[somewherecheap]

Hi,
Are there any videos that teaches you how to change to higher gauge strings if you have a Floyd Rose Trem?

Thanks,

[BigM555]

Not sure of any videos. But it's not really a big deal. With a change in string gauge your tensions will change and it will require setting the intonation. This seems to intimidate a lot of people but it's really not that bad.

If you don't have the "key" for making this easier (only really applicable to OFR's anyway) it's a bit tougher than a regular bridge but still not that bad.

Put your new strings on. Stretch them, tune them up to pitch and check your trem to make sure it's level. If it's not adjust the spring claw. Tighter to lower the back of the trem. Loser to bring it up.

You'll have to retune to pitch again after adjustments to the claw.

Once you have the bridge sitting parrallel to the body with the guitar tuned to pitch. Make sure the locknut is tightened up (assuming you have one.....if not this "trick" isn't going to work). Check the tuning with a good tuner comparing the harmonic at the 12th fret with the fretted note (some poeople recommend doing this at the 24th fret.....it's a little more accurate).

If the fretted note is higher than the harmonic you will need to move the saddle back (ie; make the string longer). If it's lower you will have to move the saddle forward (make the string shorter). Don't change anything yet. Check all the strings making notes of which saddles have to be moved in what direction and maybe a rough guess as to how much (this will be tough the first time you do it). The more sharp/flat it is the more you have to move it.

Now, with your notes in hand, and the lock nut tightened securely (not too tight!). Flip the guitar over and CAREFULLY pull the springs out of the trem block and the claw. Set them aside. Now flip the guitar back over (be CAREFULL the trem is loose) and you should be able to remove the trem from the body with the strings still attached.

Now, use your notes to adjust the saddles in the appropriate direction. Tighten every thing back up, put the trem in, put the springs back on and tune back to pitch. If you've made any big changes you may have to adjust the spring tension again.

Now go through the process of checking the harmonic and the fretted note again.

Repeat as necessary.

It can take some time but it's not rocket science. It wouldn't be unusual for a first timer to eat up a set of strings going through this process but once you've done it for a given gauge you won't have to do it again until you change gauges.

There is plenty of info on the web on setting up floyds if you need more info.

Good luck.
BigM555

[somewherecheap]

Thanks for the info

[eaeolian]

Originally Posted by BigM555

If you don't have the "key" for making this easier (only really applicable to OFR's anyway) it's a bit tougher than a regular bridge but still not that bad.

There are versions of "The Key" available for OFRs, licensed, and Lo-Pros.

[MJB]

What's "The Key" ??

I just received a OFR Guitar today and setup on a OFR guitar is totaly new to me...

[somewherecheap]

I was looking through some web sites and it said you can block the trem which makes it easier to tune up or down, does blocking the trem damage the guitar?

Thanks,

[BigM555]

Originally Posted by MJB

What's "The Key" ??

The key is a small device that hooks on the back of the bridge and hooks onto the string lock down bolt.

This allows you to loosen the saddle lock screws without taking the strings (or the bridge) off. Makes setting intonation on a Floyd about as easy as a tune-o-matic style bridge.

They don't seem that easy to come by though. Always out of stock. Honestly I don't know why every music store doesn't carry a couple but every one gives the the thousand yard stare when I ask if they have them. I've never seen one cheap enough on line to bother with so I just take the extra time.

eaeolian is correct. I had forgotten that there are tools for Ibanez bridges as well.

http://www.jemsite.com/tech/img/t_eadj1a.jpg

As for blocking the trem, damage is relative to how you do it. If your referring to blocking it just while you set intonation I'd still recommend the method I described earlier. If you're trying to get away without taking the strings or trem off the guitar there is too much risk that something will slip while you work. Resulting in possible injury either to you or the guitar. Up to you.

If your willing to risk it you can place a block of wood/cardboard/picks/etc on the FRONT side of the trem spring block in the trem cavity. Between the trem block and the guitar body (under the springs). This allows you to take strings off without the back of the trem bottoming out on the front of the guitar. You usually still have to pull a trem spring to get it in though and then what's the point?

BigM555

Edit: Sorry, just re-read your post. Blocking the trem from within the trem cavity should not damage your guitar and yes, it will make tuning up or down much easier. You will essentially be turning your guitar into a fixed bridge model. Might as well buy one to begin with. If you have reason to do this often you may want to check out the Tremol-no

[noodles]

In addition to the key, a Tremol-no is another must have item. The ability to lock the bridge in place, so you can adjust everything (including springs) is a huge benefit.