String bending pulling the trem

Bloodtoes · November 23rd, 2009, 06:55 PM

Hello!

Forgive if this has been asked before. I'm pretty sure that it probably has, but such search terms as "string bending" and "tremolo dropping tuning" return pages and pages of results.. the few that I glanced over didn't really deal with this issue.

The issue I'm having is that when I bend a string, it's pulling my tremolo up, causing the rest of my strings to dip in tune. It's not a problem most of the time, but once in a while I'd like to have those strings ring whilst I do a bend. I have a vintage style floating trem (I like to trem up once in a while) which may be my biggest demon since I can't increase the spring tension to hold the trem back for all but the biggest bends.

The tone drop is pretty dramatic. I estimate up to a 1/4 step drop in tuning during a full-step bend. This of course means that I'm bending more than I should need to to reach the desired pitch. The guitar is well tuned and the strings well worn in, so they do return to pitch once the the bend is over.

Do you guys have any tips for countering this? Pulling back on the trem whilst doing the bend is not usually an option. Maybe I should look at replacing that trem with a more reliable style? What types of trems are best suited to this technique?

Thanks!

AllroyPA · November 23rd, 2009, 07:01 PM

Q~ Did you ever adjust the 6screws at the front of the trem plate ?

Poseidon9447 · November 23rd, 2009, 07:03 PM

How many springs are you using? try adding more

Bloodtoes · November 23rd, 2009, 07:03 PM

Yeah, I pulled the guitar completely apart at one point some months ago, so the screw positions are not factory. I'm pretty sure the screws are at the heights they should be (and it is a 6-screw model, not a 2-screw). Is this a place I might tweak to help with this problem?

Edited to add: I am using 3 springs. Adding more will require a lot of re-tweaking of the string:spring tension balance and I quite like the feel of a 3-spring setup. If you think that will help, I will give 5 a shot.

AllroyPA · November 23rd, 2009, 07:10 PM

Try adjusting the screws so the trem plate only pivots on the two outermost screws, unscrew the inner ones a touch. If you add one spring then you have to release the trem claw a bit. Oh... make sure your block screws have not vibrated loose.

Bloodtoes · November 23rd, 2009, 07:23 PM

Thanks for the tips. It's about time for a re-stringing anyway so I'll look at making those tweaks when I get home tonight as I replace the strings.

sjtalon · November 23rd, 2009, 07:23 PM

Pull back (up) on the arm and adjust all but the two outer screws to 1/16" off the plate. Keep it pulled back ( so the plate is touching the body in the back) and tighten the outer two screws so that they are just touching the plate. Now it will just pivot on the outer screws.

Tighten the spring claw so that the rear of the trem plate is only about 1/16" above the body. You will have to re tune a few times to get all this balancing act done. It is worth it in the long run believe me.

If you still have problems your could go to 4 springs, but give the above a try for a while.

Two very important things to these Strat animals:

When you tune (because of the unique tremolo), do it evenly, i.e. tune the low E then the high e, then B then A and so on, OR tune the G and D and work outwards so it's a straight, even pull.

LUBE the nut and string tree, even were the strings go over the saddles.

you said "require a lot of re-tweaking"

Doing this really won't be that bad and will take you less than 15 min.

Keep bending, use the trem some and re-tune a few times, the key is to GET THE BALANCE ! Strings tension ( pull) EQUILL to the springs counter pull.

Trust me, if everyone had trouble, there wouldn't be a zillion Strats out there.

Be patient it will work.

AllroyPA · November 23rd, 2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjtalon

Pull back (up) on the arm and adjust all but the two outer screws to 1/16" off the plate. Tightened the outer two screws so that they are just touching the plate. Now it will just pivot on the outer screws.

Tighten the spring claw so that the rear of the trem plate is only about 1/16" above the body. You will have to re tune a few times to get all this balancing act done. It is worth it in the long run believe me.

If you still have problems your could go to 4 springs, but give the above a try for a while.

Two very important things to these Strat animals:

When you tune (because of the unique tremolo), do it evenly, i.e. tune the low E then the high e, then B then A and so on, OR tune the G and D and work outwards so it a straight, even pull.

LUBE the nut and string tree, even were the strings go over the saddles.

you said "require a lot of re-tweaking"

Doing this really won't be that bad and will take you less than 15 min.

Keep bending, use the trem some and re-tune a few times, the key is to GET THE BALANCE ! Strings tension ( pull) EQUILL to the springs counter pull.

Trust me, if everyone had trouble, there wouldn't be a zillion Strats out there.

Be patient it will work.

sjtalon · November 23rd, 2009, 07:31 PM

Hey Allroy, how come you are typing when I am ?

AllroyPA · November 23rd, 2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjtalon

Hey Allroy, how come you are typing when I am ?

Was just applauding it ....

Bloodtoes · November 23rd, 2009, 07:35 PM

That's encouraging, thank you sjtalon. The last time I strung the guitar, I spent the better part of a Saturday doing exactly that kind of balance to get the back end of the trem 1/16" off the body, that sort of thing. I think the key is that I probably did not set the screws right, but the string:spring balance I think is quite good. So, I'll dig into that tonight and see how it pans out. Cheers!

AllroyPA · November 23rd, 2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bloodtoes

That's encouraging, thank you sjtalon. The last time I strung the guitar, I spent the better part of a Saturday doing exactly that kind of balance to get the back end of the trem 1/16" off the body, that sort of thing. I think the key is that I probably did not set the screws right, but the string:spring balance I think is quite good. So, I'll dig into that tonight and see how it pans out. Cheers!

Dont forget to lube your nut. lol you can shave some graphite off a pencil also.

sjtalon · November 23rd, 2009, 07:39 PM

You are FAST !

Good luck Bloodtoes

Only left handed people are in their right minds

Bloodtoes · November 23rd, 2009, 07:40 PM

lol.. incidentally I was just looking at big bends nut sauce, haha. Best product name ever.