To Float, Or Not To Float, Strats The Question - Ask Zac 177

[@fivewattworld]

The Tele guy on Strats! I love it. Beautiful guitar btw.

[@AskZac]

Thank you, Keith

[@cadams1607]

After 25 years of being decked I decided to give floating a go. After a quarter century of playing and mucking around with guitars you learn where the tuning instabilities really come from. I will never go back as i love the shimmer of the floating bridge. Bend double stops are not as negatively affected as i was lead to believe

[@AskZac]

Rock on!

[@magnushedqvist2245]

I used to have it floated. Always stayed in tune. Now however I have all my strats set flush to the body and 5 springs. I think it sounds better and you don't have to worry about going out of tune if you break a string midsong. Love your show 👍😀

[@adiaz1182]

Can you still use the whammy bar?

[@brazilgrass]

I've been USING my tremolo decked for decades. with no issues. Well installed strings, well shaped and lubed nut and that's it.

[@StephenSpelman]

After decades of playing my '68 hardtail, when I got my Custom Shop '59 Strat, I wound up taking out the springs altogether and blocking the bridge with a plastic bag full of quarters. Works and sounds great

[@allenmitchell09]

I thought I wanted a strat until I finally played one a couple of weeks ago at GC. I had all these ideas for using the trem bar. I have some physical limitations and wasn’t able to use it like I was thinking. Back to my tele!

[@wt42ds]

I decked my strat a few years ago and never looked back but after watching this I’m considering floating it. Like many others I experienced tuning issues which is why I decked it. I purchased the book you recommended! Can’t wait to implement the tips into my routine. As always, I greatly appreciate your videos!

[@johnw4659]

Thanks, Zac. Lots of good information for us Stratocaster players that I hadn't heard before. Well done.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I’ve been saving this one for a few days and I love Strats so get ready for a big long comment! Also! The Cloud City reference is indicative of why I’m subscribed!

[@Les537]

You can swap out tuners for those staggered fender tuners that have lower poles on the thin strings and it will allow you to bypass the string tree for one less friction point.

[@ACOUSTITRON-mp6tc]

Eric Johnson Strat…

[@DonaldSchmider-pq3xr]

I have 3 strats ,all set up to float and I string all my fenders with 9s and they all work great .They all have the 2; point trem ,but I don't know if that makes a difference.

[@Guitar5986]

I'm not really a strat guy but I have to say...that is one beautiful guitar! The back especially is just lovely

[@CosmicNed]

Always float my Strats- i’ve found setting the spring tension so that hitting the 7th fret harmonic on the G string and pulling up on the trem so it’s raises pitch a whole tone seems to work well for tuning stability…

[@gerardange]

I have been floating my Strat for 13 years… Scott Henderson taught me some good tricks! oval out your 6 screw holes…so there is no binding with rough tight edges!!! Very important!!!! I also only use 3 springs… and also added some foam to deaden to verb effect in the springs! I additionally I upgraded the Saddles first to “ Roller Saddles”… but those failed after a year 😕and after that I went to a composite Graph Tech saddle for the last 9 years. 👍👍👍!!! With the float setup correctly 90 % of the time it stays in tune but if it goes a bit out just pluck the vibrato bar a few times and it magically comes all back in tune!!!! The only issue is that intonation on a Full-float… is The#6 Low E saddle and the #3 G saddle I had to remove 1/8 “ from the rear of both saddles with a file and also cut the spring 50% in both Saddles to get my intonation on those strings. I am using 10-46 Maxima Gold strings with the string tree removed and a bone nut. I did buy a Roller-Nut but never installed it… because that is a lot of serous cutting to the neck that could ruin the neck permanently… so it seems to all work perfectly with the bone nut no issues!!!! Cheers Gerard

[@billkallas1762]

I always deck the bridge. I would have preferred a hardtail.

[@macauley70]

with hardtail loses the subtle and carateristic natural reverb of springs cavity

[@bryancollins6796]

I've got one set up to float and a second not to. 3 Springs on the active trem. Works well with 9 - 46 strings. Never more than 2 winds on the E and A posts. Use a bit of lub on the nut and you're good.

