I use to set up Floyd's all the time when i worked at large music store, most people mess with them then take to them to a pro, or sell them. This advise could save hundreds of guitars loads of work and money.
I have never adjusted my springs and have had serious problems with sustaining tuning. Much appreciated on the lesson I am gonna spend some quality time with my axe tonight until it’s perfectly balanced!!
this video just changed my night. thank you. i didn't end up using the battery but once i got the idea from you i did just tune and adjust springs until the action was where I wanted it and then lock it down. it made the fine tuning so much easier because it wasnt lifting nearly as much and didnt throw the other strings so far off. thank you again.
I decided to change my strings on my guitar that has a FR. Thought it would take me an hour. Instead it about 14 hours no joke. The idea of selling the guitar crossed my mind during the process. Part of the reason is that I had saddled where I couldn't get the strings out, saddles where I couldn't get the strings in and then of course trying to tune new strings with a floating bridge. OMG!
They should of called the Floyd rose system the " Murphy's law trem system" "What could go wrong,will go wrong". It truly is a work of art, That requires 72 hrs of your life Just to change the strings!
I watched this video after making a pitiful attempt to restring a Floyd Rose on a second hand guitar I bought. I was on the verge of throwing the thing away not being the most patient of people.Then I followed this video exactly and restung the thing perfectly what a feeling of contentment and good Kharma I had when I finished the job.
It depends on the trem. The guitar I used in the video has a collar that tightens the bar down, so you can set it in whatever position you want. I have another guitar that has a bar you just push in and freely swings. Nothing I can do about it.
One of my locking block and nut came off when I was tuning the guitar and will not go back on. The one with the thickest (E and A) strings. It will go on if I take the E string out. So it is not stripped. Tried swapping screws. It is a new Ibanez Steve Vai signature Pia. I have a US Kramer Pacer Custom I bought in 1987 and never had this problem. Anyone have any idea why it is not going on or any tricks to put it back on?
Well, after spending ALL day on my singer's guitar and two sets of strings, I FINALLY walked away from it and came back hours later. I installed the new strings, tuned it and got it done in 15 minutes !! I tried a new technique that's WAY easier - I inserted the end into the saddle and cut the ball end off at the headstock. I said inserted...
I just read the fantastic manual that came with my first Floyd equipped guitar (a BC Rich) and it told me everything I need to know... That was before I had internet so I'm glad it had that ..
Your videos are great! Thanks for what you do. Floyd Rose "problems" recently made a great deal possible. A national dealer had a Ibanez S series for sale cheap as is due to a bad neck. I bought it as is thinking it needed a neck. Turned out the neck and the the FR were so out of adjustment it seemed the neck was bad. Somebody had adjusted the neck to maximum forward bow (why?) and tension the FR. What a mess. The FR pulled the already bowed forward neck further making for a really unplayable setup. I somehow had a hunch and reset the neck to flat before resetting the FR.Victory! Ibanez S for a screaming price.
Or how to switch pickups in a guitar with FR. I just got my first guitar with a FR, and I don't get how to do the installation. I've done that before, but not with a guitar with FR
Thanks for this video. It's the best tutorial I found on this subject. I just wanted a little clarification though on what you used the AAA battery for....was it just to show the bridge level difference compared to using the AA battery for the job?
@@ManBunMetalHead Gotcha. I was using a 9v battery for a block, but it always leans forward too much...I didn't think to try a AA or AAA...the results should be better...thanks again.
What do I do if I have a Floyd Rose Tremolo, which is all fucked up due to me trying really hard both to restring and retune it? I literally have no clue on how to proceed from here.
@@ManBunMetalHead Ok I am going to try and explain what happened. Basically, for some reason, when I was trying to change the string, the things (coins) I had put under the bridge to keep it locked like you do with the batteries. The whole thing collapsed because the coins were ejected somehow. Obviously, I restrung the guitar and trying tuning it, but it was literally impossible for me to do so. I checked out a couple of videos on YT and someone suggested that I fiddled around with the tension screws in the back of the guitar to try and fix it. Obviously, it didn't work. Now I have a guitar, with tension screws all over the place, its missing one string and obviously I considered literally throwing it out in frustration. I managed to play and practice every day for 9 months until it happened. My question is how should I proceed? Should I remove all the strings? and start over? It is a matter for me to make sure the tension screws are correct and the guitar gets in tune. Sorry if it is a bit confusing to understand.
