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Doofy · Jul 20, 2005, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Zimphire

Creeping, a better place to get more answers than just us two would be...

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/index.php?s=

Also, might be worth checking the forums at:

http://www.jemsite.com
http://www.vai.com

Some good people there.

CreepingDeth · Jul 20, 2005, 10:48 AM

Damn…this is gonna cost me at least $375…I need a job. Oh, well. I just bought a few CD's, like Speed Metal Symphony by Cacophony, Passion And Warfare by Steve Vai, Crystal Planet and Live In SF by Satch, and I finally got a good copy of Rising Force, which explains by change of heart.

Doofy · Jul 20, 2005, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

Damn…this is gonna cost me at least $375…

Breakdown of item cost please?

Doofy · Jul 20, 2005, 10:56 AM

Oh, and by the way Deth... ...you know that a lot of your sound is in your fingers, right? There's only so much a pickup change can do.

Zimphire · Jul 20, 2005, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

Oh, and by the way Deth... ...you know that a lot of your sound is in your fingers, right? There's only so much a pickup change can do.

Yeah.. you got to get teh fingers to work.

CreepingDeth · Jul 20, 2005, 10:59 AM

Um, roughly $60 a pop for the pickups, plus the service fees. Yes, I know that. [Not good at barring low on the neck. Hard to play Dazed & Confused. Gotta work on that]

So, is this like Zimph's little bit with his Kevin account? Gonna revert soon?

Zimphire · Jul 20, 2005, 11:00 AM

The Kevin account was banned. I was told to use this one instead.

I just asked for it back

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...20#post2616120

Doofy · Jul 20, 2005, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

Um, roughly $60 a pop for the pickups, plus the service fees.

Service fees? I don't understand.

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

Yes, I know that. [Not good at barring low on the neck. Hard to play Dazed & Confused. Gotta work on that]

Thing to do is to not try to play like other people. You'll undoubtedly have some physical deficiencies unless you're got alien hands like Via has. Work around your problems, create inventive solutions for them - this is the way to create your own style.

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

So, is this like Zimph's little bit with his Kevin account? Gonna revert soon?

Narh. The Sherwin account was so that folks I knew from years ago before the web began would be able to find me (as that used to be my nic way back). They've all found me now, so there's no longer any need to keep it.

CreepingDeth · Jul 20, 2005, 11:10 AM

Um, I think practicing bar chords is sorta the solution. I'd kill to have Vai's hands.

By service fees, I mean what it would cost to have someone install all 3 pickups and wire them correctly.

Doofy · Jul 20, 2005, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

By service fees, I mean what it would cost to have someone install all 3 pickups and wire them correctly.

Do it yerself. There's plenty of diagrams on the 'net and there's nothing like doing it yourself in order to get intimate with your instrument.

Zimphire · Jul 20, 2005, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

Do it yerself. There's plenty of diagrams on the 'net and there's nothing like doing it yourself in order to get intimate with your instrument.

That could be taken way out of context.

CreepingDeth · Jul 20, 2005, 11:19 AM

Naw, if someone else screws it up, I can blame them.

Doofy · Jul 20, 2005, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Zimphire

That could be taken way out of context.

CreepingDeth · Jul 21, 2005, 11:16 PM

Dude, serious problem here.

Okay, I got some guitar polish and decided to spend a few hours cleaning the hardware. Well, I'm breaking down the tremolo bridge and I have a problem. I already took the saddles off, so it's just a flat plate now.I unscrew the three screws and unscrew one too much. When I try to put the plate back flush with the strat, I get no bite. So I look in and see that the little block below the bridge (where the strings come through) is lower. I take off the back plate and it's way off. After and hour of fiddling, I get it back so it can get the screws in (I even had to put the strings back on). So I'm using a tuner and I notice that it won't stay in tune. I look and see that the bridge isn't flush with the Strat. I had a similar problem when I put the bridge back on to begin with, so I just loosened up the screws that keep the opposite side of the plate down. When I get it in tune, it causes the back end of the bridge plate (farthest from the neck) to rise up. This can't be good for me or the Strat. Remember, I practically had to put the whole bridge back together. What can I do about this? And please, some advice quick. I got practice with the stoners tomorrow afternoon and I'd like to show off my shiny, polished Strat.

