I notice the block had the string marked in it, like a deep scratch that made the string slip. Is it a common problem? or are them just bad quality blocks?
 
Re: Floyd Help?

Just get some extra blocks and shims next time you make a small parts order. Kind of like tubes and fuses with a tube amp, just good to have spares.

For now just swap it with another that isn't grooved, or go crazy with the wrench lol. They really don't crack very easily.
 
Re: Floyd Help?

I was changing strings on my floyd equipped guitar and the high e string came out from the bridge. I thought i hadn't tighten the insert block enough but when i check it I notice the block had the string marked in it, like a deep scratch that made the string slip. Is it a common problem? or are them just bad quality blocks?

What type (or version) of Floyd do you have? "Floyd" has become a bit of a catch-all for most double locking trems.

If it's a licensed version, it could quite probably be an inferior part.

If it's a genuine Floyd, is it a Special or a 1000 or a German or Titanium? The blocks in the Specials are definitely of lesser quality (that's what happens when Floyd pays about $20 each for the entire rig). It's sorta common on the better blocks as well. You can even get those KTS titanium blocks and they will do it to a degree.

As long as you're not at risk of cracking your saddles from the pressure, tighten them how you want and keep spares on hand.
 
Re: Floyd Help?

What type (or version) of Floyd do you have? "Floyd" has become a bit of a catch-all for most double locking trems.

It's a 1000 series original style, came with my Discovery OT2. I will certainly buy some spare, sadly it's hard to find original replacements here because I live at the bottom of the world. I just wanted to know if it was common, I kinda solved it already!


FWIW,I generally leave a few wraps from the ball-end to give it a little more to "grab" onto...

Nah, i like to use the ball end on the tuners. Besides I like how it looks, it makes string changing a breeze.
 
Re: Floyd Help?

Except that's how you end up damaging your tuning pegs, it really REALLY isn't a good idea.

I don't get how could this damage the tuning pegs, if they are quality ones there should be no problem, right? Also after clamping the strings with the locking nut I loose the tuning pegs a little, can't see the problem in there really. I might be wrong, but for me it makes no sense. Cheers.
 
Re: Floyd Help?

I don't get how could this damage the tuning pegs, if they are quality ones there should be no problem, right? Also after clamping the strings with the locking nut I loose the tuning pegs a little, can't see the problem in there really. I might be wrong, but for me it makes no sense. Cheers.

I don't think it could do any damage but it's still not the greatest idea.

Personally one of the best parts about doing the strings on a floyd rose is chopping those ball ends off.
 
Re: Floyd Help?

Well when I was repairing guitars for several years, I saw indentations on the tuners from ball ends. Maybe it takes 20 years, who knows. Tuners are archaic, anyway. :)
 
Re: Floyd Help?

Well when I was repairing guitars for several years, I saw indentations on the tuners from ball ends. Maybe it takes 20 years, who knows. Tuners are archaic, anyway. :)

Well, I can't argue against experience. I suppose loosening the tuning peg after locking the nut should avoid further damage.
 
Re: Floyd Help?

Well when I was repairing guitars for several years, I saw indentations on the tuners from ball ends. Maybe it takes 20 years, who knows. Tuners are archaic, anyway. :)

I actually had to replace my tuners because of this.
 
Re: Floyd Help?

Run the strings through the pegs but down to the balls. Leave them dangling just a little past the braids on the end of the string so you don't have sharp string ends around your pegs.

As for the saddle block, turn it sideways and use a different side. Yes, the blocks have those little divots in them for the saddle bolt to help hold them in place, but they are not essential. The bolt will still hold it just fine.

And yes, you can certainly split a German OFR saddle by over-cranking it. I did it in 1988. Cracked it at the rear corner of the slot for the block while trying to compensate for this same issue from a set of D'Adarrio 10s that felt square. Had to order a replacement saddle and block from a local shop.
 
Re: Floyd Help?

Floyd's Speedloader design was an interesting one, except it came on ugly guitars, and the entire thing was pretty ugly itself. Steinbergers come with double-ball strings. Drop the string in, and in half of a turn, it is up to pitch. It is a great system.
 
Back
Top