So-Cal, not enough pull-back on Floyd

[Cynical1]

I got my new So-Cal and it plays and sounds great. The only complaint I have is that there's not a lot of pull-back (raising of pitch) on the Floyd Rose. I don't know If I should shim the neck or have the bridge area routed out. I know both would affect tone and sustain. A shim would obviously be cheaper. Thoughts? Thanks

[dg]

If it were me, I'd do the shim. If you notice any problem from that, then think about plan B, but I think you're going to be fine with a small shim.

[thetruthguy]

Just get a screwdriver and do like Steve Vai.

[Newc]

Routing a small amount behind the trem won't have a measurable affect tone or sustain. Adding a shim will create a gap in the pocket between the neck and body.

As well, the pickups on a SoCal can't adjust too high if you shim the neck. When I put the other neck on my green SC the angle was such that I had to raise the trem considerably. I had tons of room to pull back but the pickups wouldn't get close enough to the strings without top-mounting them ala Dave Murray.

[Cynical1]

Screwdriver???

[Cynical1]

Thanks Newc, any idea what such a routing would cost me?

[DHardmanJr]

Screwdriver???

screwdriver ~= chisel

[shreddermon]

Routing a small amount behind the trem won't have a measurable affect tone or sustain. Adding a shim will create a gap in the pocket between the neck and body.

Not if the shim is done right. And, even if there is a small area, it will have minimal impact on tone or sustain, if anything at all.

[mastershake]

Just get a screwdriver and do like Steve Vai.

Dont.

[Dogbone]

Just get a screwdriver and do like Steve Vai.

I think if you use a Phillips screwdriver, you could probably make the grooves just like he did pretty easily... Just don't slip

[slash]

Not if the shim is done right. And, even if there is a small area, it will have minimal impact on tone or sustain, if anything at all.

+ 1


as far as the routing cost probably $50 or more if you take it apart yourself and just take them the body. If they have to take it apart and put it back together and do a setup you can expect it to be a lot more.

I would try the shim first...

[Dreamland_Rebel]

how bout just not pulling back so hard and bend your strings instead.

[Flatpicker]

Rout out the back. IMO.

[Grandturk]

Not sure exactly how much pull up you want, but here's what I do:

I've found that these guitars (and most people set up this way) come with the floyd set parallel to the body. I like the angle of the baseplate to match the angle of the neck, NOT the body - so I set my baseplate tipped forward a little bit: Parallel to the neck and the strings, not the body. This gives a little bit more space for you to yank the trem back before it bottoms out.

Obviously, higher action will also give you some more yank.