And one other thing…one of the saddles has a screw leg higher than the other. Aesthetically, it looks bad. Do I file it down just a little?

EdGein · Jul 21, 2005, 11:18 PM

If it's not flush, you have to keep messing with the spring adjustment and the tuning till it does get flush.

Doofy · Jul 21, 2005, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

I look and see that the bridge isn't flush with the Strat. I had a similar problem when I put the bridge back on to begin with, so I just loosened up the screws that keep the opposite side of the plate down. When I get it in tune, it causes the back end of the bridge plate (farthest from the neck) to rise up. This can't be good for me or the Strat. Remember, I practically had to put the whole bridge back together. What can I do about this??

Take it to a dealer and get it sorted.
At first guess I'd have thought it was something to do with your spring tension but on second thoughts I think you've probably reassembled the bridge wrong. Ain't no cure for that except having someone who knows what they're doing look at it.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 08:29 AM

The rise isn't drastic on the bridge. It's just a millimeter or two, at most. I've never noticed it before.

I specifically moved down the block so it would be 100% flush. The first time I tried this, the block was way to high, so I took off the springs after memorizing their locations. I put it back on after a long struggle, I get the bastard on. It's mostly flush with a small amount (<1 mm) is rising up. I put some slack in two screws in the middle and it goes back to flush. After some time trying to tune, the stress of the strings causes it to rise.

I've never seen my bridge rise up before. There has to be a place around here where you can get info on bridge assembly. Second opinion, anyone?

Damn…this is gonna cost me.

Doofy · Jul 22, 2005, 08:40 AM

You haven't even told us what kind of bridge it is yet. 6-point vintage or 2-point floating?.

2-point:

6-point:

IIRC, you can't make a 2-point flush.

Try tightening the screws holding the springs into the body. Take it a quarter turn at a time. Remember that the spring are there to balance the string tension - too loose on the springs and the bridge will angle forwards, too tight on the springs and it'll angle back. This is kinda difficult without my being there.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

2-point:

6-point:

IIRC, you can't make a 2-point flush.

Try tightening the screws holding the springs into the body. Take it a quarter turn at a time. Remember that the spring are there to balance the string tension - too loose on the springs and the bridge will angle forwards, too tight on the springs and it'll angle back. This is kinda difficult without my being there.

I believe it's vintage. All I can recognize are the saddles on the two point. But I've never seen it rise up…ever. How much should it rise up?

Tightening of those screws is going to be a bitch.

Doofy · Jul 22, 2005, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

I believe it's vintage. All I can recognize are the saddles on the two point. But I've never seen it rise up…ever. How much should it rise up?

Bear in mind I haven't touched a proper Strat trem bridge in 15+ years (I'm on Floyds and hardtails).

IIRC, the 6-point should have about 3mm play between the top of the 6 screws and the bridge plate. Then set it so it's parallel to the body.

I believe the last 6-point I had I simply screwed the 6 screws into the body as far as they went (and tightened the springs), essentially converting it into a hardtail.

Seriously, I ain't that hot when it comes to Strat trems and I'm only guessing at where you're at. Maybe it'd be better to go jump on a Fender forum?

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

Tightening of those screws is going to be a bitch.

Yeah. That's how it's done though.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

Bear in mind I haven't touched a proper Strat trem bridge in 15+ years (I'm on Floyds and hardtails).

IIRC, the 6-point should have about 3mm play between the top of the 6 screws and the bridge plate. Then set it so it's parallel to the body.

I believe the last 6-point I had I simply screwed the 6 screws into the body as far as they went (and tightened the springs), essentially converting it into a hardtail.

Seriously, I ain't that hot when it comes to Strat trems and I'm only guessing at where you're at. Maybe it'd be better to go jump on a Fender forum?

Hold up…let's me a letter picture.

