Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

[Teapole]

Hey guys, first time here. Had a hard time looking for a good place to post this, hopefully I'm in the right area.

I have LTD MH-50 guitar that's roughly a decade old, they still make guitars like it but they are quite different now. Something is really wrong with the Floyd Rose imitation setup that comes with it, the guitar won't stay in tune, the screws are rusting, the bolts aren't fitting over the bridge correctly, I have no idea what's up with it. It's got bad action, and a lot of stripped screws and bolts so it's hard to tweak in general. I also would get a lot of dead-notes. (the neck is straight, good condition)

Long story short, I'm thinking my best bet is to upgrade to a new Floyd Rose setup.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLOYD-ROSE-SPECIAL-Double-Locking-Tremolo-Kit-with-R2-Nut-CHROME-Guitar-Bridge-/371468329320?hash=item567d3ce168:gEAAAOSw7FRWUCRJ

Will this fit? It looks identical to the original (except the chrome color), and perhaps sturdier. Also, any other advice or considerations would be greatly appreciated, I've done a lot of guitar work but I don't generally mess with the Floyd Rose stuff.

Also going to try to add some pictures so you can see what's going on.



Thanks in advance, appreciate any and all help!

 

[The Guitar]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

Stud spacing is the key. Measure the space between the stud bushings on the guitar and use that to find your replacement.

 

[ginormous]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

You're in the right room for Floyds and all. Welcome.

Any stripped bolt, screw, etc. needs replacing. It's lost its' usefulness.
The idea is for the tool to fit the socket, not spin around in a hole that's too big for it. (insert naughty joke here)
Rusty screws are on their way out also. Only a matter of time before they corrode and break.

Swap the unit, but measure first as The Guitar said. Where are you located? Maybe some of the other forum guys can help you with a trusted luthier.

 

[Teapole]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

Any tips on how to remove those stripped bolts, mainly the two keeping the block in? I've tried a bunch of different hex wrenches and I can only find one that fits, but it doesn't really turn, a little too loose (stripped).

 

[Teapole]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

So I printed out a ruler (mm) and measured the distance to be about 75mm. Does that sound normal? If not, then it might be the paper, haha.

 

[Teapole]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

Looks like 74 is a normal measurement, that seems about right. Now I'm looking for something compatible with that, right?

Currently looking at these, trying to find the exact measurements online. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/tremolo/floyd-rose-special-series-tremolo-bridge-with-r3-nut#productDetail

Also measured the neck width (since that's what the product says to do to check for compatiblity) it's a 42.90mm width, which also seems to be right.

 

[Brandenburg]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

Any tips on how to remove those stripped bolts, mainly the two keeping the block in? I've tried a bunch of different hex wrenches and I can only find one that fits, but it doesn't really turn, a little too loose (stripped).

id try to use a vice grip to persuade the bolts out.. worst case it to brake out the dremel

 

[Teapole]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

Don't have a vice grip, will prob go with the dremel tool. Thanks for advice.

 

[Brandenburg]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

Don't have a vice grip, will prob go with the dremel tool. Thanks for advice.

just be careful.. id cover some parts of the neck/headstock with something.. sparks from cutting might cause damage..

 

[Teapole]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

Ok, here's what I got so far.



So will this be compatible with this?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/tremolo/floyd-rose-special-series-tremolo-bridge-with-r3-nut#productDetail

 

[The Guitar]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

Looks like it should fit. Reading the reviews, looks like the zinc block and saddles would be downside. Those can be replaced if needed.

 

[Brandenburg]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

for some reason i thought you had stripped bolts on the locking nut.. sorry for the confusion...vise grips would be the preferred tool in this case..

 

[Teapole]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

for some reason i thought you had stripped bolts on the locking nut.. sorry for the confusion...vise grips would be the preferred tool in this case..

Those are stripped too, lol. Easier to turn though.

 

[Brandenburg]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

Those are stripped too, lol. Easier to turn though.

you should always have vice grips and duct tape .. with those 2 things you can damn near fix anything

as well as an assortment of allen wrenches,and 2 different types of screw drivers..in your tool box

 

[Teapole]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

Yeah, I'm going to pick up some tools from a friend and get the job done. Also ordering the Floyd Rose today, I can already feel the headache of setting it up and stringing it, but I want to do it, and do it right.

 

[Teapole]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

It seems like a good deal, the guitar really isn't worth much (maybe 400-500 when it was new, now 150-200). I don't want to go crazy and buy one of those original Floyd Rose setups that are hundreds more, just need something that works for now.

 

[Teapole]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

The only thing holding me back from buying right now is that I can't figure out if I'm getting the right nut for the guitar. R-3 and R-2 are very similar.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

LTD M50?

Replace the whole guitar. Probably cheaper….

 

[Teapole]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

LTD M50?

Replace the whole guitar. Probably cheaper….

Irrelevant comment

___________________________________________________________

Status Update: Installing the new bridge, block, and components.

Firstly, figured out how to remove stud things and put new ones it (pain in the ass)

Secondly, fitted the new bridge in - looks good.

Thirdly, flipped the guitar over and setup the new spring, spring catch and tension screws (just making up words here, hopefully you know what I'm talking about)

Finally, tried to get the spring in there - wouldn't work. Noticed that the hole makes a ' \ ' shape (see picture to understand) which when tension was applied, would push the spring back out. After scratching my head and googling a lot, either I messed something up along the way or I think the block might have come installed backwards, maybe?

Including a picture to illustrate my problem, please help!

 

[Brandenburg]

Re: Replacing Floyd Rose in an LTD MH-50 guitar

It seems like a good deal, the guitar really isn't worth much (maybe 400-500 when it was new, now 150-200).

not to burst your bubble dude but that guitar goes for like 240 new.. this is from a 2006 blue book.. prices,even 9 years later on what guitars that are listed in here.. hold true for the most part



do what ya want.. just realize this is an entry level guitar and no matter what you do.. is still will be entry level..not telling you not to do anything as long as you do the work yourself..LOL only way to keep the cost down IMO

now.. i bought a 100 dollar used guitar from a pawnshop.. modded it to hell and spent 350.. AND i was watching the cost as i had a budget.. Really easy to go over budget btw...Plays and sound pretty decent . Is it worth the money I spent. Yes and no.. yes because I learned alot which was really the whole point of this odyssey ,guitar looks pretty sexy, elaborate wiring was a success, and the playability is pretty good and and it isnt because..no matter what it is still a 100 dollar guitar. could of used that 450 or so and bought a very nice DK2 and still have money left over. or a guitar like my squire stagemaster deluxe.. spent 360 used compared to my modded guitar.. there is no comparison... stagemaster is a much better guitar