Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Tips | Floating a Bridge | Fender

[@fender]

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[@bobvogjr.3671]

this is priceless, thank you!! subbed :)

[@aphilipecrypto]

What about the saddles?

[@Deteroblix]

What I like about this guy's explanation is that it's simple to do, and it works. Followed his simple steps and just set up 2 traditional 6-screw bridges and a more modern 2-screw bridge where all now stay very much in tune. There will always be a string or two going out of tune every once in a while, but that has more to do with the nuances of the actual components of the guitar (strings, tuners, nut, etc.). But the important thing is that this 'process' works. Thanks for this video.

[@falcorystico792]

I did exactly as he explained in the video , worked perfectly, Stays in tune , can't be happier Be careful of what you think you know

[@thegreatsamboni1]

Falcorystico my issue is if I hit the open low e, then bend the high e the pitch of the low e changes.

[@falcorystico792]

@@thegreatsamboni1 Just a guess your problem might be the nut, the strings cannot move freely back and forth. Maybe you changed to a heavier gauge strings, you'll have to rework the nut and make sure its lubed , i have often found this to be a problem.

[@domformula1]

@AnticommentWarrior you may well be onto something there, I'm going to give your recommendation a try

[@mergimislami7156]

​@@thegreatsamboni1 this is perfectly normal, when your bridge is floating and you bend a string you put tension on the tremolo-block in which it moves forward slightly and thats whats making the low E out of tune. The best way to combat this is to have a slammed tremolo with 4-5 springs.

[@jimjimm2134]

this is the best video i've seen so far on setting up a floating tremolo IMO, the way Paul set it up does work and will go back to tune after a dive bomb or whatever you do with the trem just by releasing the whammy bar , "believe it or not" it worked on my squier strat. I'm using 10-46 and 3 bridge springs set to the center like he did.

[@jimjimm2134]

I'm using 3 springs and I just reset my guitar with the springs inline and I can't see any difference if you angel the outside springs or go straight. but it does go right back in tune either way after using the trem and its really responsive, I made a block like he uses with a nickel and wrapped it with masking tape to keep my trem the same height off the deck, no muss no fuss same height any time I need do any tweaks like yesterday, I put some 9-42 nanoweb strings yesterday.

[@jordantaylor7155]

Tiger Audio, Inc. Well personally, I have a Squier 50s Classic Vibe , everything stock. I have 42-10 strings, and the springs for the vibrato came set up already like the guy had finished with in the video. The only thing I had to do was unscrew the screws to float it. As far as stability/staying in tune goes, I can abuse the whammy bar and they'll stay in tune very well. And when I say abuse I mean handling it the way Hendrix did, and he was pretty rough!

[@john-zw9rw]

THIS IS THE ONE YOU WANT.............PREFECTION AND TO THE POINT.........THANKS MAN.....A MILLION TIMES OVER

[@Ston247]

After watching this video, I setup and floated my Fender Squire. I also changed the pickups. It stays in tune very well after I lubricated the nut and bypassed the string trees (except for the high E). She is now a serious instrument ! I can't get enough of her.

[@swedishguitarist1]

+Nasher188 how you mean when you say bypass?

[@Ston247]

Don't use them. Run the strings past the string trees.

[@sixslinger9951]

@@Ston247 i still use my string tree (for B & E) works fine if you lube underneath it.

[@TheRicanReyes]

I followed this and it worked great. Still in tune after every go. Don't understand all the hate on the replies.

[@bobbys4327]

just know it alls man.........you know, cork sniffers

[@Adam_Husk]

Maybe they aren't stretching the strings in first

[@JedrekVRoscoe]

This man did in 5 minutes what took me about half an hour the first time I tried to do it the way the “average joe” would. Bravo.

[@NMranchhand]

Yet ANOTHER good way! I tighten the springs until the block falls out. That way I can check to see that the tension was even across the whole sustain block when finished.