[Font=Times New Roman]Vintage Trem Bridge[/Font]

Screws [the '^' thing below]
^________________
------------^^ This part is coming up

The neck is left of the bridge looking at it. The bottom of the guitar body is on the right. The part on the right of that 'picture' is coming up 1-2 mm's.

BTW, I don't have a trem bar.

Doofy · Jul 22, 2005, 09:25 AM

What's causing the rear of the bridge to come up is a lack of tension of the springs. Tighten those screws on the spring holder in the rear cavity.

As you don't have a trem arm, I guess you're trying to turn it into a hardtail.
Simply tighten those 6 screws so the front of the bridge is flat to the body. Then tighten the rear springs until the whole assembly sits flat - you might have to re-tighten once your strings are up to tension or you go up a string size. That's what I did last time I had a 6-point vintage.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

How far you got those six screws sticking out?
What are you trying to achieve? A non-trem set-up?

Whatever your answers, what's causing the rear of the bridge to come up is a lack of tension of the springs. Tighten those screws on the spring holder in the rear cavity.

Well, maybe a mm or two, but I can't see it since the back end is moving the front of the plate up so they look flush, but I know they're not totally tight.

I'm just trying to get it flush. When I tune it, the rear of the bridge comes up 5 mm's.

Doofy · Jul 22, 2005, 09:34 AM

Yeah, Tighten the 6 as far as they'll go then tighten those two large spring screws in the rear cavity. That'll do ya.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 09:37 AM

Sure this won't put more than necessary stress on the body?

I'm still not liking tightening those screws. I mean, I'm not a weight lifter…three springs holding a few ounce block and a bridge with ridiculous tension…

Will this affect the trem system, if I ever get a bar?

And how do you get a trem bar out? And how is a Floyd Rose different?

EdGein · Jul 22, 2005, 09:42 AM

There should be tons of "How to set up Strats" on the web.

I am not that great of a teacher, but If I was there.....

I set my strat up and it plays fine. My PRSs bridge is almost JUST like it.

Cept I have the PRS bridge floating a bit above the body so I can pull up on it (It comes like that from the factory)

It never goes out of tune either. No locking nut...

I never minded a locking trem however. Especially the ibanez ones.. I loved those.

I wouldn't mind having another Ibanez Saber one of these days.

And trem bars are all different Creeping.

Some screw in, some pop in.

Mine just slides in.

Doofy · Jul 22, 2005, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

Sure this won't put more than necessary stress on the body?

Nope.

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

I'm still not liking tightening those screws. I mean, I'm not a weight lifter…three springs holding a few ounce block and a bridge with ridiculous tension…

That's what those screws are there for.

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

Will this affect the trem system, if I ever get a bar?

Yes. But not permanently - you'll just have to reset it some.

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

And how do you get a trem bar out?

?

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

And how is a Floyd Rose different?

A Floyd is a 2-point system which is fully floating. Essentially the strings and spring balance the trem on two "knife-edge" posts. Take the string and springs off a Floyd and it'll just fall off, as the tensions from these are the only things keeping it in place.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 09:50 AM

And why is that better? I don't get it…does it do something novel?

MorningStar · Jul 22, 2005, 09:52 AM

There should be tons of "How to set up Strats" on the web.

I am not that great of a teacher, but If I was there.....

I set my strat up and it plays fine. My PRSs bridge is almost JUST like it.

Cept I have the PRS bridge floating a bit above the body so I can pull up on it (It comes like that from the factory)

It never goes out of tune either. No locking nut...

I never minded a locking trem however. Especially the ibanez ones.. I loved those.

I wouldn't mind having another Ibanez Saber one of these days.

And trem bars are all different Creeping.

Some screw in, some pop in.

Mine just slides in.

Doofy · Jul 22, 2005, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

And why is that better? I don't get it…does it do something novel?

Well... I haven't had to tune up for about six months.

And you can do all sorts of odd things with them which you can't do with a Strat bridge. Have a listen to "For The Love Of God" on your recently purchased "Passion And Warfare". Hear those warbles about half-way through? You can only do those on a Floyd.

