Floyd Rose clamp on a strat

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getuhgrip

getuhgrip

Bring Back Transfat!
How big a hassle would it be to set up a double locking trem on a strat? How would you go about installing a locking nut? I've got a mexican strat and a spare neck I wanted to experiment with. Just got a new set of router bits and I need a project! :D
 
DON"T DO IT!
cutting the nut shelf is real tricky and you can screw up the intonation big time.
This is very much a pro job.I'm a former Charvel/Jackson factory tech and I HATE those locking trems.Neither the Kahler or the Floyd Rose are viable for a live stage guitar.Ever try to change a broken string on stage with these things?Forget about it.
If you have to dive bomb the trem,use all 5 springs and set the bridge flat on the guitar body (not floating).

Tom
 
You don't have to cut the nut shelf. There are locking systems available that lock just behind the nut on the headstock. While the best prevention of sting slippage is by replacing the nut, the above option does work very well.

Also, although you didn't mention a floating bridge, these systems are viable for live use. Just make sure you have one of those things called a "backup."

I agree that a floating bridge can be a pain. Especially when retuning, changing a whole set of strings, or changing the gauge of your strings.

Matt
 
Ooooppss! Too late. Hey, are you supposed to cut the headstock off the neck to install the nut lock? Just kiddin'.
This peice is for recording only. I bought the clamp and nut off Ebay for $20 thinking I'd modify (destroy) this ugly cream (yellow) colored mexican. I was wanting to be able to pull as well as dive bomb. Thought I'd try painting this thing while I was at it.
But if you think it'll just wind up in a corner of the garage with the radio controlled submarine I tried to put wings and wheels on, then I'll hold off.
So who's got a DK3 for sale cheap? :D
 
I was at a jam one night ,playing a borrowed mex strat set up to float the bridge.I broke a string and the floating bridge redistributed the force among the remaining strings.Some went up and some went down.I was screwed.
The next day,I set the tremolo on my own strat flat on the body.I have since broken strings gigging (usually on a bend) but at least you can usually finish the song.I also carry two guitars.One time I had strings break on BOTH guitars in one song!Luckily it was right before break time so I had time to restring.
Maybe it is the sheer hassle value of locking trems that turns me off so bad.Plus I never dive bomb so the "advantages" are lost on me.
Getuhgrip,if its all an exercise on spare parts,go for it.But do be extra carefull placing the headstock clamp.

Tom
 
I just purchased a Strat with a stock Kahler (~ '86). I bought it DESPITE the Kahler floater. I don't like whammy bars and would prefer a hardtail - I'll be happy if it simply doesn't get in the way - if it does, I'll get it "fixed". I haven't played live in ages, but if I do I'd be using LP primarily - therefore no issue with broken strings.

Tom, I know what you mean about screwing with the nut. When I was younger and dumbER I filed down the string slots on the nut of a cheapy guitar (I can't remember the "rationale"). Good-bye intonation.
 
I hear ya, Tom. I can afford to be without this guitar, but there's no sense in destroying viable stuff for the sake of a project that doesn't even earn a merit badge! I might let one of the locals do the routing. After I paint it I'll let them set up the bridge and neck.
There must be something around the house I can use this router on.
Oh.... honey!
 
RE: Having locals do the routing

Be careful. There are a lot of self-proclaimed experts out there.

For example, I recently picked up a used ESP M-III with a floating Floyd bridge at a local shop. In the process, I asked the shop guy about the best guitar tech in the area. After mentioning an independent tech, the guy also mentioned that their tech is excellent.

While discussing the tech, I started checking the setup of the ESP. It turned out the tech had adjusted the tension on the _floating_ bridge to the point where the bridge was abutting the body. Therefore the bridge was no longer floating. Such a setup creates numerous problems, including at least:

1) The micro tuning pegs press against the body, thus adverseley affecting the entire tuning of the guitar when one string is adjusted.

2) The bridge is at an improper angle, thus creating intonation problems.

3) The bridge is at an improper height, thus creating dead spots on the neck.

I had to personally extensively adjust the bridge height, bridge angle, and spring tension before I was happy with the setup and willing to purchase the guitar.

Point being, if you do enough research and are confident in your abilities, you might do a better job than the local tech. Of course, since this is your first experience with such a setup, you may also damage the guitar. Your decision on how to approach this situation may depend on your willingness to damage the guitar and chalk it up to education and experience.

Be that as it may, this isn't nuclear engineering, it's guitar teching. Most competent people with a little education should be able to build and/or modify a guitar without damaging it.


Matt
 
Hey Matt...

Sounds like a nightmare, man. I think I'll wait until the kid next-door gets his new Cortostrato-wannabeasurfbumrockorama!
I'll be his Expert Tech ! :p
 
Re: Hey Matt...

getuhgrip said:
Sounds like a nightmare, man. I think I'll wait until the kid next-door gets his new Cortostrato-wannabeasurfbumrockorama!
I'll be his Expert Tech ! :p
Click to expand...

While you're at it, come on up to M'waukee and get a job replacing the tech at the shop. ;)
 
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