[@caseywilson7768]

Love the comments giving the Custom Shop guy pointers.

[@sixslinger9951]

haha true!

[@markowalski1]

At 0:55 he says he "runs 3 springs" but clearly meant 2 springs. And at 1:38 he says "about a full step" but it's audibly a half-step. Dude just sucks at explaining.

[@ckmoore101]

@@markowalski1 No, you suck at paying attention. 4:21

[@sixslinger9951]

This method works! forgot the post it note way that others are doing. They aren't as accurate... this one actually keeps your guitar in tune, if you are very very precise with all the steps and making sure to tune it perfect before you put the 3rd spring back in and take the block out. For my block, I use 2 nickels taped together with masking tape until I have the size I need. I also set mine up like Carl Verheyen sets his up. G string goes up 1 1/2 steps when you pull all the way up on the bar. It took me a few tries to get this right, but I found out I was not tuning perfect enough on the last step before taking out the block. Make sure you tune it several times to perfect pitch, before proceeding. Now my strat plays like it should with a trem that I can dive bomb and pull up hard or whatever and it goes right back in tune. This fender dude knows his shit!

[@BrendonInfante]

Works on floyd roses, too! This video saved me so much damn time, thank you! I see there are lots of people that are quick to judge this guy and they think they can do a better job. I can only assume it must be envy of the master builder's job. Well, the proof is in the pudding, I've never set up my guitar to a different tuning in 15 minutes before, so thank you for that.

[@melodicman3032]

Hi Brandon. Could you please answer a question ? When you intonate after you have set your action do you retune the guitar with the claw screws? Thanks

[@richeegeordie1285]

Great video I just floated the bridge on my MIM 2013 Strat it was pretty straight forward thanks to this video and saved me the time and expense of visiting a guitar tech I used a £1 and 20p coins taped together as my block it worked perfect thanks again

[@andyclark1173]

Thanks Paul. Just setup my squire CV. Used fender vintage trem springs set it to your exact instructions and it plays a dream, even bends can’t be pulling the bridge and it keeps in perfect tune. Thanks again.

[@j.d.thompson3505]

I didn't think a floating trem would stay tuned as well as set 'on the deck', but I was wrong, it is perfectly stable and I love it. You just have to make sure you have the string gauge and tuning you want to stick with.

[@tomaslopez2940]

I actually find floating trems more stable because you can pull up to correct the tune after a deep dive whereas you can’t do that with a decked trem

[@leftienigeblank4320]

" I wanna set the bridge about where I wannit" . Is that metric "about" , or imperial "about" ?

[@JustSeby]

@james crowe r/woooosh

[@gibsonmaniac1]

@james crowe exactly...the set up is not a formula good for everyone

[@LeoCamelo]

It’s Fender proprietary measuring system for Fender TM products 😂😂😂 how do I get my 7 minutes back?

[@joeking433]

What's really cool about a floating bridge is that when you bend the string it pulls up the bridge just a hair to give you more clearance so the note doesn't choke out or buzz! Also it lowers the note a hair at the top of the bend so you have more stability of hitting the note correctly. It really is a difference you can hear and feel.

[@russlee5500]

Good video, I’ve never had a tremolo before, I did this in about ten minutes and it worked as described, trem stays in tune well.

[@AlbertoJorgeSoares]

Don't know why there's such that habit of setting up 2 springs in angle! Even when a guy, who happens to work at Fender Custom Shop (!), says "just because"! Yep! Great explanation!

[@Megadeth6633]

+Alberto Jorge Soares I swear I wanted to smack him when he said just because... this guy is an embarrassment to the company

[@Sammie_Sorrelly]

For an "embarrassment to the company" he's sure made some pretty impressive instruments. Not that the Gretsch-alike Teles are exactly my thing, but I sure couldn't make one.

