Tuning and tremolo claw
- Thread starter Wayne27
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Re: Tuning and tremolo claw
Your trem will be set up to work to pull a certain gauge (and sometimes brand too) of strings to a certain tuning......the ones you've just taken off assuming that its working before you start.
If you change any of these things, you'll have to change the setup of the trem to accommodate.
Look at vids of string stretching - in fact fitting for a Floyd too.....googling a vid should be the first step for any question really.
Your trem will be set up to work to pull a certain gauge (and sometimes brand too) of strings to a certain tuning......the ones you've just taken off assuming that its working before you start.
If you change any of these things, you'll have to change the setup of the trem to accommodate.
Look at vids of string stretching - in fact fitting for a Floyd too.....googling a vid should be the first step for any question really.
Re: Tuning and tremolo claw
Once your trem is set up for your favorite strings, and working properly, it shouldn't have to be adjusted. As far as stretching, I just use the trem a lot without the locking nut locked. A few minutes stretches the strings enough to lock it down. Usually in a day or so, I will repeat the procedure.
Once your trem is set up for your favorite strings, and working properly, it shouldn't have to be adjusted. As far as stretching, I just use the trem a lot without the locking nut locked. A few minutes stretches the strings enough to lock it down. Usually in a day or so, I will repeat the procedure.
Chris Pile
Well-known member
Re: Tuning and tremolo claw
With Floyd, Kahlers, or any vibrato system - balance is the key to playability. There are no set dimensions, the guitar wants what it wants. So you must balance the tension of the strings against the tension of the springs.
In my 40 plus years at the bench, I've found that 5 springs loose work for one guitar, and even - a 1 spring tight job. But most work with 2 or 3 springs, and it's almost never a problem of "weak" springs. If you know anything about metallurgy, spring steel can break - but it doesn't wear out and get looser.
So, it takes awhile to set them up - but it's worth it. If you can't do it - find a competent and experienced luthier in your area.
With Floyd, Kahlers, or any vibrato system - balance is the key to playability. There are no set dimensions, the guitar wants what it wants. So you must balance the tension of the strings against the tension of the springs.
In my 40 plus years at the bench, I've found that 5 springs loose work for one guitar, and even - a 1 spring tight job. But most work with 2 or 3 springs, and it's almost never a problem of "weak" springs. If you know anything about metallurgy, spring steel can break - but it doesn't wear out and get looser.
So, it takes awhile to set them up - but it's worth it. If you can't do it - find a competent and experienced luthier in your area.
DavidRavenMoon
New member
Re: Tuning and tremolo claw
I only adjust the claw when I first set up the guitar. Tuning up the first time (i.e. new strings) with a trem is a pain. Especially with a Floyd.
Back when I worked at American Showster guitars I had to string up lots of Floyd’s. So I developed two tricks: One was to put your low E on and tune it up to like A. If they are heavier strings try G. Then string up and tune as you go. By that point the low E will have dropped in pitch to around where it belongs.
Later I started sticking a piece of wood under the bridge under the fine tuners, to hold it steady while stringing. You can buy a thing now that does the same thing.
In regards to stretching strings, yes you should. This is true for any guitar or bass, regardless of the bridge. After your string is in tune, pull it up an inch or two from around the 12th fret. Then tune it back up. Then stretch it again. I do this about three times, or until the string doesn’t go flat.
Part of the reason is the metal naturally stretching, but it’s also the wraps around the tuning post compressing. For that reason you should either use locking tuners (no wraps) or limit the wraps to no more than three, so they don’t overlap.
Of course with a locking nut that doesn’t matter.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I only adjust the claw when I first set up the guitar. Tuning up the first time (i.e. new strings) with a trem is a pain. Especially with a Floyd.
Back when I worked at American Showster guitars I had to string up lots of Floyd’s. So I developed two tricks: One was to put your low E on and tune it up to like A. If they are heavier strings try G. Then string up and tune as you go. By that point the low E will have dropped in pitch to around where it belongs.
Later I started sticking a piece of wood under the bridge under the fine tuners, to hold it steady while stringing. You can buy a thing now that does the same thing.
In regards to stretching strings, yes you should. This is true for any guitar or bass, regardless of the bridge. After your string is in tune, pull it up an inch or two from around the 12th fret. Then tune it back up. Then stretch it again. I do this about three times, or until the string doesn’t go flat.
Part of the reason is the metal naturally stretching, but it’s also the wraps around the tuning post compressing. For that reason you should either use locking tuners (no wraps) or limit the wraps to no more than three, so they don’t overlap.
Of course with a locking nut that doesn’t matter.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
ItsaBass
New member
Re: Tuning and tremolo claw
If you are changing over all string tension, then you will probably want to adjust the claw to compensate. If you are chaining from a worn set to a fresh set of the same string set, then you don't need to.
With a locking nut, you want to stretch/stabillize your strings before you clamp it down. My Rampage has a Floyd nut. When I have installed new strings, I set the nut clamps aside until I have broken the strings in for a few days. Then I reinstall them and clamp them down.
If you are changing over all string tension, then you will probably want to adjust the claw to compensate. If you are chaining from a worn set to a fresh set of the same string set, then you don't need to.
With a locking nut, you want to stretch/stabillize your strings before you clamp it down. My Rampage has a Floyd nut. When I have installed new strings, I set the nut clamps aside until I have broken the strings in for a few days. Then I reinstall them and clamp them down.
Last edited:
RorySquier
Well-known member
Re: Tuning and tremolo claw
I usually set up my Fender MIA Strat with a floating vibrato like here in the video.
;>)/
I usually set up my Fender MIA Strat with a floating vibrato like here in the video.
;>)/
