Floyd Newbie scared

[SigmaB]

Hey everyone!

I've owned several guitars in the past, but none equipped with a Floyd Rose or similar. I'm pretty much set on buying a USA Soloist SL2H, but I can't decide if I should get it with the floyd or a hard tail. It's a lot of money for me not to enjoy it.

Do any of you have any advice or personal experience that might better inform me to make a good decision?

Thanks,

[thetroy]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

Well I started out with a Floyd on my first guitar with no lessons or anyone to teach me how to set it up and use it. It took me about 2 weeks (basically set it up and put strings on it once, then changed them once along with tweaking the setup several times in between) to have it totally figured out, and this is WITHOUT using any of the good information available on the internet. The fact is a Floyd is not nearly as complicated as some people seem to think.

It's been about 7 months since then, and I'm pretty sure I will never buy a guitar without a Floyd. I might accept one as a gift, but it would probably get sold within a month!

[SigmaB]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

that's what I was thinking...

but i'm still uncertain. I'm playing EVH stuff, Guns N Roses, Aerosmith, etc... and a lot of Dream Theater, Satriani, etc... I just want something versatile, but I obviously have to learn to stick to one tuning. I just want to ensure I've made a good decision.

[Number Of The Priest]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

Welcome to the forum!!! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Bridge type is a personal preference. Nobody can really tell you which one you will like better. However, there are a couple of advantages and disadvantages of Floyds AND fixed bridges.

SL2H Floyd advantages:
-The obvious trem bar tricks and techniques. Think Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Slayer, etc.
-Tuning stability, no string slippage anywhere due to double-locking system if it is set up properly.
-Can be easily blocked to simulate a hardtail bridge with fine-tuners, and easily unblocked to restore fully-functional Floyd attributes.

SL2HT tunomatic advantages:
-Alternate tunings, if you use them often on one guitar, can be easily changed within seconds. I used to have one separate Floyd-equipped guitar for each tuning I used to play in until I determined that I really only play in standard tuning, so I kept one Floyd-equipped guitar in standard. If I used more tunings and only owned one guitar, maybe I'd use a fixed bridge setup.
-Some people also claim there is more sustain and better tone with a fixed bridge setup in general since there is less wood carved out of the guitar, and the bridge feeds its energy directly to the body. I personally don't believe this, but apparently, some people do. Results may vary! You've been warned. Do not believe everything you hear/read!

SL2H Floyd disadvantages:
-Limited to one tuning at a time (generally), since the Floyd setup is a constant "tug-of-war" between string tension and trem spring tension acting antagonistically, and must be "balanced" to utilize the full range of the Floyd. Personally I don't find this a problem since I only play in standard tuning and keep the guitar tuned there. If you use multiple tunings onstage and need to switch tunings in between songs, best to get a fixed bridge.
-Double-stop bends will be out of tune unless you learn a simple technique to counter it. A single-string bend (an increase in that string's tension) will cause the other five strings to decrease their tension and will be out of pitch.
-Some people also claim the Floyd is a "pain in the ass" to set up. I have had experience with the Original Floyd Rose, Jackson JT590 Schaller Floyd, Jackson JT580 low-profile licenced Floyd, and Ibanez Edge licenced Floyd, and there wasn't any of those that I couldn't tackle and apply my knowledge towards. It's like riding a bike, seemingly difficult at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is really a breeze once you understand it! I can generally set up a Floyd in a foreign string gauge in approximately 10-20 minutes given a cord and tuner to plug into.

SL2HT tunomatic disadvantages:
-You don't get to do the extreme trem tricks. Fairly obvious.
-Strings may slip more frequently at the nut and saddles, given that they are not locked down. This may be countered with locking tuners and a well-lubricated nut, perhaps using graphite in the nut slots to permit the strings from "sticking/binding" in there.

There are perhaps more, but I think I've nailed most of the issues with a trem setup versus a tunomatic setup. Best of luck!

Although, if you LOVE the fixed bridge, no harm in getting another! But, then again, you've never had a Floyd and maybe this is your chance.

[GodOfRhythm]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

I, personally, would not go for a Floyd then, on this kind of major purchase.

Go with certainty now, and get a cheap Floyded model to test out if you like it, afterwards.

[VitaminG]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

[ QUOTE ]

-You don't get to do the extreme trem tricks.

[/ QUOTE ]

...the subtle ones either! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[mhalsey]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

Easton Guitars, one of the JCF's sponsoring dealers, has videos on his website dealing with Floyd Rose trem setup. Take a gander at them and that will give you an idea of the mechanics involved.

[Number Of The Priest]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

The only subtle trem trick I can think of that you can do on a fixed bridge guitar would be:

-String bending (to replicate simple limited pulling-up)
-Silent string bending up, THEN picking the note, then slowly releasing the bend (to replicate simple limited diving)

Although, I find that doing these things gives a different flavor compared to when you actually use the bridge to alter pitch itself. The Floyd is nice and I've grown to really appreciate trem-equipped electric guitars over the past year and a half. However, I am still used to playing fixed bridges since I play acoustic guitar half the time.

[RacerX]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

Awesome posts, NOTP! [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[SigmaB]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

I'll have to agree. Your post was very very good. I think I might be able to handle one. I'm certain I can learn very quickly. It's just hard to imagine that I've been playing as long as I have without owning one.

I just want to make sure I get the right one - right guitar, right pickups, right setup, etc...

I'm hoping that I'll get that with a SL2H with Floyd and EMG's 60/81

[shadowcat]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

Another thing to be aware of is the different neck angle and height of the bridge over the body.
I'm used to tune-o-matic bridges so guitars with a floydrose generally feel a little uncomfortable to me, especially when palm-muting.
The tune-o-matic bridge height just suits me much better.

So if I ever want to get a guitar with a floyd (I don't plan on doing that so far) it will definitely be non-recessed.

Oh, and if you apply too much pressure when palm-muting a floyd will go out of tune. However, I didn't notice that when I tried out guitars with floyds (or played my friend's guitars), it shouldn't be a problem to adjust to that.

[shadowcat]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

[ QUOTE ]
I'll have to agree. Your post was very very good. I think I might be able to handle one. I'm certain I can learn very quickly. It's just hard to imagine that I've been playing as long as I have without owning one.

I just want to make sure I get the right one - right guitar, right pickups, right setup, etc...

I'm hoping that I'll get that with a SL2H with Floyd and EMG's 60/81

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm sure that you will be able to learn how to set it up, there's enough advice on the net (this forum, the Easton vids etc.).
But you really should try one out before buying to see if it feels comfortable to you! Because it really is a lot of money and not well spend if after a week or two you notice that your cheaper import guitar (whatever you play now) feels more comfortable. [img]/images/graemlins/eyes.gif[/img]

[RR05xx]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

FYI - Once you get the Folyd set up, its a good idea to change once srtring at a time or get a block of wood to use to blkock the trem if you have the desire to take all the srings off at once.

[noodlesatf]

Re: Floyd Newbie scared

No matter how many videos you watch and how much good advice you get, a Floyd Rose will always require more maintenance than a fixed bridge. It will also require relearning how to play, in regards to plam muting, string bending, etc. If you are not willing to learn the ins and outs of this bridge, then stick with the tune-o-matic. I'd tell anyone to stick with the tune-o-matic, unless they are really want to have a trem. Fixed bridges are the best for just picking up the guitar and playing it. Want to change tunings? String gauges? It requires a whole lot less steps.