[@DougHinVA]

you are right. an 'expert' offers his reasons for doing something rather than a smart ass remark. 'you can st your action where you like yours...' how the hell is a regular guy supposed to hear an 'expert' say this and not dismiss the guy as a smartass ? An expert tells you a preferred height because it produces or allows something desirable. And he explains what it is.

[@cwright54]

Don't think I'd let him set up my guitar, he must be the janitor at Fender Custom Shop. Or maybe he doesn't work there at all.Mmmmmmm

[@Megadeth6633]

purgeist the only secret is to tighten the low E side more, because that side holds more tension. when your adjusting you should pull the tremolo and see if the bridge (while levitating) is level. the low E screw must be tighter. and the springs should be straight, not in a triangle. it's really the best way, i've tested it for years.

[@SuperFuckABitch69]

I laughed when he said put the back cover on

[@harrylee1985]

I know it comes from years of practicing his trade, but the speed at which he does this is inspiring.

[@maxwellpolish]

This is by far the best Strat trem setup video I've found - has worked flawlessly for me on multiple guitars. Thank you for sharing!

[@RandyR4eva]

I've been trying for a very long time to set up my bridge to stay in tune Thanks a million for making this video just bought my first tele from you guys and i love it :)

[@phatmarx]

This Video Helped me set up my guitar after not having played a vibrato trem in 6 years. Thank you!

[@elwrongo]

This was useful, got me in the zone. The chock idea is great although you need to make your own chock to suit. I used several popsticks taped together to get mine where I wanted it. I also found I needed to loosen the top six screws a little or it wouldn't pivot at all even with no tension on it (strings or springs).

[@ironz18]

Easy solution for that is putting the middle spring on an angle as well,usually parallel to the top spring where the low E is,so no matter what you do,that middle spring will always have somesort of tension to keep it in place.

[@HaridevV]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO ON SETTING UP A TREM BLOCK!! By miles! I had difficulty setting up my trem block and ive watched a dozen videos where they just confuse you. This is the KISS method. Keep It Simple, Stupid!

[@johnebgood108]

can you imagine having to listen to that all day? (back-ground, guitar tester. just teasing.

[@CharlesKlutts]

this video helped me out...Thanks for posting. my trem perfect now...

[@EATAPUSREX]

The best way is from Dave's World of Fun Stuff, this guy almost gets it right

[@rexfurlong5108]

Succinct simplicity + economy of words: PRICELESS.

[@teebird8629]

I used this and it worked brilliantly. I wonder if Paul is still with Fender.

[@benjaminaustnesnarum3900]

What is it that people don't understand here? This is a straight-forward and informative video.

[@virtualvalium]

There was no use of the bar at the end to see whether it all worked or not

[@overdriven77]

Honestly I'm against that springs at an angle thing. Isn't it more logical to set them parallel so tension is the same at every spring?

[@mrofnocnon]

yes it is. Angled springs means the centre one is loose.

[@charlief.]

Yes. You will experience issues with the bridge returning to zero position after bending notes when the springs are angled. Three springs set up in parallel will fix this issue.

[@CoomerGremlinDGGfan]

@@charlief. how would it create issues returning to zero position? That makes no sense.

[@charlief.]

@@CoomerGremlinDGGfan When you perform a bend on a guitar with a floating trem, the entire bridge itself raises as you bend the strings. When you release the bend, the bridge should return to its initial position. However, if you set the springs angled and perform a big bend, the springs are not as efficient at returning the bridge to its initial starting position before you performed the bend. If you check the G string, it will be slightly flat until you use the trem. This problem can be avoided by setting up the springs parallel to one another.

[@CoomerGremlinDGGfan]

@@charlief. Thank you for the explanation. So what is the benefits, if any, to angled springs?

[@joanneshot4417]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Excellent instruction. Worked perfectly.

[@freddietane]

Hi Paul - Fantastic - this video explains in a clear way how to set the neutral position using the shim - simple but perfect!

[@Texturas75]

You mean the thing he put inside in 1:48?