No need to worry, you should be able to fix it. I probably wouldn't have adjusted the tension screws yet, but I doubt you've done anything that's not reversible. First, make sure those tension screws on the back are even. The claw plate should be parallel to the back edge of the cavity. Next, get all the strings on the guitar, might as well put on a fresh set. Put them on loose. Start tuning up the strings. If you can't put anything under the bridge to support it, you can try to use the trem bar to keep it just about level as you tune up the strings. If you don't want to do that, you can just tune up the strings, it'll take a while. This is going to take some patience. You'll need to pay attention to the level of the bridge and the overall tuning. It may be best to tune up in steps. For instance, you're going for E standard, tune to C standard, then D standard, then to E standard, or take half steps. It will definitely take some time to do so. If you need some direction on tuning, of course I have a video th-cam.com/video/z8ftAOFr4sg/w-d-xo.html. As you tune up make sure you pay attention to the bridge level. It will start with the bridge low, and ideally you want the bridge level. If the bridge becomes higher than level before you get to target tuning you need to add more spring tension. Turn in the bridge screws. I'd recommend a quarter turn on each screw at a time. If you get to your target tuning and the bridge is still leaning back, you need to take out some spring tension. Turn out the bridge screws. It's all a balancing act. And if you take it slowly and methodically, you'll get there. I've been meaning to do a video on this, but not sure when I'll be able to put it together. Good luck.
Floyds are killer, people make a way bigger deal about how "hard" they are to use than needed. I just did a video about my new strings & Floyd set up last night! Yours is far more detailed, haha!
Agree a floyd rose is simple to set up people just don't understand the concept of balane between string tension and spring tension. Once set up they stay in tune. Way better than a wilkinson bridge that has to be set up for string bending or whammy use but not both at the same time. WHAT GOOD IS THAT.
The best way is to block the tremblock in the opposite direction of the springs and to tune the guitar, then to undo the blockage and tune with the screws in the spring cavity.
Does it break at the same spot every time? Could be a sharp edge at your saddle or nut. A small file or sandpaper could fix it. But be careful not to scratch off any finish or scrape the wood.
@@ManBunMetalHead It snaps near the tuning peg Not near the bridge or the locking nuts. The tension on the string is not even tight for it to break. It won't even tune to b without snapping.
I followed these steps but I am going insane here, please help me out guys. I used a block under the trem, got it level and started tuning with the nut unlocked. I could NOT get even close to having all 6 strings in tune - 3 or 4 yeah, but then the other 2 would throw the rest completely out. I even tuned in this order Eebagd to balance string tension. WTF is going on? :(
It's all a balancing act. First I would try tuning all the strings a whole or half step lower, so the trem does not lift off the block. Then start tuning each string up to pitch. The best method I've found is to tune the first string to pitch, then the second, then back to the first. Keep going between the first two strings until they are perfect are close to it then tune the third string to pitch. If it affects the first two strings get those to pitch again then back to the third string. Rinse and repeat. Everytime you add a string you have to start the process over. The block helps by getting more strings in tune before you have to "start over". Hopefully that all makes sense. Maybe a should make a video on this.
Man Bun Metal Head thx for the reply but yep a video would be great on that topic. I manage to get high strings bang on the E a d throws b g e out again.
Ha! People told me tuning Floyd Roses was a pain in the ass. If they would have mentioned this I'd keep the layers of gunk that came on the fretboard when I got it. Lol Dime Razorback 7 string. 1 of those you can only get used if you can find 1.
Another way to do this is just tune your strings up to a couple of pitches below where you wanna be then pull the bar to level with one hand and tune your strings to the desired pitch with the other.... When you let off the bar the bridge may go up or be down and be out of tune..... At THAT POINT you can simply adjust the springs one way or the other to level the bridge..... Once the bridge is level you should be in tune once again (in theory).....
And you can make educated guesses about spring adjustments and do that ahead of time before you string up.... Obviously you're gonna need to tighten your claw screws some if you're going with larger strings ETC....
