× Dude, log off your computer and start rocking out! Because if I break a string I can finish the tune. Here’s how it’s done: Again, and this is very important: If you’re not confident about your ability to perform this modification, make sure you take your guitar to a qualified guitar technician. oldschoolshred, June 13, 2012 in Electric Guitars. It's just plain wrong, I tell you! Learn More. This is obviously a consequence of the way the bridge is designed to be loose in order to allow the tremolo bar to operate. that makes it scream tonally as well as offering a million creative applications. As for the Tremol-no, maybe I'm missing something, but what's the point of spending $70 on it when wood blocks or coins can block the trem (I won't use the trem at all)? Plus, a central part of my style involves bending one string combined with another not bent and as we all know, the tremolo sends the second note flat. Pros - easier to set up, no vibrato to worry about if you don't use it. Half way through the song he breaks a string and you can barely even notice. Also, keep in mind that there are two schools of thought regarding the efficacy of this modification. http://prsguitars.com/forum/showthread.php?2396-Saddle-height-adjustment-screws-for-PRS, (You must log in or sign up to post here. Float, Deck, or Block: An Exploration of The Strat Bridge. In my case, I don't whammy so my only concern really is maximizing tone quality and resonance. Everything you love about Sweetwater in the palm of your hand. First Look: Epiphone's New Prophecy Guitars, Choosing the Best Guitar Body Style for You. Powered by Invision Community, Pros and cons of decking / blocking a tremolo. Then, loosen or tighten the strings in order to put the tremolo in the position you want when it’s at rest. Comments please and keep in mind when comparing things that ALL ELSE BEING EQUAL. Never went back, the guitar plays, sounds and sustains just like it should IMHO. I don't use the trem, so I want to deck it. I use a Super Vee Mag-Lok. One of the greatest features of the iconic Fender Stratocaster is the synchronized tremolo system which built upon the revolution in music centered around the electric guitar. Take a piece of 1″ poplar and cut it to the width of the tremolo’s spring block. You must either barely touch the strings, don't use your trem a lot, or have never gigged heavily. Probably, the most commonly used technique is to install small pieces of material in a zig-zag pattern between the perimeter joists to create a rigid rim joist that prevents bounce and increases the strength of the rail attachment. It depends whether you want the resonance that a hollow cavity where the springs and the trem itself are free to resonate. It works well, but suffers from the same drawback they all have: it puts a very noticeable detent in the trem movement at the "at rest" position. However, Eddie Van Halen has his Floyd Rose tremolo bridge set up this way. First a word of warning: If you’re not confident in your ability to make this modification, take your guitar to a qualified repairperson. I have broken many strings. Decking is for guys who preform live and worry about breaking a string, and for guys that don't know how to properly set up a strat. I can't think of an example of him going up on the trem. Can I simply add another spring? Remove the tremolo bar’s cavity cover on the back of the guitar. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. I have played Strats and Charvels live for many years. In that case he must have been a magician cause he managed to continue rocking that version of Red House as if nothing happened. Doing so provides a number of advantages: There are those who feel that this technique renders the tremolo useless. You could use one of the many available trem stopper devices. But I suppose I could be mistaken. this guitar is my number one. This comment reminds me of Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock version of Red House. Display as a link instead, × Why? As a guitar player, the mods and set ups I do to my guitars have a noticeable affect to me. Blocking is just wrong. Imo, of course. © 1995-2019 Harmony Central, Inc. All rights reserved. That's a good sign. You cannot paste images directly. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. That absorption isn't necessarily a bad thing, of course. Attach the tremolo springs and tighten the spring claw-screws a couple of turns to add pressure to the block. I think I've broken one string one in 19 years of playing... but to each their own. How to Record a Great Acoustic Guitar Sound in an Apartment, Iconic Guitar Tones: John Mayer's "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room", It can help keep the guitar in tune after “dive-bombing”, It’s a must if you change among alternate tunings; since the tremolo doesn’t float, the strings are easier to re-tune. Clear editor. Or do I have to adjust the 6 bridge screws after adding another spring? I'm doing those things for me, not the listener. Your previous content has been restored. It has been clearly demonstrated to me though my own experience that a Strat sounds like a strat when the back of the trem is off the body. Too bad you don't know that I played with a floater for 20 years, but then, how could you? Paste as plain text instead, × Install the block between the spring block and the body — lightly gluing it will hold it in place in most cases. That's a listening evaluation. A lot of people prefer it. Btw, you'll see no argument from me that blocking is a fine idea for a performer. Seems hard to calibrate the strings vs springs just right though. Many guitarists mistakenly think that blocking a tremolo means to place a small wood block underneath the rear of the tremolo bridge; the opposite is true. Happy customers, one piece of gear at a time! Trem is blocked on the Strats, and Floyds on the Charvels. Even without burrs on the saddles and such, strings break. You can post now and register later. The tone does change by a small amount when you deck the trem. Of course a floating bridge feels completely different to the player. Published: June 2, 2020. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Personally, at home where i can hear minute details, i like the floating trem tone better, so even though i can appreciate the practical aspects of a decked trem i keep my trems floating. What may be subtle and/or unnoticeable to someone just listening, may be very noticeable to the guitarist when playing. Clapton has been blocking his for ages, been doing alright tonewise.. Q: What is “blocking a tremolo” on a guitar? i think the way i've got it set up in the back helps that.