Setting Strat two point Trem height

[xnfx]

Hi guys.
I was wondering how everyone goes about setting the height of the two point trems that come on the Am Deluxes. Mine is at stock height now, but I'm going to be raising action a little, and thought It would be a good time to find out, incase I want to experiment with other setup heights and feels.

I know for Les Pauls, most say that a lower tailpiece produces better tone and sustain. Is it the same type of principal for these strat bridges? And while I'm at it, what are the guidelines for setting the six screw vintage type bridge heights?

Thanks!

 

[Stratfan]

Re: Setting Strat two point Trem height

If you want to raise the action on a Strat, do it by adjusting the individual bridge saddles for each string. (The correct size allen wrench should've been included with the case candy.) Do not raise the 2 screws holding down the bridge/trem, they're not there to raise/lower the action like on a Gibson. The same goes for the 6 screw vintage bridges; only adjust the individual saddles.

I think that in some cases people do adjust those bridge screws, but unless you know what you're doing I'd leave them alone.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Setting Strat two point Trem height

Stratfan is right, unless you´re purposely trying to set it up "Wilkinson style" (Wilkinsons float above the body on 2 posts)

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Setting Strat two point Trem height

Yup, adjust the saddles to affect string height and action. As for the height of the back of the trem....I seem to remember on Mr. Gearhead before they deleted it that the back of the trem should be about 1/8" above perfectly flat for the best action (according to Fender).

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Setting Strat two point Trem height

Yup, adjust the saddles to affect string height and action. As for the height of the back of the trem....I seem to remember on Mr. Gearhead before they deleted it that the back of the trem should be about 1/8" above perfectly flat for the best action (according to Fender).

Correct!! That 1/8" should also give you some room for pulling up a note (about a half step on my NIJ 62 RI).

 

[xnfx]

Re: Setting Strat two point Trem height

Actually I'm not trying to adjust action, I know how to do that. I'm looking for tips on setting the bridge height of the two point trems on Strats. I know certain heights can give you different feels, that's what I'm looking to experiment with.

Thanks!

 

[slightly_rude]

Re: Setting Strat two point Trem height

I prefer to have the trem float with about an 1/8" gap so you can pull back on the bar and raise the note about a half step. Then I set the saddles so they are parallel to the body. I then adjust the two posts to get about .080" action at the 12th fret on the first and sixth strings. I then adjust the individual saddles to match the fretboard radius on strings 2-5. Then, intonate each string and rock and roll.