That’s exactly what I was thinking while watching this vid. Would you recommend tuning it a whole step down with the battery in so the spring tension brings it back to standard tuning?
Man, I just got my first floyd rose, and when I got the guitar it was at standard tuning and the bridge was flat (just like how it should be, but restringing it is so confusing. I tried this method, and the only way to get the bridge flat is by putting the springs at the tightest possible tension, and it still gets out of tune! I'm pretty certain i'm doing something wrong, i'm just not sure what
Hmmm, never had that happen to me. On licensed Floyd Rose trems, there are bent pieces of metal under the fine tune knobs that keep the batteries from going into the spring cavity. Not sure if I mentioned, but I also wrapped the batteries in electrical tape to help give the them some grip. You may also want to try a 9V battery or something not round if you keep having that issue.
I'm so glad I play bass. I made the MISTAKE of telling our singer I'd change his strings. He said he doesn't know how to and I laughed. I'm just pissed now ! Why did I offer ? This thing SUCKS !!
easily you say??? I havent played my ibanez or jackson for 2 years because its literal rocket science trying to re-string... sigh.... lets hope this video helps.
Where the fuck do you get HI-Beams for 6 string electric???!!!! I'm a DR guy, and usually do Tite Fits for a floyd and Pure Blues for tune o matic and always wanted to try HI-beams.
45 minutes , Crap!I have not seen the problem with restringing a Floyd Rose . It’s a little more retuning but no problem. These guys try to make it out to be a big problem. My very first time I changed the strings on my new Charvel with a Floyd Rose I did it with no problems and it only took about 5 minutes longer than my Fender strat. I think these guys are really not mechanically inclined. So, go ahead and get yourself a guitar with a Floyd because they are fun as hell to play and sound great. Enjoy and DON’T listen to these weenies.
Why use a string winder if you have locking tuners? Thread the string, pull it taut and lock it. Should make string changes a bit faster and should especially speed up the string stretching process. 95% of all the issues people have with Floyds is that they do not stretch the strings completely before they lock the nut.
I find it easier to buy a new guitar every time I break a string on my Floyd.
just traded mine in for king V Jackson without FR lol
SOOOoo funny and true !
Yes! Was just texting someone that the more vids I watch on this the more I wanna throw my Jackson in the trash
Good luck being bankrupt when changing the strings the 3rd time
I feel this.
I use to set up Floyd's all the time when i worked at large music store, most people mess with them then take to them to a pro, or sell them. This advise could save hundreds of guitars loads of work and money.
Before the TH-cam era, I was hateing FloydRose. Thanks for this video.
I have never adjusted my springs and have had serious problems with sustaining tuning. Much appreciated on the lesson I am gonna spend some quality time with my axe tonight until it’s perfectly balanced!!
this video just changed my night. thank you. i didn't end up using the battery but once i got the idea from you i did just tune and adjust springs until the action was where I wanted it and then lock it down. it made the fine tuning so much easier because it wasnt lifting nearly as much and didnt throw the other strings so far off. thank you again.
didn't work accidemtally inserted a battery into my guitar
This went from a floyd rose video to an ACTIVE PICKUP SYSTEM
Thanks again for more great advice on HOW to string up a Floyd Rose.....
I decided to change my strings on my guitar that has a FR. Thought it would take me an hour. Instead it about 14 hours no joke. The idea of selling the guitar crossed my mind during the process. Part of the reason is that I had saddled where I couldn't get the strings out, saddles where I couldn't get the strings in and then of course trying to tune new strings with a floating bridge. OMG!
Great video, dude!
Really useful man, helped with setting my guitar up for a lower tuning! Real professional!
Great to hear man!
They should of called the Floyd rose system the
" Murphy's law trem system"
"What could go wrong,will go wrong". It truly is a work of art,
That requires 72 hrs of your life
Just to change the strings!
Wow! Saved me BIGTIME!! thanks my friend
I just leave the battery in there and basically just use it as a hardtail. As someone who is constantly changing tunings, it makes life easier ahahah
Does that actually work
@@blueghost6288 pretty much, if the battery keeps it flush with the body than it can pretty much never drop into the body
Why have a Floyd Rose.
