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 Locking the tremolo
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mrgrieves1971
= Cult of Ray =

USA
544 Posts

Posted - 01/18/2006 :  06:22:54  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I never use the whammy bar on my Strat. I actually never even put it on. Other than using my palm on the tremolo if I'm playing the beginning of Caribou, I never use it.

Are there any advantages to locking it? Does it help the guitar stay in tune better?

Steak n Sabre
* Dog in the Sand *

Uzbekistan
1013 Posts

Posted - 01/18/2006 :  08:40:28  Show Profile  Visit Steak n Sabre's Homepage  Reply with Quote
In your example, a locking nut would make no difference. If you mean actually modding the bridge assembly so it does not move, that really won't cure any tuning issues either. Take the cash you would spend for that and have a good set-up guy give the Strat a once-over. Or just get something that has a fixed bridge....


The Cult of Frank : Come Taste The Quality...
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Doog
* Dog in the Sand *

United Kingdom
1220 Posts

Posted - 01/18/2006 :  09:42:05  Show Profile  Visit Doog's Homepage  Click to see Doog's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
When did he mention a locking nut? I think you're getting confused between a "locking tremolo" (ie Floyd Rose) and the process of "locking a tremolo", Steaky.

Yeah, a locked tremolo will keep the tune better, and generally feel more solid. Obviously you can no longer "waggle that arm" when the feel takes you, but if you're only using it for one Pixies cover, it hardly seems worth NOT locking it. The tremolo on my Strat never kept great tune after using the arm and after numerous unsuccessful attempts to rectify it, I decided to lock it.

A common complaint with "floating" tremolo bridges is when you tune or break a string, it tends to mess up the whole guitar's tuning. Since breaking or tightening/loosening one string is changing the amount of the tension on the bridge, it causes the bridge move and put other strings out of tune. So locking is good if you're really not too fussed about using the trem.


Loosen the strings and take the backplate off, and either:

-Stick a custom-made block of wood the gap (1) between the wall of the trem cavity and the tremolo block (bit the strings thread in to).
-Or tighten up the screws on the claw (2) as tight as they'll go.

I much prefer the second one, having those springs still in there give you even more lovely vibrations than just a block of wood. Apologies if you knew all this already, I suppose someone else may be interested anyways.

"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, morecambe and wise"
www.myspace.com/doog - www.doog.tk

Edited by - Doog on 01/18/2006 10:08:32
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NimrodsSon
* Dog in the Sand *

USA
1938 Posts

Posted - 01/18/2006 :  11:45:16  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I use the tremelo on my PRS far too much to lock it. I've never owned a strat, so I can't attest to it's ability to remain in tune after using it, but I did lock it on my Mustang (it's now unlocked) and my Jag-Stang (still locked because I don't have a bar that will fit in it), and I can say that they both keep their tuning just as well unlocked as locked. So based on that I would say don't lock it. If you aren't using it right now and see no reason for it, just begin using it and you'll discover a whole new world of great sounds.


ˇViva los Católicos!

Edited by - NimrodsSon on 01/18/2006 11:45:56
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Doog
* Dog in the Sand *

United Kingdom
1220 Posts

Posted - 01/18/2006 :  12:58:23  Show Profile  Visit Doog's Homepage  Click to see Doog's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
The Mustang/Jag-Stang bridge is a totally different design, so luckily doesn't suffer from the problems that the Strat does. Although, the few times I used the trem on the Jag-stang when I had one, it didn't keep good tune after being waggled. But it was probably more down to the fact I didn't cut the strings to fit my heavy strings cause I'm lazy.

I gotta say, I do love tremolos. On my Tele and Jazzmaster, the trems are wonderful and keep great tune.

"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, morecambe and wise"
www.myspace.com/doog - www.doog.tk

Edited by - Doog on 01/18/2006 13:02:06
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Steak n Sabre
* Dog in the Sand *

Uzbekistan
1013 Posts

Posted - 01/18/2006 :  14:15:05  Show Profile  Visit Steak n Sabre's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Hmmmm. I've never really known of anybody who has done that, til now....nice info Doog....


The Cult of Frank : Come Taste The Quality...
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BLT
> Teenager of the Year <

South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts

Posted - 01/18/2006 :  19:48:07  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
About a year ago, I put a wooden block behind mine...cheaper than replacing the bridge. IMHO it improved the tone of the guitar.


Cyberhugs are for pussies.
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