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

In this Master Builder Tips segment, Fender Custom Shop's Paul Waller shows how to float a bridge.
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Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Tips | Floating a Bridge | Fender
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[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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).

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@john-zw9rw]

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

[@phatmarx]

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

[@CharlesKlutts]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@harrylee1985]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@joanneshot4417]

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

[@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.

[@The-Real-Blissful-Ignorance]

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

[@thewickedwizard]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnebgood108]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@josephpatrow]

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

[@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.

[@brent3086]

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

[@charlief.]

@@brent3086 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.

[@brent3086]

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

[@PeterPug]

Well, that's an interesting approach!!

[@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!

[@larryburwell8550]

you sir know what your doing. fine video

[@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.

[@chriswilson8062]

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

[@peterhedrich7653]

thank you ,goes fast and works

[@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

[@SuperFuckABitch69]

I laughed when he said put the back cover on

[@rounakr94]

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

[@AllenPinchloaf]

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

[@Cottonrocket]

Worked great for me. Thanks for the video.

[@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

[@stealthytaco199]

This is my dream job. Working on fenders.

[@Galactivation528]

First attempt, it worked! Thanks a million!

[@fender]

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

[@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!

[@edamsgra7276]

Thanks Paul!

[@69kpm]

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

[@davidivanjosephsalonia4566]

Thank you very much. Peace🙏

[@simontromans2748]

Just because the times I've set the springs parallel I get a sound like I've flicked the trem bar each time a string is hit hard. two springs at an angle cancels it out, like a damping effect. Wonder if this guy from fender has had the same experience.

[@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!

[@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?

[@waynebrown1394]

Its in tune now but for how long with locking tuners mine will not stay in tune and I don't use the whammy bar but PRS that cost less than my Strat has had no funning problems at all.

[@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

[@scottbrackett2318]

I want to set my '84 Standard with the bridge floating so that I can pull up on the bar instead of just pushing down, but there is no back cavity on the guitar. Everything is accessible under the pickguard. How can I make that float? Is there a video for that?

[@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...

[@rexfurlong5108]

Succinct simplicity + economy of words: PRICELESS.

[@Mattseak]

Great tutorial!

[@DeeTee79]

He makes it look so easy

[@criguit]

I finally found it. Thank you

[@mlaneguitarlessons]

What size allen key fits those saddle screws?

[@robertclarkguitar]

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

[@etreimage]

excellent thanks :)

[@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?

[@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.

[@johnlong5003]

I really dislike the look of my modern custom deluxe snap in trem i would like to vintage it a little like add a plastic tip and maybe vintage styles saddles, is this possible?

[@MrAMF50]

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

[@myekuntz]

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

[@krustybuzzard2477]

I have a 63 Jaguar and have to wonder if there is ever going to be a roller saddle made for it.

[@joeking433]

That's pretty slick!

[@AllenPinchloaf]

What did you set the action at?

[@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

[@ivorycybernetics]

cool man...great tutorial!

[@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!!!

[@thendara69]

How the bridge is set up at the beginning, is it ok to use the wam bar in that position? Im just using it slightly. Sounds great but could i strain/damage anything? Thanks

[@0Imtheslime0]

If you use it slightly and very light, you have no worries going out of tune. No need to do this setup method If one use heavy trem use and divebombs, this setup is for you.

[@EATAPUSREX]

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

[@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

[@gearoftones8585]

What do you guys use for the block?

[@ALtheDoctorWho]

I did it the hard way LOL Thanks for the tip c];-D

[@lancerobson7735]

Like a NASCAR pit stop! 🤘

[@jakebutler3744]

Good stuff.

[@ProTools4]

Very cool thanks Fender and Paul! :-)

[@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.

[@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

[@mrredritehand]

I just bought a 50s classic vibe strat and the weak fender instructions says the vintage style 6 screw trem IS NOT A FLOATING TREMOLO BRIDGE?? I have a MIM strat with the same 6 screw vintage tremolo bridge, floated a full step and it stays in tune great. Why does fender claim this 6 screw vintage tremolo bridge IS NOT A FLOATING BRIDGE!? I'm confused, I would like to set it up the same as my MIM strat. I've tried and I can't get it to hold tune. Is it really not possible with the new Squier CV stratocasters? Its a fine guitar...

[@whobedannyd]

GREAT video!!

[@scottbrackett2318]

Two questions: 1) How would I do this when the only way to get to the springs is under the p/us and pick guard? 2) What do I use as a "block"? Thanks

[@lukasschliepkorte3019]

Have you even looked at you strat yet?

[@Teleman01]

So...why not install the 3rd spring then do that? why just the first?

[@AftershockPS3]

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

[@WarlockCore]

I watched a video of a guy who had the claw at an angle enabling pull and push action on his floating Trem , sounded really good, anyone tried that before? If so was it good, bad, recomended or not advisable?

[@bobrock44]

I can attest to the Carl Verheyen method with the angled claw . I lubricated the nut and bridge with Vaseline and pencil lead for graphite . With non-locking tuners I maintained tuning stability.......I truly was amazed at how it stayed in tune with agressive use too.

[@WarlockCore]

+bobrock44 kewl your the 1st person whom I've heard tried the method, thanks for the reply, rock on!

[@vazquezxoxgaming1856]

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

[@0Imtheslime0]

All trems can be floated..

[@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?

[@backlineguy]

Can you offer any advice as to how you can set up the Strat so it stays in tune when I use the whammy bar...advice. suggestions?...it's a 2007 American Standard strat...thanks!

[@0Imtheslime0]

I use dry graphite on my nut. And i removed the string tree as i have staggered locking tuners. Stays OK in tune. Other than that you can try Nut Sauce.

[@snapascrew]

he's making adjustments to the screws on the back before bringing it up to pitch?

[@AdmiralQuality]

He's an idiot. Follow these instructions instead. support.fender.com/hc/en-us/articles/212774786-How-do-I-set-up-my-Stratocaster-guitar-properly-

[@pallhe]

The problem I have with my new Elite is that if I hold one or two strings and bend another string simultaneously, the strings I'm holding but not bending sound out of tune as the tremolo bridge gives way. Can this be fixed by just tightening the bridge? Any advice? Thanks!

[@nic8713]

Slam the whammy on every string when tuning, do not move on to next string until the string stays in tune after dive bomb

[@SourPatchPuss]

Don't you have to adjust the intonation after this? And Im wondering wouldn't you have to again tune it after you mess with the action, not just before. Because that clearly changes the string tension.

[@imaxdigital7052]

Yes yes and yes

[@keefjunior4061]

Yup. As your bridge tips up, the point of contact on the saddles moves inwardly towards the nut, decreasing the active length of scale by a few fractions of a mil or so. To really get a vintage Strat bridge to float properly, requires a full setup, sometimes a light fret level & polish as well. It’s a several hour thing by a seasoned tech, allowing for the time it takes for new strings to stretch a bit.

[@danrider2682]

After he adjusted the action he retuned the guitar

[@stringbender57]

@Tyler Hussin - This was a fast explanation of a how to float a bridge, not a tutorial on a precession set-up for your Strat. He was tuning when he did for sake of the tremelo tension, not to intonate the guitar. Common sense Tyler...use common sense sir...lol!

[@0Imtheslime0]

Intonate your guitar BEFORE doing this.. Intonation will not be affected by this method

[@johnmiller9219]

please explain how tight the 6 mounting screws should be

[@0Imtheslime0]

Not tight at all. They should be like a quarter turn away from touching the bridge plate