I watched this video after making a pitiful attempt to restring a Floyd Rose on a second hand guitar I bought. I was on the verge of throwing the thing away not being the most patient of people.Then I followed this video exactly and restung the thing perfectly what a feeling of contentment and good Kharma I had when I finished the job.
Subscribed just cause of the badass channel name , nice vid!
Awe
Thanks for a great video, I used to use the 9 volt battery on the back of the guitar, I'll give this method a try, Thanks again!!
Thanks for posting this. I have had a heck of a time trying to tune my new guitar
The battery tip is golden
Great job, is there a way to tighten up the actual trem bar so when I grab it it's where I let it go and not just loose swinging all around. Thanks
It depends on the trem. The guitar I used in the video has a collar that tightens the bar down, so you can set it in whatever position you want. I have another guitar that has a bar you just push in and freely swings. Nothing I can do about it.
@@ManBunMetalHead thanks!
You can also drop a strat trem spring in there. You can buy the little black trem bar springs at guitar center or sam ash.
@@luciantaylor9161 Thanks
Dude, your videos are such high quality. I'm surprised you don't have more views/subs. I just subbed!
Thanks man!
You're for sure going to be one of the big TH-camers in the future.
One of my locking block and nut came off when I was tuning the guitar and will not go back on. The one with the thickest (E and A) strings. It will go on if I take the E string out. So it is not stripped. Tried swapping screws. It is a new Ibanez Steve Vai signature Pia. I have a US Kramer Pacer Custom I bought in 1987 and never had this problem. Anyone have any idea why it is not going on or any tricks to put it back on?
I always have added an extra spring in the back 4 thicker gauge strings and it worked fine every time
Now how do I work around not being able to change spring tension bc the screws are shit and busted therefore can’t be turned
I would figure out a way to remove those screws and replace them first. Could be easier said than done. Might be worth taking it to a guitar tech.
Well, after spending ALL day on my singer's guitar and two sets of strings, I FINALLY walked away from it and came back hours later. I installed the new strings, tuned it and got it done in 15 minutes !! I tried a new technique that's WAY easier - I inserted the end into the saddle and cut the ball end off at the headstock. I said inserted...
S Via style,works for me.
Watch you don't cut the strings to short.
I like the T-Shirt!
You never mentioned stretching your strings.... I know it may seem obvious but lots of people don't understand that.....
yea thats a really important part. he shouldve mentioned that. the best floyd rose tutorial is the one made by ESP guitars. thats my go to
I just read the fantastic manual that came with my first Floyd equipped guitar (a BC Rich) and it told me everything I need to know... That was before I had internet so I'm glad it had that ..
I wish I still had the manual so I could just take a few pictures and send that to the many people who ask me setup questions.....
Your videos are great! Thanks for what you do. Floyd Rose "problems" recently made a great deal possible. A national dealer had a Ibanez S series for sale cheap as is due to a bad neck. I bought it as is thinking it needed a neck. Turned out the neck and the the FR were so out of adjustment it seemed the neck was bad. Somebody had adjusted the neck to maximum forward bow (why?) and tension the FR. What a mess. The FR pulled the already bowed forward neck further making for a really unplayable setup. I somehow had a hunch and reset the neck to flat before resetting the FR.Victory! Ibanez S for a screaming price.
Sounds like you got an awesome deal. Sometimes you just have to kinda know what you're doing.
I was hoping you'd show how to actually insert the strings into the tuning pegs. I struggle at this as someone who's bad at almost everything
Or how to switch pickups in a guitar with FR. I just got my first guitar with a FR, and I don't get how to do the installation. I've done that before, but not with a guitar with FR
Thanks for this video. It's the best tutorial I found on this subject. I just wanted a little clarification though on what you used the AAA battery for....was it just to show the bridge level difference compared to using the AA battery for the job?
Thanks! Depending on your trem and height, and a AAA battery might keep the trem level.
@@ManBunMetalHead Gotcha. I was using a 9v battery for a block, but it always leans forward too much...I didn't think to try a AA or AAA...the results should be better...thanks again.
What do I do if I have a Floyd Rose Tremolo, which is all fucked up due to me trying really hard both to restring and retune it? I literally have no clue on how to proceed from here.
