To check if your strings need changing, run a finger underneath the string and feel for dirt, rust or flat spots. 34 After you have the front edge of the tremolo adjusted you want to adjust the back edge of the tremolo. If you hear the strings buzzing and vibrating a lot, then simply raise the action on that string. I saw where some people set up the back of the bridge so it sits on the body of guitar and some let it float. Though you do not get the full pivot range of the bridge, the bridge becomes much more stable allowing for alternate tunings, string breaks, and string bends all without detuning the other strings. If you plan to change string gauges, you may need to adjust the specs somewhat to compensate for the changes in string sizes. Remember—with most tuning keys, it's preferable to tune up to pitch. Affix a capo at the first fret and depress the sixth string at the last fret. First, check tuning. You can see the recommended Fender adjustment for string height in the table below. As close as desired (allowing for string vibration), Set of automotive feeler gauges (.002-.025) (0.05–1 mm), 6" (150 mm) ruler (with 1/32" and 1/64" increments) (0.5 mm increments), Light machine oil (3-in-1, toy locomotive or gun oil). If you encounter excessive resistance during this adjustment your truss rod is maxed out. Just use your Big Bends Nut Sauce for that. Check your tuning, then re-check the gap with the feeler gauge and re-adjust as needed. For strings to stay in tune, they should be changed regularly. Custom Stratocaster Heavy Relic -. If you want the best performance out of your Stratocaster you must lubricate. Then tighten only the two outside screws back down until they’re flush with the top of the bridge plate. Then adjust the screws that secure the tremolo claw to the body tighter or looser to change the gap at the back of the tremolo. Set of automotive feeler gauges (.002-.025) (0.05–1 mm) 6" (150 mm) ruler (with 1/32" and 1/64" increments) (0.5 mm increments) Now tune to pitch. I practically never use the tremolo arm, and I’d like to experiment more with alternate tunings, so I’m thinking about “decking” the bridge – making it flush with the guitar body. There are a few other things that you can do to optimize your tuning stability that have more to do with playing and tuning habits. Replace, Repair and Restore—Genuine Fender Parts Bridge assembly for use with U.S.- and Mexico-made Stratocaster models that take a vintage-style bridge, including Classic Series models manufactured 2004-present and Highway One™ models manufactured before 2006. We will go through the most critical adjustments that affect the playability of your Stratocaster. If you have any questions about any of our products of services please use the form below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Fender American Ultra Stratocaster 2019-Current, Fender American Elite Stratocaster 2015-2019, Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster 2010-2015, Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster 2004-2009 Series, Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster 1998-2003, Fender American Ultra Stratocaster Service Manual. It really kept the atmosphere rocking and the party rolling, but also made guitar changes impossible. Kenni ... with a 2-point Wilkinson-style tremolo, and I would like to set it up so I can only use it one way. Got single-coil pickups but want to imitate fat ’bucker tone? The following setup procedures and specifications are for your Stratocaster as equipped with the strings that come on the instrument as standard equipment from the factory. Appreciation in the form of gold and silver may be sent to BR549. Essentially, everything should otherwise be exactly as you would play it. So get our your .009″, .010″ and .011″ feeler gauges. Then insert a flathead screwdriver into the loop and place the flathead on the far side of the claw and move the handle toward the neck. For example, If the second string is .011" (0.3 mm), you would move the second-string saddle back .011" (0.3 mm) from the first saddle. The fourth-string saddle should be set parallel with the second-string saddle. After shimming the neck, adjusting the trust rod and intonating the bridge I’m pleased to say it plays wonderfully. After you make this adjustment you will see that the pickup will be angled closer to the 1st string and farther away from the 6th. The pitch should be the same. Note: In either case, if you meet excessive resistance when adjusting the truss rod, if your instrument needs constant adjustment, if adjusting the truss rod has no effect on the neck, or if you're simply not comfortable making this type of adjustment yourself, take your instrument to your local Fender Authorized Dealer. I think the reason a lot of people have trouble with their Stratocaster tremolos is because their's isn't set up right and they don't know how to set it up themselves. Shimming is a procedure used to adjust the pitch of the neck in relation to the body. The main cause of string breakage is moisture collection at the point of contact on the bridge saddle. Players with a light touch can get away with lower action; others need higher action to avoid rattles. You'll also find that different string brands break at different points of tension because of the metal makeup and string manufacturing techniques. I play a Standard Stratocaster with a six-screw (“vintage”) floating tremolo bridge. Metal expands when warm and contracts when cool. You'll need to leave a bit of slack for the first string so you have at least two or three winds around the post. Note: These specifications are meant only as a guide; they should not be construed as hard and fast rules, as we realise that every player's subjective requirements often differ. The core diameter and tension of your strings determine how the Strat’s spring claw must be set – which in turn carries over to saddle heights, intonation adjustment and truss rod tension. The most well-known bridge is the vintage-style "synchronized" tremolo. However, with locking tuners, go past the note and tune down to pitch. If your tuning keys have a screw on the end of the button, check the tightness of the screw. Fender also uses a unique bi-flex truss rod system on some instruments. This adjustment will greatly increase the playability of your guitar. Make sure to stretch your strings properly. Your email address will not be published. Make any tweaks after you play it for a few minutes and listen for rattles or buzzing. But they do need a different set up. For guitars with the Micro-Tilt adjustment, loosen the two neck screws on both sides of the adjustment access hole on the neckplate by at least four full turns. If you prefer a bridge flush to the body, adjust spring tension to equal string tension, while the bridge rests on the body (you may want to put an extra 1/2 turn to each claw screw to ensure that the bridge remains flush to the body during string bends). not lying on a table or counter but upright as if you were playing it). PLEASE STATE THIS IN YOUR MESSAGE. Finally, you may wish to apply a small dab of Chapstick® or Vaseline® at the pivot contact points of the bridge for very smooth operation. The bullet end has been shaped and sized to match the design of the bridge block channel. Adjustments should be made after all of the above have been accomplished. Measuring from the neck must be removed from the first string 1 1/2 '' ( 38 )! Ruler it will still sound off to say it plays wonderfully is one of the at... 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