In Transit - Non Gibby Content

[RS1976]

pulled the trigger on a Non-Gibby V for a project I'll be working on in the coming weeks.

 

I actually bought an electric guitar with a Floyd Rose system and the EMGs for what they can do. While I'm very hip to the Bigsby & do all my own guitar work, this FR system is entirely new for me.

 

Guitars are tools, and while my trusty hammer is good for somethings, it doesn't do what I'll need for the upcoming job.

 

I've looked around on other forums, watched some You Tube videos, and as of now The Framus FR turorial has the most straight forward vid.

 

I ask forum members here to shine light on the learning curve of the FR system. Is it really that hard to change strings? to change one string? is the FR system really a Murphy's Law of a guitar apparatus?

 

How did you learn?

Is action going to be that much of a dog to adjust?

[Mike1412blue]

Ah yes. Floyd rose=pretty girl.

 

 

High maintenance, but worth it.

[Ryan H]

Is it really that hard to change strings?

1. Block the bridge (stick something like a thick piece of wood under the back of the bridge with a piece of cloth under to protect the finish).

 

2. Unlock the nut using an allen key.

 

3. Loosen strings and remove from headstock end. Use an allen key to loosen the long screws sticking out the back of the bridge. This will release the string locks in the saddles. Remove the strings.

 

4. Set all the fine tuners (the thumbscrews sticking up from the bridge) to the center of their range. This will help later.

 

5. Clip the ball ends off your new strings, push them into the saddles and retighten those long string lock screws to lock the strings in place.

 

6. Attach the strings at the headstock and tune up like you normally would.

 

7. Unblock the bridge, retune if necessary, and lock the nut. Use the fine tuners to compensate for any pressure the locking nut put on the strings.

 

You're done.

to change one string?

Follow the steps above, but for one string. You can probably get away with not blocking the bridge, because the other strings will hold the bridge in place.

is the FR system really a Murphy's Law of a guitar apparatus?

To be short, yes.

How did you learn?

Screwing up, asking for help, screwing up less, rinse & repeat.

Is action going to be that much of a dog to adjust?

Just like with a Tune-o-matic or wraparound bridge on a Gibson, there's no individual saddle height adjustment. You raise or lower the mounting posts to raise or lower the bridge, and as such, the action.

 

-Ryan

[RS1976]

many thanks Ryan. Much appreciated!

[Ryan H]

many thanks Ryan. Much appreciated!

 

Any time. Dealt with a Floyd myself before swapping it out for a non-locking bridge that fits on Floyd posts. The tone just wasn't for me. And I never used it enough to justify a locking trem.

 

-Ryan

[quapman]

Is it really that hard to change strings?

Is action going to be that much of a dog to adjust

 

 

No and no.

 

I really don't get all the floyd hate around here.(see other thread)

 

I have the same floyd still on my Hamer that it came with new back in 87

Just put new stings on it a couple weeks ago. Not rocket science.

 

 

I have never had to change the action on it.

The thing is ALWAYS in tune.

 

Is there better? probably.

Is it crap? Hell no.

 

Alternate tunings? That's why they make more guitars. So you can have a couple.

 

Once the new set of strings stretch and settle in the thing is rock solid.

 

This has been my experience.

I have no hate for floyds.

[capmaster]

...

Is action going to be that much of a dog to adjust?

Setting string action isn't rocket science, too, but will require patience and caution to avoid damaging studs and knife edges. There's only one way, and it is a bit of trial and error work:

1) Remove cover from spring compartment on the back.

2) Put a thick piece of cloth between lower end of bridge and guitar top.

3) Unlock strings at the nut and tune them gradually down until they slack.

4) While holding bridge in place, i. e. through supporting the guitar top with a cloth on an even surface, remove all the springs from the vibrato.

5) Adjust studs about the considered amount.

6) Put it all back together doing steps 4 to 2 the other way round in reverse order.

7) Check effect, and in case of rework repeat all the points described above. If you are satisfied, mount the back cover again, and it's done.

Finally I have to say that unless changing string brand and/or gauge, you will never haver to deal with it again. Balancing a Floyd Rose system due to aging of the springs will just take removing back cover, adjusting spring clamp screws, and reassembly.