How to Change Strings on a Floyd Rose Guitar Bridge
Ah, the Floyd Rose guitar bridge. Arguably one of the most iconic and beloved guitar bridges in existence. It’s the bridge of choice for many professional guitarists, and it’s not hard to see why. The unparalleled tuning stability and the ability to do crazy dive bombs and squeals make it a must-have for anyone looking to shred. But with great power comes great responsibility. Changing strings on a Floyd Rose bridge can be a daunting task for the uninitiated. Fear not, dear reader, for in this blog post, we will be walking you through the process step by step.
Before we get started, let’s talk a bit about why the Floyd Rose bridge is such a pain to restring. The key here is the floating bridge design. Unlike a traditional fixed bridge, the Floyd Rose bridge is held in place by tension from the strings. This creates a very delicate balance between the tension from the strings, the tension from the springs in the back of the guitar, and the position of the bridge. Change one thing, and you upset the whole apple cart. So, the trick to successfully changing strings on a Floyd Rose bridge is to maintain that delicate balance.
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. Here are the steps you need to follow to change strings on a Floyd Rose bridge:
Step 1: Loosen the locking nut
The locking nut is located at the top of the guitar’s headstock. It serves to lock the strings in place and keep them from slipping out of tune. To loosen the locking nut, use a 3mm Allen wrench to turn the screws counterclockwise. Be sure to loosen each screw a few turns at a time to avoid damaging the nut or the screws.
Step 2: Release the tension on the strings
To release the tension on the strings, use a 1.5mm Allen wrench to loosen the string lock screws on the bridge saddles. Be sure to loosen each screw a few turns at a time to avoid damaging the saddle or the screw.
Step 3: Remove the old strings
Once you’ve released the tension on the strings, you can safely remove them from the guitar. Simply unwind the string from the tuning machine on the headstock. Be sure to remember which string goes in which position, as they are not interchangeable.
Step 4: Clean the fretboard and bridge
While you have the strings off, this is a great time to clean the fretboard and the bridge. Use a soft cloth and some guitar polish to clean any dirt or grime off the fretboard, and use a toothbrush and some rubbing alcohol to clean the bridge and the saddles.
Step 5: Install the new strings
Now it’s time to install the new strings. Take the first string and thread it through the bridge saddle. Use your fingers to pull the string tight and then lock it in place with the string lock screw. Repeat this process for each string until all six strings are in place.
Pro tip: Before locking in the strings, use a pencil to lubricate the contact points between the saddle and the string. This will help the strings return to their original position after using the vibrato.
Step 6: Tune the guitar
With all six strings in place, it’s time to tune the guitar. Start by tuning the low E string to pitch. Then, move to the A string and tune it to pitch. Continue this process, alternating between the low E and A strings until all six strings are in tune. Keep in mind that the bridge will move slightly as you tune the guitar, so you may need to retune a few times to get it perfect.
Step 7: Lock the strings in place
Once all the strings are in tune, it’s time to lock them in place. Use your 1.5mm Allen wrench to tighten the string lock screws on each bridge saddle. Be sure to tighten each screw a few turns at a time to avoid damaging the saddle or the screw.
Step 8: Tighten the locking nut
Now that the strings are locked in place, it’s time to tighten the locking nut. Use your 3mm Allen wrench to tighten the screws on the locking nut. Be sure to tighten each screw a few turns at a time to avoid damaging the nut or the screws.
Step 9: Fine-tune the guitar
With the strings locked in place and the locking nut tightened, it’s time to fine-tune the guitar. Use the fine-tuners on the bridge to make any necessary adjustments. Remember that the Floyd Rose bridge is very sensitive, so small adjustments can make a big difference.
Congratulations! You have successfully changed strings on a Floyd Rose guitar bridge. Give yourself a pat on the back and get ready to shred like a pro.
In conclusion, changing strings on a Floyd Rose bridge can be a bit intimidating, but with a little patience and practice, anyone can do it. The key is to maintain that delicate balance between the tension from the strings, the tension from the springs, and the position of the bridge. Follow the steps outlined in this blog post, and you’ll be changing strings on your Floyd Rose bridge like a pro in no time. Happy shredding!
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