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

Great episode. For viewers who don't want to buy low tension springs, I recommend the three spring triangle method. One down the middle and the other two at each far end of the bridge narrowing to the three center clips on the law. I float for a whole step up on the G and a half step on the B and E. This allows some cool suspension steel tricks on the G and B or the G and E.

[@AskZac]

Great tip!

[@nazmoking3171]

I have you do not want to run the springs diagonal like that on the 2 outer springs. Basically you render your center spring useless when you do that. Instead run all your springs parallel for even tension. The softer springs run about $20/set. Spend the money and be happy with your tremolo (try them and you'll see).

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

I have been running them like that for 30 years and it works great for me.@@nazmoking3171

[@timnatrajan]

I float my strats. I use 9.5 - 44 strings too, but only use 3 springs. No problem with returning to pitch with the trem set up correctly and the nut lubricated.

[@JasonSD22]

My first strat, and guitar, was the same, a 1987 MIJ Squier with the System 1 tremolo, with the locking part on the headstock. I still have it.

[@paulwalter7294]

I deck/block it and use it with a trem. Works just fine. It is so much personal preference

[@bobhewitt5047]

Such a great common sense video Zac … I adopted the same approach 40 years ago - never had a problem with a ‘low float’ … just right for a Strat. Raw Vintage springs too👍🏻 They make a difference.

[@kylecravens6501]

I had been a decked player for a long time but bought a Strat that was owned by Mike Landau. Floating. Now I get it! I feel like I missed the whole vibe of Strats for years. So yes to floating

[@KeithMcConchie]

Used to deck 'em, now I float 'em. I don't use the tremolo often, but they almost never slip out of tune, even if I do.

[@dahag2996]

I'm more a Tele guy and have always had trouble on my Strat with unison bends going out of tune. Mostly just like the Strat neck PUP. So I de-Stratted my Strat by blocking the trem, pulling the middle PUP. Popping a strat-sized Broadcaster PUP (metal baseplate and all) in the bridge position and wired it with 4-way Tele wiring. It doesn't sound exactly like a Tele or Strat. But its a fun guitar with some interesting tones not found in a standard Tele or Strat. But my Tele is still my No. 1.

[@george6520]

I have 2 Strats…one standard tuning…one in E flat…both stung with 10’s. Both are floating and are setup like Jeff Beck…pulling up on the trem gives you a full tone on the high E. With a nut cut properly and some graphite in the slots they stay in tune really well. I’m certainly no Jeff Beck but this system works well for me. Also replaced the Fender string tree with an aftermarket roller type that I put a tiny amount of Vaseline on. After a big pull up or dive just smack the whammy bar again and it comes right back.

[@williamwagnon2809]

Great episode. Thanks for your knowledge on traditional trems.

[@ryanenlow2687]

Zac is a fantastic influencer and ambassador for our wonderful pastime... all solid and usable advice.

[@AskZac]

I appreciate that!

[@ryanenlow2687]

KEEP ON DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING MAN!!!@@AskZac

[@cuellar23]

That is one gorgeous Strat, sir.

[@jaymichaels5187]

I block the trem with a piece of wood. The trem adds a certain good resonant sound that you do not get with a hardtail.

[@handle433]

This is why Clapton never went hardtail on his main Stratocaster, despite always blocking the trem!

[@Moonviewer3]

I use 9s floating and hardly ever have to tune. Tinkered a lot and ended up with brass saddles, 4 “raw vintage” low tension springs, bone nut, and staggered tuners. I also have a more severe float. I don’t know if I just got lucky or what but 9s work great! I also noticed you can tighten the claw angled one way or the other slightly and it changes the tone a tiny bit on the high vs low strings by tensioning one side vs the other slightly.

[@diegomendivil7101]

I float , tuning is incredibly stable and even after a big bend a small pull or tug on the arms brings it right back. For a hardtail sound I have a Tele,.

[@murrayguitarpickups9545]

I do the same, Strats are for floatin' Teles have the hardtail option covered

[@chrislestermusic]

Vegatrems are pretty amazing and non invasive.

[@StevenPD]

Great post. The fact a strat can do both speaks to its versatility. Great if you’re on a budget. If I could afford to I’d go with a Malmsteen strat and a mason tele. That’s just me.