[@freddietane]

Yes, that, plus the adjustment of tension of springs vs. strings.

[@Galactivation528]

First attempt, it worked! Thanks a million!

[@fender]

We're here to help you along your musical journey! 🤘

[@thewickedwizard]

Great video. I've been wanting to set my bridge like Jeff Beck and now I know how. Fender's the best.

[@AftershockPS3]

Very useful my strat has a perfect setup after watch this.

[@mojostrat58]

I'm a Fender man of 36 yeras...I was taught by Rene'Martinez. I'll tell you, there's No way that Trem's going to stay In-Tune...Another thing...he didn't explain how to set the Plate and Bridge Screws to the Body & he hasn't adjusted the Springs to the Tension of the Strings... I work on Tremolos and the end result is a floating tremolo that stays in tube 99.5% of the Time Floating :-) (Stock Tremolo) It's an Art Folks. Doc

[@michael_caz_nyc]

This was awesome info. Thank you so much. I'm doing all my own set-ups now, and I love Learning tips & tricks from the Pro's. Stay Safe.

[@The-Real-Blissful-Ignorance]

Great info, just what I was looking for. Brief and to the point. Thanks.

[@stealthytaco199]

This is my dream job. Working on fenders.

[@PeterPug]

Well, that's an interesting approach!!

[@peterhedrich7653]

thank you ,goes fast and works

[@MrAMF50]

Would have liked to see the whammy bar screwed in and the tuning checked after using it.

[@pcollenyt3683]

I really was expecting more from a Custom Shop guy. Running the two outer springs at an angle means more tension on those two springs (stretched further) than on the middle spring (stretched less) . The setup described does not give any particular "float" to the trem, meaning you don't know how many steps it will pull up. It just gives you a non-specific ability to modulate the tone using the trem. If that's what your after, just about any adjustment that gets the trem plate up off the body will do for you. But there is a lot more that needs to be done if you want a floating tremolo that you can PLAY like Beck, and not just warble around with like Hank Marvin .

[@danaeverhart6487]

someone say "HipShot Trem Setter< the best way to stay in tune > look it up💫✌🏻️

[@ebeep]

Hank Marvin's warbling is priceless.

[@NMranchhand]

That’s why he says, “where you like it.” The video is about how to float a trem; not why.

[@pcollenyt3683]

HipShot Tremsetter is un-necessary. I removed them from both my Strat Plus guitars and have no problems with tuning, or return-to-tune

[@larryburwell8550]

you sir know what your doing. fine video

[@DeeTee79]

He makes it look so easy

[@josephpatrow]

Ritchie Blackmore Strat, will try tuning from springs. Thanks!

So if you have the guitar setup for 9 gauge strings but you want to use 10 gauge strings and when you put the 10 gauge on the bridge starts pulling away from the guitar too much do you tighten the claw screws even if you only have three Springs? Or do you need to back off I can't seem to get it set up right do I need to block the bridge with something?

[@CLK500COUPE]

Bloody hell! Amazing!!!

[@edamsgra7276]

Thanks Paul!

[@walkerm777]

funny how fender recommends if you use 2 strings, put them at an angle. 3 strings go straight. And tightening the bridge saddles under tension? Am I wrong?

[@teleplucker6802]

Is there any way to adjust it to keep other strings from going out of tune when you bend one? ie, bend the B string while fingering the E and the E goes flat.

[@walterhomburg]

How about starting with no standard 09 string from the facorry.. I put 11 one it after i got the Fender stratocaster vintera ll, and the whole brige come far up.. On the back I scruw it up.. But dont know if everthing is good.. Its sysy in tune, but string above mij fretbaord are a little higher now?

[@willieb3905]

Float your bridge and use Gun Slick or nut sauce on your nut and saddles and YES it will stay in tune, Jeff Beck has been doing this for years!!

