Setting up a 6 screw trem?

robgilmo

Any tips?

Fuengi

I've been researching this all week but not done it yet as the finish isn't dry.

Fender standard spec - Leave the screws 1.6mm from the top except for the two either end. That way the tremolo will pivot on the two end screws with the other four for support.

Are you floating or will it be hard against the top?

Flanging_Fred

This is quite good.

ICBM

The bridge will pivot on all six screws regardless of the head height if they're aligned correctly.

The critical thing is to make sure the bridge will rest fully flat against the body, without being forced up at the back edge or allowed to slip up at the front. This is the same whether you want it flat or floating.

Personally I prefer to set all six screws the same so this is achieved.

richardhomer

ICBM said:

The critical thing is to make sure the bridge will rest fully flat against the body, without being forced up at the back edge or allowed to slip up at the front. This is the same whether you want it flat or floating.

The way to accomplish this is to remove the strings and springs and lie the guitar on a flat surface. Tighten each of the six screws in turn, until the rear of the bridge slightly lifts off the body, then back off just enough for it lie flat again.

There is no reason why the middle four screws need to be set higher than the outer two.

Fuengi

This is from the Fender pdf on how to setup a Stratocaster;

First, remove the tremolo back cover. Check your tuning. For a vintage-style tremolo bridge, a great way to enhance its performance is to pull the bridge back flush with the body using the tremolo arm. Then loosen all six screws located at the front edge of the bridge plate, raising them so that they all measure approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) above the top of the bridge plate. Then tighten the two outside screws back down until they're flush with the top of the bridge plate. The bridge will now pivot on the outside screws, leaving the four inside screws in place for bridge stability. For a two-pivot model such as the American Series bridge, use your tremolo arm to pull the bridge back flush with the body and adjust the two pivot screws to the point where the tremolo plate sits entirely flush at the body (not lifted at the front or back of the plate).

Fuengi

Linky

https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/articles/212774786-How-do-I-set-up-my-Stratocaster-guitar-properly-

prowla

Don't over-tighten the 6 screws.

duotone

prowla said:

Don't over-tighten the 6 screws.

Use a handheld screwdrive so you can feel the tightness, don’t go at it with a cordless drill.