[@TRWilley]

Mechanical pencils are good for adding graphite to the nut slots. Another option is Carmex lip balm and a toothpick to apply.

[@sammccue500]

A tube of locksmith's powdered graphite and all five springs, locking tuners and no string winds.¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@TRWilley]

@@sammccue500 I've also combined the powered graphite with Vaseline to make it easier to apply - it ain't pretty, but it seemed to work. Nice thing about mechanical pencils is the lead is skinny enough to fit even in the high E nut slot.

[@mattrogers1946]

I know exactly what you're talking about. My 80s Japanese Strat had a System One tremolo, too. 😅😅

[@Darrick-o3o]

Hello, thanks for the tutorial. Be aware that a Stratocaster scale length shortens a fraction when the tremolo goes forward, and your string action raises higher also, so keep in mind you should be lowering your action after floating...I'm okay with this since in standard tuning (440) the 25.50 scale length can make the tension pretty tight to the fingers if you bend notes. Either Decked or floating has its advantages, having 2 different stratocaster guitars each set up differently be ideal. All of us should also know when using 3 springs they should be straight NOT in a pyramid or pointed configuration...if they are parallel the tension is even making tuning much more stable.

[@curtevans838]

Nice Strat!

[@BlackMarketYoga]

I deck and use the bar but, only lightly or at the end of a song when I know I have a moment to hit a tuner. Also use 10s and pencil led. Thank you cool episode! As always...

[@THEItchybruddah]

Thanks for the tip on the Xotic springs. Currently a floater with 3 springs… seems to behave very well. Mind you, I’m only going for the shimmer/wobble thing on the Fenders. As ALWAYS, thanks for the time you share and the insights. Much obliged Maestro.

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@timnewman1172]

My first real Strat was a Korean Squier II with a brass bridge but missing the trem arm... I took it in to get set up and we "decked" the bridge which I prefer to this day... the combination of the heavy bridge and tension on the springs makes it sustain in a way I like. It taught me to love Fenders and is still one of the best playing guitars I own!

[@CarlosToro-Torres]

Definitely to float; I actually have a Fender Stratocaster style Starcaster guitar that initially belonged to 1 of my nephews until December 25th, 2013 when he handed it to me as a Christmas present: it’s a HSS with a floating tremolo bar, just as Mr Leo Fender himself intended it to be played & used 💝 🎁 🤶 🎅 🎄 🎸 💯 👍

[@Darrick-o3o]

EVH had a fender trem on the black and white striped strat with 3 springs.

[@bensempek]

Off topic...my wang bar broke and it was a freak accident...the screw heads at the tip of the bar snapped inside the hole where it winds in ..on this model from here on out I have locked it down like Robert Cray. Otherwise all other Strats float as need be....and thank you for your advice!

[@bensempek]

This happened to me too. So just decided to lock it down for good. I got used to it. Later I bought another standard with a wang bar to compensate, etc.

[@FlyJohnny100]

This is great...Strat is my main guitar; I bend hard and constantly, had trouble with floating whammy, but never been happy with blocked whammy. Been doing more twangy stuff lately and planning on unblocking to use the bar, and getting a Tele for non-whammy material...a ton of relevant stuff I've wondered about here, like string gauge (I typically use 10 E). Thanks, Zac!!

[@TommySG1]

Hi ya Zac, I totally agree with your thinking on the Strat set ups. I have three of them here and they all float, I set the bridge height to like 1/8th on an inch although I never actually measure… after a while you just know by eye 🤙

[@ILIAD9]

Wow. Just what I needed. I just put on a new Babicz Trem on my Strat and am having a terrible time with the set up. not the product which is incredible but the tech(me) who needs some schooling.

[@nazmoking3171]

Float it or don't buy a strat! I learned several years ago how to float them effectively on KZbin and now I don't much care for guitars without a trem - makes a huge difference!

[@scottyeager539]

I have decked mine for years with three springs. And, I still use the arm to drop pitch. Any issue with doing this? I didn't hear this option mentioned in your video. Thanks, as always.