[@keefjunior4061]

Willie B3 I use a hand slotted bone nut where the string slots themselves are brought to a glassy polish, and graphite saddles. Pretty much bomb proof and I get a good full step backwards. There’s something magical about my Strat and it’s trem setup, but it’s a mystery. I’d never adjust the six screws that hold it to the body without taking some careful torque measurements first. I’m really not sure what it is. My claw is angled a bit, I use three springs, tuned to E flat, all the steel is cold rolled. Everyone that’s played it is pretty surprised. I also never break strings, which is one of the things I remember nut sauce being so very good at preventing. At the end of the day I’m getting Floyd Rose performance and reliability, but on an early 60’s Strat whose only original attributes are the body, neck, tuners, and truss rod. All other parts are Callaham or from another 60’s Strat. The wonders of guitar tech huh.

[@davidivanjosephsalonia4566]

Thank you very much. Peace🙏

[@bleikrsound6127]

0 to 7th fret - adjust truss. 12th down, adjust bridge. Fairly simple. BTW nut to 1st should be no higher than 1st to 2nd fret. No string should have more space than a credit card thickness to the fret.

[@donnyboy911]

when you say step...? did you retune the E string?.with the 2 springs? to get from E-F#....my 2 springs fall off. i have the gfs 2 point trem upgrade . are my springs stiff as all get up? a little clarification . thanks. all good on vid..just missing something? maybe me?

[@joeking433]

That's pretty slick!

[@myekuntz]

HOLYMOLY i know this is 10yrs old but new to me , so awesome thankyou so much love it

[@69kpm]

That was as slick as snot on a door knob. Bring it into tune with the claw screw adjustment.

[@sixpie.]

Great video. I followed all the instructions, had the guitar perfectly step up with the bridge spacer inplace (flawless tuning / intonation / action), but the problem always happens after adding the 3rd spring at the end / removing the spacer and retuning the guitar with the tremolo screws using a middle string: once the middle string is in tune, the tuning on the other strings gets completly messed up and is all over the place. I need to retune each string, which changes the floating bridge position, ruining the action…. My guitar is a squier. I’ll soon try to upgrade the tuners to see if it fixes anything.

[@dennyps1]

Lube both the nut and bridge saddles & string trees with "a little" Vaseline or graphite from a #2 pencil lead. Chances are it's not the tuners but one of the friction points for the strings that are hanging up on individual strings

[@Mattseak]

Great tutorial!

[@Magnus_Carlsen.]

he made it seem so easy, i said why not? and so i went in there backed up my screws a bit to get them springs off just for it to go off like a bomb. im not trusting myself with guitars on the technical part no more lmao.

[@SweetSpotSC]

Worked great for me. Thanks for the video.

[@criguit]

I finally found it. Thank you

[@stephenleake81]

What was used to shim the block?

[@davidromeroosses4131]

Should the bridge be flat on the guitar? My guitar has the bridge a bit separated from the body (I'd say 1,5 cms) and I dont know if thats the way it should be... Ive been fixing it by myself, but I really dont wanna mess it up!

[@lancerobson7735]

Like a NASCAR pit stop! 🤘

[@gearoftones8585]

What do you guys use for the block?

[@orlfane1622]

I thought Fender was insane for the prices they charge for their custom shop guitars after seeing this video I think they're certifiable

[@imaxdigital7052]

What? You mean this video justifies how much they charge, or they're certifiable, meaning they should be put into an insane asylum?

[@sweetbabyjesus1408]

@@imaxdigital7052 did you see the nice strat setup video showcasing their state of the art cardboard boxes? It'll make you hungry for frozen pizza, watch out...

[@GuitaristDog87]

LOL, every time I get a new strat the first thing I do is take the back tremolo cover off, put it in the case and leave it off permanently. I prefer the first setup as shown in the video with five springs, I don't use the whammy bar.

[@camdemobile]

so, if the 1st string pull-up on bar is equivalent to 1/2 step (open e to 1st fret f), how far up in pitch does the open b and g strings go? please.

