Prototype Floyd Rose, block it?

[jon the art guy]

I have an old Hamer Scarab 2 that needs a restomod. It came with a non-fine tuner Floyd Rose but I'll have to replace the nut caps. Seeing as how I've never in my 20-odd years of playing had the urge to divebomb and have studiously blocked up every vintage trem I've ever played on, would this be a reasonable thing to do with the FR? I especially don't really want to mess around with heavy trem work with a double locking system that hasn't got any post-locking tuning system.

I have been kicking around the idea of replacing the prototype with a newer model, but I'm not sure it'll be a drop in replacement. I've also thought about filling the hole in and hardtailing it..but it'd be a shame with all that nice mahogany underneath to have to paint it over because of a big old eyesore of a patch.

The Prototype fits right nice in the hole, and if it can maintain itself after blocking, that might be the best plan of action.

Unless there's someone who would want it. (hint hint).

What are some of the most successful methods for blocking off a FR that are also easy on the device? I feel bad about it, since it's pretty dang clean looking and the patent sticker is still good looking. I wouldn't want to gouge it up...

I suppose if you're in the mode to answer this question, would you have any background on LED fretboards and their possible weak spots?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Jon

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: Prototype Floyd Rose, block it?

You can either use a device called a Tremol-no which will block off your trem and you can set it for either dive only or hard-tail or you can upgrade to a bigger sustain block to block the cavity that is if you don't mind the change in tone.

here is a site that sells both the tremol-no and sustain blocks. http://www.fu-tone.com/catalog/

 

[Myaccount876]

Re: Prototype Floyd Rose, block it?

Or you could just throw in a piece of wood in the back to block the tremolo, which is a lot cheaper and can be more reliable than a Tremol-no.

If I had a pre-fine tuner floyd, I'd either hardtail it or swap it for an OFR immediately. No fine-tuners would just be a huge PITA.

 

[LReese]

Re: Prototype Floyd Rose, block it?

Just saying - What I'm hearing is with a regular nut and locking tuners, the non-locking floyd works quite nicely. I've got no reason to doubt it.

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: Prototype Floyd Rose, block it?

Actually Gotoh offers a similar trem just like a Floyd without the fine tuners. Guthrie Govan uses both a Gotoh and Floyd with out the tuners on his Charvels but he also has locking tuners at the head stock.

As for using a small block of wood IMO is really tacky and not as reliable as the Tremol-no.

I think you would benefit very well from a big block upgrade seeing as you want to turn your bridge into a hardtail anyway so why not go ahead and have the tone to go along with it? Unless your not really wanting to spend any money.

 

[LReese]

Re: Prototype Floyd Rose, block it?

A block of wood is tried and true. I can think of a case of the tremolo-no where you did not tighten the locking screws sufficiently... Oops, not so reliable. A block is going to stay there if properly affixed.

Simple is a best most of the time.

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: Prototype Floyd Rose, block it?

Block of wood = winner, I think. Having no impact on budget to speak of helps a lot.
here's the beastie. I'm not too worried about tackiness at this point;

I have a no-name 8.3ohm pickup I'm going to slap in the bridge position for a while, and hopefully the slammer in the neck is still operating.

thanks for the help guys!

 

[CTN]

Re: Prototype Floyd Rose, block it?

Beautiful guitar. Always wanted to try one of them.

Also, a block of wood works very well. Just make sure it's correctly sized/shaped/fitted to the space it needs to occupy, and you'll be good.

If you want to make it hardtail, then a block of wood on either side of the sustain block will do the trick...again..fitted properly.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: Prototype Floyd Rose, block it?

I have a method of blocking a tremolo which is fully adjustable i just haven't tried it yet:laugh2:

I was thinking you could get some old platen printing press quoins and place them either side of the block. Then all you do is use the key to adjust either one until you find the sweet spot. :biglaugh:

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: Prototype Floyd Rose, block it?

I'm probably going to get some hardwood wedges and tap them in place from the back, and then slice them to length with an oscillating multitool. I've got a bubble level around here someplace; I'll just make sure that sugarbooger is in there straight and buckle a plate on. Leave it for the next poor shmuck to figure out. hehe.

I'll have to see if I'm keeping the guitar or if someone gets G.A.S. and wants to trade or something. All I wanted is something with humbuggies and some decent looks. The paintjob I have in mind will probably mean it's mine forever...