What do you mean? Can you get the guitar in tune at all? Is the trem angled?
@@ManBunMetalHead Ok I am going to try and explain what happened. Basically, for some reason, when I was trying to change the string, the things (coins) I had put under the bridge to keep it locked like you do with the batteries. The whole thing collapsed because the coins were ejected somehow. Obviously, I restrung the guitar and trying tuning it, but it was literally impossible for me to do so. I checked out a couple of videos on YT and someone suggested that I fiddled around with the tension screws in the back of the guitar to try and fix it. Obviously, it didn't work. Now I have a guitar, with tension screws all over the place, its missing one string and obviously I considered literally throwing it out in frustration. I managed to play and practice every day for 9 months until it happened. My question is how should I proceed? Should I remove all the strings? and start over? It is a matter for me to make sure the tension screws are correct and the guitar gets in tune. Sorry if it is a bit confusing to understand.
No need to worry, you should be able to fix it. I probably wouldn't have adjusted the tension screws yet, but I doubt you've done anything that's not reversible. First, make sure those tension screws on the back are even. The claw plate should be parallel to the back edge of the cavity. Next, get all the strings on the guitar, might as well put on a fresh set. Put them on loose.
Start tuning up the strings. If you can't put anything under the bridge to support it, you can try to use the trem bar to keep it just about level as you tune up the strings. If you don't want to do that, you can just tune up the strings, it'll take a while. This is going to take some patience. You'll need to pay attention to the level of the bridge and the overall tuning. It may be best to tune up in steps. For instance, you're going for E standard, tune to C standard, then D standard, then to E standard, or take half steps. It will definitely take some time to do so. If you need some direction on tuning, of course I have a video th-cam.com/video/z8ftAOFr4sg/w-d-xo.html.
As you tune up make sure you pay attention to the bridge level. It will start with the bridge low, and ideally you want the bridge level. If the bridge becomes higher than level before you get to target tuning you need to add more spring tension. Turn in the bridge screws. I'd recommend a quarter turn on each screw at a time. If you get to your target tuning and the bridge is still leaning back, you need to take out some spring tension. Turn out the bridge screws. It's all a balancing act. And if you take it slowly and methodically, you'll get there.
I've been meaning to do a video on this, but not sure when I'll be able to put it together. Good luck.
Floyds are killer, people make a way bigger deal about how "hard" they are to use than needed. I just did a video about my new strings & Floyd set up last night! Yours is far more detailed, haha!
Agree a floyd rose is simple to set up people just don't understand the concept of balane between string tension and spring tension. Once set up they stay in tune. Way better than a wilkinson bridge that has to be set up for string bending or whammy use but not both at the same time. WHAT GOOD IS THAT.
Does the string gauge matter for a Floyd Rose? I use Ernie ball 10s and I stay in E standard tuning but would going down to 9s work better ?
Try 11s
Awesome. The guy who would set up my Charvel used an eraser to keep it level.
That's a good idea.
The best way is to block the tremblock in the opposite direction of the springs and to tune the guitar, then to undo the blockage and tune with the screws in the spring cavity.
I have a question. So I restrung my guitar but the problem is my high e string broke. So I got another set and it broke again. What am I doing wrong?
Does it break at the same spot every time? Could be a sharp edge at your saddle or nut. A small file or sandpaper could fix it. But be careful not to scratch off any finish or scrape the wood.
@@ManBunMetalHead It snaps near the tuning peg Not near the bridge or the locking nuts. The tension on the string is not even tight for it to break. It won't even tune to b without snapping.
There's a good chance the tuner has a sharp edge on it. You might want to try sticking the string in the other way into the tuner hole.
@@ManBunMetalHead Alright thank you
I followed these steps but I am going insane here, please help me out guys. I used a block under the trem, got it level and started tuning with the nut unlocked. I could NOT get even close to having all 6 strings in tune - 3 or 4 yeah, but then the other 2 would throw the rest completely out. I even tuned in this order Eebagd to balance string tension. WTF is going on? :(
It's all a balancing act. First I would try tuning all the strings a whole or half step lower, so the trem does not lift off the block. Then start tuning each string up to pitch. The best method I've found is to tune the first string to pitch, then the second, then back to the first. Keep going between the first two strings until they are perfect are close to it then tune the third string to pitch. If it affects the first two strings get those to pitch again then back to the third string. Rinse and repeat. Everytime you add a string you have to start the process over. The block helps by getting more strings in tune before you have to "start over". Hopefully that all makes sense. Maybe a should make a video on this.