[@jltrem]

Zac, have you tried the Carl Verheyen angled claw setup? It's what worked best on the strat I have floating.

[@clarkrichardson949]

Thanks for mentioning this! I also have had great success with the Carl Verheyen angled claw method! No tuning problems!

[@hiddenguitarlessonstutoria8085]

Me too 😁😁

[@AskZac]

I need to check it out again. I can’t remember

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Floating trem introduces so many issues. I prefer a dive only, but I will keep one floating floyd

[@TheTurkey79]

I think i need to pick up a copy of that book, i keep finding myself playing the same things over and over... B) Thanks for the info Zac!

[@GoldtopDude]

Great video, I have always floated my stats, much like you, just a little pullback However, I have in some cases added Vintage style, locking gears to reduce backlash Which, of course just a little quick tug can take care of that many times as well Thanks again,

[@sergemoreillon1236]

Great learning smiling! Top ! Thank you Zac !

[@EricJohnson-iv7ne]

Locking tuners and a really good bridge help too. For me, a Wilkinson bridge made a huge difference.

[@stratjed]

Have a 57 that I tighten the claw down and don't put the bar on. Have a 1997 Strat Plus set up like Jeff Beck. Its stable as a Floyd. Have others decked but leave the bar on and use minimally. Really, try to seldom use it and try to play like me and avoid all the cliches that go with a Stratocaster. Thank you for a Stratocaster video today . Was a rough day at work and you made my evening .

[@nazmoking3171]

I put Raw Vintage springs - only 3 of them per guitar - with 9 gauge strings floating and no tuning issues!

[@ginoames]

I use four of the black Fender springs with 9-46 D'Addario strings. The black ones have a softer tension. They match up well with the 9-46 strings. I do have it float as I like to shake chords and single notes.

[@GreatPlanet-c7o]

I had my Strats floating for decades until about a month again, trying something different by not using the trem-arm. Not floating them seems to help with tuning.

[@muddymike10]

Thank you Zac; I always finish your post's more informed. Another Paul Johnson recording/CD worth searching for is "The Duo-tones: Surf Music unplugged". Mr. Johnson & Gil Orr (The Chantays) perform classic Surf & Pop tunes on two acoustic guitars; no Drums or Bass accompaniment. Wonderful & intimate music results...

[@billpholde4816]

Zak, great video, as usual. I feel your pain about not being able to listen to modern music when you were growing up. I wasn't allowed to watch the 3 Stooges. I lose!

[@randyrich2039]

NICE strat! Since he didn't say, I'm going to guess it's a 1955. It could be a late '54, but I'm going with '55. But, I'm not an expert. Nice video Zac.

[@gregmize01]

Never did I expect a Cloud City reference in a Ask Zac vid! 🎸

[@aarondurham75]

I have those raw, vintage springs but I only have 4 on there. Maybe I should add a 5th? I do play on 10s.

[@RobertJSedky]

Excellent video!

[@danielcgomez]

I float all my Strat Bridges. My formula; Raw Vintage Springs, TusQXL Pre-slotted Nut, 10-52 or 11-54 String gauges. Vintage spec Tuners exclusively(because the work better than any others that I've tried), 2-2.5 wraps on the wound strings, and max wraps on the unwound strings. I only lube a cleaned string tree ...I never lube the Nut because I've been able to notice some damping from the lube presence on the playable string. I don't sweat acid, and I have never broken a string playing(20+ years playing), so I don't fear the break! Cons to my choice; humidity plays havoc with floating trems I have found.

[@stevenpipes1555]

I float my strat bridge. Graphtech nut and retainer, 10 guage strings, 2 springs, with the spring claw set deeper on the bass side. More tension on the bass side spring helps ballance the string tension more equally. It feels buttery smoothe and stays in tune quite well. As far as other strings dropping pich during bends, ive learned to hold the trem still with the arm when i do these kinds of bends.

[@Icebergslim91]

For me Floating is what is intended and yes I know countless of greats play a Strat decked but for me that is what a hardtail or better yet a tele is for.

[@richardelson3261]

Float. I have 5 Strats - I’m with you. A Strat must have a wang bar otherwise a Tele is in order. I’m using 9-46 just adjust springs and screws on the bridge. All good. Must have a heavyweight bridge block for sustain and balance.