MorningStar · Jul 22, 2005, 10:00 AM

Doofy you can do it with any bridge that is floating off the body. And 6 months? Come on...

I've never seen a guitar stay in tune for that long.

Doofy · Jul 22, 2005, 10:07 AM

[QUOTE=MorningStar]Doofy you can do it with any bridge that is floating off the body.

You can? To that extent?

Originally Posted by MorningStar

And 6 months? Come on...

I've never seen a guitar stay in tune for that long.

Yep. Seriously.
I have a real light touch and don't sweat any through the fingers though.

Heh. You wanna see those Steinberger S-trems. Guy had a bus accidentally run over his GR... ...he's expecting all kinds of damage and panicking and stuff. When he picked it up it wasn't even out of tune.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 10:26 AM

For The Love of God…one of the best solos ever…one of the greatest instrumentals…ever.

Well, after some intimacy with my guitar…uh…well, I gave those two screws at least 2 full turns and started tightening it and it still rises a bit. I figure I still have 3 full turns left on those screws.

MorningStar · Jul 22, 2005, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

For The Love of God…one of the best solos ever…one of the greatest instrumentals…ever.
.

I guess for a VanHalen rip off

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 10:29 AM

Oh **** you.

EVH got old and boring. They went down hill after their first album. Anyone who shreds isn't a EVH rip off.

MorningStar · Jul 22, 2005, 10:30 AM

No but that was very "Hot for Teacher" like.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 10:36 AM

I don't care for anything off of 1984.

Doofy · Jul 22, 2005, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by MorningStar

No but that was very "Hot for Teacher" like.

No it wasn't. I think maybe you're confusing "For The Love Of God" with "The Audience Is Listening"?

MorningStar · Jul 22, 2005, 10:47 AM

Maybe you are right.
Correct.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 10:51 AM

…yeah…Doofy's right. 'The Audience Is Listening' is a humorous little **** rock bit. 'For The Love Of God'…is, well…go listen to it.

Doofy, so what about that bridge? Should I screw it in all the way? It still has a 1mm rise when the strings are not tightened. I haven't even got them in tune. And I loosened up the saddles and that sorta helped.

HawgJawl · Jul 22, 2005, 11:28 AM

Yeah I got the two songs mixed up.

Doofy · Jul 22, 2005, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by CreepingDeth

Doofy, so what about that bridge? Should I screw it in all the way? It still has a 1mm rise when the strings are not tightened. I haven't even got them in tune. And I loosened up the saddles and that sorta helped.

At this point I'm lost. Mucho co-codamol in system.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 12:19 PM

What the hell does that mean?

HawgJawl · Jul 22, 2005, 12:24 PM

http://www.fender.com/support/setup/stratsetup.php

Doofy · Jul 22, 2005, 12:25 PM

It means that until I went and saw the doc about a half hour ago I felt like sawing my own jaw off. Now he's given me something for the pain (Co-Codamol) I'm sorta not able to concentrate (but no longer got the pain. Yay!). I'm currently in no fit state to give you non-damaging bridge tuition.

Sorry dude. Maybe I'll have a go later when I regain mental faculty.

HawgJawl · Jul 22, 2005, 12:32 PM

Got the opiate dizzies?

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 12:33 PM

Uh…I don't use the tremolo at all…so that's not really important unless I want to play 'Riviera Paradise' or 'In The Evening.' It appears that Fender has a 3.2 mm gap between the back of the bridge and the body…but I never remember a gap there.

Since I don't use the tremolo, should I tighten the springs (with the two screws) or just leave it alone?

HawgJawl · Jul 22, 2005, 12:36 PM

You have to use a trem man! Or else you wont be able to "woo" girls by playing "Wicked Game"

I tell ya man, instant panty remover.

CreepingDeth · Jul 22, 2005, 12:40 PM

Who's version? Tell me not H.I.M.'s.

It's the being an ugly shut-in part that kills it.

But should I tighten in more, and how will that affect the trem? I just don't like having a bridge that's at a 10º angle.

HawgJawl · Jul 22, 2005, 12:41 PM

I am talking about that Chris Isaac song.