[@AdrianClement]

I set up my vintage trem to float and I achieved the desired intervals with correct intonation and action. It is performing in both directions, pulling up and pushing down. My question; is it expected to have a high gap between deck and bridge? Mine appears very wide. Should I be concerned? If so does it mean that I need to approach my setup differently? My action and intonation was set prior to adjusting the claw. Not to mention my springs are in a V formation, should I parallel them instead? My strat is not staying in tune. Thank you sir in advance. Hope to hear back

[@zaz4667]

What is the advantage of having the middle spring in there with the outter 2 at a angle? The inner one has a different tension on it when they are like that. I do mine all parallel for a more uniform tension when using the bar. Stratocasters are awesome!!!!!!!!

[@guitarman6742]

You're incredible!

[@tylergavin4757]

Raising bridge saddles under string tension is a great way to strip those screws.

[@tobylewis1920]

Tyler Gavin What kind of shit screws are those? Plastic? lmao

[@robertclarkguitar]

Hello Paul! Any idea why the trem cavity in my FSR has not been painted??? Or treated or ?

[@jakebutler3744]

Good stuff.

[@AllenPinchloaf]

Would you set your action at 5/64ths at the 17th fret on a road worn Fender with 7 1/4 radius neck?

[@skylineXpert]

removed 2 springs and on my first string change added a thumb fingernail extra string length, added a few lines of pencil and got good results with my Squier transfat HH so...

[@whobedannyd]

GREAT video!!

[@chriswilson8062]

That's how I set my 2 springs too. I like a light trem 👍

[@beanotraffini681]

Uh, I believe that's a half-step Custom Shop Dude...

[@camdemobile]

Beano Traffini indeed, and so where do his B and G end up? that would be informative.

[@sergioserramusic]

@@camdemobile the B goes a full step, the E half step. I don't remember the G

[@MikeTaffet]

@@sergioserramusic g would be a step and a half

[@rounakr94]

I have my Squire Deluxe claw attached at an angle, don't know why? Maybe to keep it in tune more

[@sebwarren7918]

What if you want a 3rd up trem like Jeff Beck?

[@shainrochester4820]

Great info. Perfect setup for the perfect guitar by skilled Technician.

[@vazquezxoxgaming1856]

Can fender Stratocaster player series be adjusted to floating trem??? Please

[@0Imtheslime0]

All trems can be floated..

[@mohdkamarularif]

perfect..

[@ivorycybernetics]

cool man...great tutorial!

[@somecringegamer1437]

is it really okay to make your fender squire into floating tremolo?? just asking pls i need answer because i wannt to have float trem so i can do dive bomb

[@thecappy]

What did he stick in there to block the trem? I never know how far off the body the trem should be.

[@mlaneguitarlessons]

What size allen key fits those saddle screws?

[@benalfa6735]

i have a roadworm 60s strat and i feel the tone sound a little muddy to me, i was thinking in upgrade the bridge for a callaham or maybe fender pure vintage brigde with pat pend stamped saddles, what do u think should be better choice ?

[@elwrongo]

roadworm strat, I want one of those!!!

[@etreimage]

excellent thanks :)

[@kenaiello4851]

Any tonal difference from a floating bridge or one resting on the body?

[@iagobroxado]

+Ken Aiello People will claim all sorts of things, you know...

[@kenaiello4851]

I think it sounds a bit warmer with distortion so im happy and stays in tune better

[@0Imtheslime0]

A little not much. Maybe some more sustain too as the bridge has more contact with the body if its decked compared to float.

[@jonathansheeder5153]

My FAP2 came set up like this. Stays in tune very well. Idk what all the hype is about setting it against the body or blocking it.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

A lot of not very nice comments here. I just think it's nice that Bono chooses to work at Fender setting up guitars.

[@dp9550]

I like it flat to the body.