[@robertfair1770]

What year is that Stratocaster 56? Looks like an old refin ??

[@pedasijeff]

I float all my Strats but I always install Graph Tech TusqXL string trees and nut also locking tuners on most. My Floyd Rose also floats.

[@kevinandmandywinter8436]

If it's set up right there is no problem. I made my living repairing and building guitars and can't believe some of the butchered jobs of so called professional shops and people give up . I always kept my own Strat close so I could show them if done right how well it works .

[@angryshoebox]

i always deck mine, no block of wood, I just tighten the spring claw until the bridge lays flat against the body when the strings are at pitch.

[@Big-A-Russel]

I have two strats one I have decked and the other one floating both are fun.

[@44dognut]

I deck the bridge and i find i like the sound of the trem only going in one direction. To me its the best of both worlds

[@kneebitten1]

ask Zac I have 6 Stratocasters all of them are floating I have 9 1/2s strings on them I have staggered tuners on all of them 2 of them have locking tuners 4 of them have kluson tuners’having quality tuners and a bone nut cut properly helps the most I also stretch the strings very well and your guitar will stay in tune!

[@ewm335]

Re your Squier, sounds like you’re describing a System 1 trem: I hated mine too ha ha. And I tend to agree. I float my six-screw Strat trem and with a little lubrication and maintenance it stays in tune fine for my needs. When I need to dive bomb etc., which is almost never, I have an Ibanez RG with the Original Edge, maybe the best stock Floyd-type trem available.

[@AskZac]

It was a system 1. It was crap. Weighed nothing

[@worthmoremusic]

Unless I missed it, interestingly enough you never mentioned locking tuners regarding tuning stability along with a proper cut nut.....also interesting to see you have 5 springs whereas so many who use a floating bridge removed a few to use only 2 or 3. Once again, it's all so subjective ! Thanks for your perspective Zac !

[@jw_au]

I’m with you, just a slight float… I picked up a new Strat today in fact and have changed the float as they come from the factory with quite a large float in my opinion

[@Keaneo]

Zac's back! ✌️

[@michaelbuchanan3212]

Well, I want to thank you for what you do. So informative and on point. I'm no great shake on guitar, but I've got dreams of improving and being a better guitarist at my age... 59.in fact I was so intrigued by your comments on, "String Theories" by Adam Levy and Ethan Sherman, I bought a copy for myself... Thank you Zac.

[@jasonkeaton5140]

The string theories book is amazing ! I love it

[@marklott2927]

Floating is the whole point of it.

[@evertthebassist]

Agreed

[@paulwalter7294]

Yeah and No. Both is cool

[@evertthebassist]

@@paulwalter7294 I prefer floating mine, but anyone's free to do whatever they want with their own haha. I really dig hardtails more than a blocked off trem, but that's probably just me

[@lexbro]

Why own a regular strat if you’re going to deck it? Just get a hard tail

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

@@lexbronot many around and *much* less choice

[@AdamWellsMusic]

Great video! I am actually looking into floating mine. Here’s a question, bent steel, block, or Roller saddles? What about brass saddles on a Strat?

[@AskZac]

Bent steel

[@AdamWellsMusic]

@@AskZac Thank You

[@kevinkey7241]

I’ve always set up my Strats almost decked w 3 springs, it stays in tune when you do bends and allows for a bit of tremolo. A perfectly cut nut is key though. I also have a strat with a Tremsetter in place of the center spring. As always, I suggest trying different setups and find what works for you

[@azcharlie2009]

Thanks for the tips on the tremolo set up. I have an old 90's MIJ Strat with a Schaller two post trem on it. Never have been able to get it to stay in tune. I've tried blocking it, and another device designed to hold the bridge in place. Nothing works very well. You can't really deck the thing because there isn't enough room to get the intonation correct. I did use 10 gauge strings, but didn't like the feel. Wouldn't stay in tune anyway. I haven't tried removing the nut locking mechanism. I really hate using those tiny tuning nobs on the bridge. Every once in a while, I'll grab a tuner and screw the whole thing up! I was screwing around with the guitar yesterday, and I have to say it's about as good as it every has been right now. Just don't do any dive bombs.

