I need help.

[emerald876]

Im just wondering. I was putting my Floyd Rose back in after the springs came off, and I have to replace my strings. Now, my Floyd Rose is tilted and the long bolts that you have to take off to replace the strings, are touching the bottom of that area, so I need help. If I put the strings on, will it tension it, so those bolts aren't touching the bottom?

I just got this guitar, and I'm new to Floyd Roses, and I'm just wondering if I broke it.

[Super_shredder]

dude it sounds like it should be
a tip for next time: stick a rag or somthing underneath those bolts to hold it there

also welcome to the jcf!!

[Nazgul]

If I put the strings on, will it tension it, so those bolts aren't touching the bottom?

Yes. Check this thread for some useful tips: http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/show...=floyd+secrets

[dg]

When you first put the strings back on, you'll find that the trem will be tilted way back. The screws that you tightened all the way down are for adjusting the spring tension to match the tension of the strings so the trem stays level. It's a balancing act. It's going to take time and trial & error as you back out the screws, retune, and check the level of the trem. Generally speaking, you should only ever need to mess with the tension screws if you change tunings or string gauges. I doubt you did any damage, and you shouldn't have any trouble getting it back right. Just take your time.

[emerald876]

Well, when I tried using the whammy bar when the strings were off, the whole bridge popped, you had to open the back, and take the springs off, then, put them back on when the floyd was in place. Will that happen when the strings are on?

[toejam]

Well, when I tried using the whammy bar when the strings were off, the whole bridge popped, you had to open the back, and take the springs off, then, put them back on when the floyd was in place. Will that happen when the strings are on?

It won't happen when the strings are on.
Why would you try to use the whammy bar with the strings off anyway?

[scotty]

After a few more string changes you will get use to everything. You do need to take your time and try to understand how everything works. Just like DG said about the spring tension, that is very important part of setting up a guitar.

Never be to shy to ask around here.

[DrDoug]

What I do is back the fine tuners on the Floyd off about 3/4ths of the way first. Then loosen the nut clamps and tune the guitar up. Then I change the strings one at a time. When you remove one string, the trem will tip back slightly (rear of trem drops). Then put the new string on and bring it back close to tune and the trem should be close to level again. Now do the next string the same way, and do this until you have replaced all of the strings.

If you are using the same string gauge, the trem should end up parallel with the body (if it was in the first place!). If it is slightly off level, then adjust the spring claw screws under the cover on the rear to bring it back to level. Do the leveling/tuning until the guitar is tuned up.

With the trem level and the guitar in tune, work the whammy bar back and forth to tighten/relax the strings (work them in a bit). Check the tune afterward and adjust if necessary. Once things are close, tighten the nut clamps and check the tune, If it needs adjusting, use the fine tuners to dial it in. Once you are set up, the trem should be parallel with the body.

Working on a Floyd is like a high wire act. You are balancing the trem against the two screws, with the strings pulling one direction, and the springs in the opposite direction. If you tighten the spring claw screws to bring the plate down in the rear, the string pitch will go up. So you need to bring the pitch down and see if it is level. If not, adjust it some more. The reverse is true if you loosen the spring claw.

There are lots of web sites out there that have instructions on setting up a Floyd, just do a quick search and you will get lots of hits. One that I used to learn about Floyds is:

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/floydrosetremolo.htm

Study up on it and you will understand how it works. Once you get it you will find that working on a Floyd is pretty straightforward to do. Also, lubricate the contact points between the Floyd and the two screws that it rests against! This helps to prevent wear of the bladed edge that rests against the two screws!

I have never touched a Floyd until this last April, now I feel like an old pro at it. If I missed anything, I am sure my forum bros will come in and chew me up about it...

[Nazgul]

Good post DrDoug! I already knew it though...

Also, lubricate the contact points between the Floyd and the two screws that it rests against! This helps to prevent wear of the bladed edge that rests against the two screws!

Is WD40 good for that?

[DrDoug]

Thanks!

WD-40? Not that good IMO, it evaporates and leaves a very thin film. I use 3 in 1 oil, or sewing machine oil is good to use too. I use 3 in 1, and it works fine for me. Just a drop on each one and I wipe off the excess. Works for me anyway!

[Postal]

It won't happen when the strings are on.
Why would you try to use the whammy bar with the strings off anyway?

What..... you never play "AIR GUITAR"?!!!!???! hehehe!

[spazzyone]

read this thread its the best info on your problem that there is

http://projectguitar.ibforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=23907&view=findpost&p=272775