Man Bun Metal Head thx for the reply but yep a video would be great on that topic. I manage to get high strings bang on the E a d throws b g e out again.
Damn..Russell Brands a set up guru now....
Ha! People told me tuning Floyd Roses was a pain in the ass. If they would have mentioned this I'd keep the layers of gunk that came on the fretboard when I got it. Lol Dime Razorback 7 string. 1 of those you can only get used if you can find 1.
Another way to do this is just tune your strings up to a couple of pitches below where you wanna be then pull the bar to level with one hand and tune your strings to the desired pitch with the other.... When you let off the bar the bridge may go up or be down and be out of tune..... At THAT POINT you can simply adjust the springs one way or the other to level the bridge..... Once the bridge is level you should be in tune once again (in theory).....
And you can make educated guesses about spring adjustments and do that ahead of time before you string up.... Obviously you're gonna need to tighten your claw screws some if you're going with larger strings ETC....
That’s exactly what I was thinking while watching this vid. Would you recommend tuning it a whole step down with the battery in so the spring tension brings it back to standard tuning?
Man, I just got my first floyd rose, and when I got the guitar it was at standard tuning and the bridge was flat (just like how it should be, but restringing it is so confusing. I tried this method, and the only way to get the bridge flat is by putting the springs at the tightest possible tension, and it still gets out of tune! I'm pretty certain i'm doing something wrong, i'm just not sure what
Sounds like you might need to change out your springs. I've had to do this before. Having 3 heavy springs usually helps with tuning issues. Good luck!
@@ManBunMetalHead makes sense, i'll have to give that a shot. Thanks, happy holidays!
How many springs are on it? You may be able to add springs.....
@@guitarguy9030 I have a "licensed Floyd" and it does GREAT..... It's all in the setup.....
Bad deme , we want to see the guitar 🎸
fail, i keep getting my batteries stuck in the cavity of the springs
Hmmm, never had that happen to me. On licensed Floyd Rose trems, there are bent pieces of metal under the fine tune knobs that keep the batteries from going into the spring cavity. Not sure if I mentioned, but I also wrapped the batteries in electrical tape to help give the them some grip. You may also want to try a 9V battery or something not round if you keep having that issue.
I'm so glad I play bass. I made the MISTAKE of telling our singer I'd change his strings. He said he doesn't know how to and I laughed. I'm just pissed now ! Why did I offer ? This thing SUCKS !!
easily you say??? I havent played my ibanez or jackson for 2 years because its literal rocket science trying to re-string... sigh.... lets hope this video helps.
Help
Where the fuck do you get HI-Beams for 6 string electric???!!!! I'm a DR guy, and usually do Tite Fits for a floyd and Pure Blues for tune o matic and always wanted to try HI-beams.
I get mine at JustStrings.com
i watch countless videos and guess what, still cannot figure the dumb thing out!
Makes a tutorial on how to restring a floyd rose - Doesnt even show how to properly attatch the strings to the bridge smh
The fuck does this have to do with tradio
Easily about 11 minutes ago.
That was NOT easy at ALL ! :D
45 minutes ,
Crap!I have not seen the problem with restringing a Floyd Rose . It’s a little more retuning but no problem. These guys try to make it out to be a big problem. My very first time I changed the strings on my new Charvel with a Floyd Rose I did it with no problems and it only took about 5 minutes longer than my Fender strat. I think these guys are really not mechanically inclined. So, go ahead and get yourself a guitar with a Floyd because they are fun as hell to play and sound great. Enjoy and DON’T listen to these weenies.
Why use a string winder if you have locking tuners? Thread the string, pull it taut and lock it. Should make string changes a bit faster and should especially speed up the string stretching process. 95% of all the issues people have with Floyds is that they do not stretch the strings completely before they lock the nut.
Floyd’s aren’t worth it