[@handle433]

Used to always float, but I went through a phase of constantly breaking strings on my Clapton Stratocasters so I decked them. No wooden block like they came, just cranked down the bridge. Whenever I break a string it’ll stay in tune until the end of the song and I can change to the second one!

[@markchristopher2373]

Thanks for this Zak. Why the 5 springs? I float mine with three (American Standard 1986) and it will settle down and stay in tune - sometimes after a few months in the case! Aah, we just got to the softer spring section - I agree about the reverb thing. Nice insight!

[@AskZac]

It has to do with the low tension Raw Vintage springs

[@jeffmcleod2855]

On my main Strat - it is essentially decked allowing just down bends with the bar but it still useful and I don’t go crazy with it so tuning is not an issue. I have one Strat tuned to D standard and it is floating too. I have to play it differently but it is nice too, but not my main thing. I also have 2 hardtail Strats.

[@theryanthiggins]

Hey Zac, you didn't really emphasize it but the soldered ball ends on the D'Addario NYXL's also help with the tuning stability. I've actually had the ball end come unwound on the high E on unsoldered ball ends. That's a fun one in the middle of a gig when the high just keeps going flat until it eventually lets loose!

[@chrislestermusic]

I bought a replacement set of high E strings and every ball end become unwound. It’s been happening with more and more strings.

[@flintdavis2]

Thanks Zac

[@LukeRiley-r1x]

Good reminder of why I like telecasters..

[@dominicdobernowsky7840]

Great video! What exactly is that strat your holding? Looks delicious! Thx!

[@AskZac]

55 style

[@kellygotell1179]

Another nice video thanks Zac

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@saylefish8779]

Hey Zac. That’s one of the prettiest Strats I’ve ever seen! Do you have a video where you talk about it? Vintage ‘54?

[@AskZac]

No. It was made by a friend for me last year. Pretty great work!

[@chadromney]

Interesting, yesterday I heard about Paul Johnson for the first time. Someone recommended an album called High Energy. Can't wait to check it all out.

[@BenBreard]

Clearly *ALWAYS* floating a strat trem is the right answer! ;)

[@drgarlandglenn]

Great vid. Thanks

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@glennfeit8294]

Okay, I’m gonna share a controversial hack that came out of playing outdoor gigs in Florida during the summer with ridiculous humidity. On a gig, the guitar (Mighty Mite maple fretboard w/compound radius) became unbearable so I asked a server for a little bit of olive oil. That solved this stickiness of the fretboard but I also noticed the tuning seemed better even after using the vibrato arm. Not loving the idea of using olive oil on a regular basis, I tried WD-40. Wow, what a difference. Not only did the guitar play better but the WD-40 seemed to last longer as it impregnated the fretboard. I have since used it on all my guitars including several vintage 60s guitars. I’ve also noticed I don’t have to polish my frets as often and they seem to be lasting longer (I’m lucky to have been playing a lot the past few years). Soaking a Q-Tip with WD-40 and treating the nut and string tree has been a game changer and, so far as I can tell, has not affected the finish of any of my guitars or dried out the wood. Of course, I always wipe off any excess. I now keep a small spray can in my work gig bags. Hopefully the humidity in Florida will let up soon😂.

[@jeremyversusjazz]

Interesting…

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Ever use wd40 on a rosewood or the newer boards ? Thanks for the tip ?

[@jeremyversusjazz]

heres another pro tip for wd40: cleans stainless steel perfectly-a million times better than any “stainless steel cleaner” fingerprints on your fridge door u thought were there forever? gone. stuffs amazing.

[@rockandrollmd541]

Mine is decked with a piece of foam wedged in between the trem block and body to kill the reverb. I play a lot of double stop bends. The string tension feels a bit slinkier when it is floating. I prefer the percussive sound of a decked bridge.

[@tidepoolbay]

I use Graphite & Super Lube on my Nuts on guitars with a Tremolo.

[@StratsRUs]

I keep one Strat with 5 springs, no trem just to stop me getting too lazy with my wanging ! Floating is the full expression though. Thanks