FretFriend.co.uk | Complete Floyd Rose setup inc. intonation / action...

/ ngoneseven ||| fretfriend.co.uk
I was requested to do a Floyd Rose setup video from start to finish so here it is. I have rarely seen a complete video showing how to set up a Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo completely including setting intonation and action / height setup. It really is a simple process if you take your time and follow these directions...

[@FretFriendGWaL]

NOTE: I no longer use a metal strip to hold a tremolo level. I was lucky with this one and did not mark the guitar but it can happen. Nowadays, I use a stack of paper business cards to hold a tremolo block where I need it to be. Regards, Victor...

[@joesatchton212]

I have an original TremoLok plastic device with soft rubber underside which I have used for decades. No clue why at some point they were discontinued. Check ebay - they are still available there. Best device ever to safely lift and hold a Floyd bridge position.

[@stevegutierrez8679]

You are the man. I just picked up an Ibanez with FR. Watched another short video how to change strings. Messed it aaaaallll up, I was lost to say the least. Found your video n set up my first FR successfully. Felt so good thanks man. I thought I was gonna have to take it in

[@Ronno4691]

I used a partially rolled up guitar strap on my little Peavey Predator when restringing it but I moved the guitar and the strap fell off and it upset the mechanism! Until then, it was perfectly set up (in my opinion).

[@goldenultra]

Them plastic square rulers do work, almost perfect, more rectangular but they do not bend.

[@satchrules101]

Great vid ! Question bro I’m trying to deck my Floyd rose where do I set the posts , do set it decked with a wedge first?

[@thrasher305]

If its sharp you go right / 5 letters If its flat you go left / 4 letters Love this. Thanks for the video

[@johnbird5894]

NIce, I've been fighting with these for some time, finally EXPLAINED!!! Plain and simple, front to back.

[@kmp435]

thank you for your amazing video , it has helped me fix and set up my Floyd Rose on my old Wasburn WG - 580 for neo classical metal and various other music

[@Ears14U]

On the tremolo spring claw behind the cover to adjust the height, I use a black sharpee to mark a tiny spot on each of the two silver screw heads on one of the phillips screw slots. This ensures that I know how far I've turned each screw in an equal fashion. Thank you Victor for uploading this video. It's tremendously helpful for anyone wanting to learn this tedious process when dealing with these tremolos.

[@raykall]

Cheers Vic, I've had my guitar for two years (second hand) and would always shy away from giving it a proper clean because of the setup, this was really helpful and my bridge is nice and clean and guitar keeps tune perfectly!

[@ronnyclaes4573]

Absolutely the best explanation on the Internet. The only way to set up your Floyd Rose correct. Thank you very much!

[@ericmensch30]

Thanks for the video I've been messing with my action and truss rod for like a week after watching this I got it right in a day instead of paying the guitar shop to go it!

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Excellent! :D

[@ollieheads374]

This video helped alot! I have a schecter demon 7 which was unplayable, now its perfect!

[@DeeTee79]

Amazing tutorial, so much time put in for such a beautiful result. Cheers mate

[@supra1981]

Great video, very interesting and helpful, I’ve never had a FR and was considering one but after watching this i’m gonna give it a miss lol too many moving parts.

[@supareelsmusic9415]

Nice one mate, I have struggled with my S770Pb since new ... it sent me nuts doing a setup even having viewed a lot of vids ...now I may start to love it again

I came back to this video again. String stretching cannot be emphasized more. I have a little tool for it now too. Thanks for the video.

[@DeeTee79]

Cringing at the sight of seeing metal objects on the finish, but this method was helpful. Cheers.

[@jessejarrar]

Thank you! You are the man! Getting my first Floyd rose guitar in the mail in 3 days. Going to perform my first real setup with this video as a guideline. Appreciate your time partner

[@bobravenscraft5376]

Claw screws.

[@idoReadme2]

Thanks for making this informative and elaborate video. I want to point at two things that I really didn't like. One is the use of a metal bar or screwdriver as a stop. It can easily damage the finish. I had a second hand 90' RG570 once with some finish scratches that I didn't know what caused them when I bought it. Now I know that it is a result of lifting the bridge with a sharp hard object of sorts. The other thing is the adjustment of the studs while springs and strings are in tension, it wears either the studs or the blades prematurely. With a worn mechanism you get all sorts of problems. The right way to do that is to measure and calculate how much you want to lift or lower the bridge (you can measure or guess at the 12 fret and double it), release the tension, adjust, and put tension once again. Doing it several times until you reach the point when your'e happy with the action.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Thank you for your advice and you are correct regarding stud adjustment and it is something I will watch out for in future. Now about the screwdriver method for blocking the tremolo from the top. I have never marked a body nor have I ever caused damage this way. However, as mentioned elsewhere on this post, in future I will cushion between the driver and the body with some material / paper etc

[@TheLeadG]

Very good video! I set mine up just a tad different, I pull the claw all the way out first so it's easy to get the springs on, I use a feeler gauge on the tone block from the opposite side, tune down all the strings, level the bridge. Then stretch/tune them. After that comes the intonation part and then I remove the feeler gauge then tighten the screws until it comes in tune. Some guitars I have tried to do the opposite and the screws just were not long enough to pull out far enough.

[@legatoTRAIL]

Best 45 minute spent today. Have a great day Fret Friend!

[@scottchilds5726]

This is the best vid out there by far, thank you my friend. Awesome

[@mikemullenix1377]

Man i am so glad i found your video!! You just saved me tons of frustration. I had just picked up an old fender stagemaster. Never had a floyd rose guitar before. I had went with a heavier set of strings. I went with 11-52 i think it was. So everything got thrown off when changing them. I had gotten it close a few times but was never happy with my intonantion. Finally sat it down. After your vid and did it exactly as you did and the results were wonderful. I was dreading going ro the shop and being like yep i tried and failed. Here fix it for me. Damn old pride made me not give up 😂 but hey i got theough it. Thank you sooo much for this video.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Cheers Mike :)

[@47279J]

Nice one. And very useful, too. Having a shop do this can cost you 100 euros. Knowing how to do some of this stuff yourself is definitely an investment in yourself.

[@johnjames8806]

Great video, im happy you left in the b string problem, because, ive rarely have don a floyd set up without running into some minor problem. And if im done in under 45 minutes im happy.

[@s1mp4s1]

Well done, I bring to Life my Ibanez gio after years... Thanks a lot!

[@FretFriendGWaL]

That is excellent news! Regards, Victor :)

[@Bobcatspiritdude]

Your Gio guitar has a Floyd rose on it ?

[@molekyyli]

@@Bobcatspiritdude Yes, there are Gios with FR (I don't have nor played one). The guitar in the video is Gio, too.

[@Bairov]

When you adjust the fine tuners the other strings detune as well. This system is maddening!

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Not if you have stretched the stings fully they don't! You need to stretch the strings until there is no more stretch in them before you lock the clamps. Then when you fine tune, altering one will not knock the others out of tune. Victor...

[@Bairov]

@@FretFriendGWaL Really? Good to know.

[@rulexisonline]

It's all about balance, thank you for the brilliant tips my friend!

[@christophert7251]

Outstanding video!! I have been playing guitar for 20 years and I never knew this. I purchased a new Floyd Rose for my guitar and it would never stay in tune. The string guard was sitting too high, the intonation was sharp on 4 strings, and I never knew about the spring holder clamp. When ever I pulled out the block, all the strings went sharp. I always thought it was something I was doing wrong, I just never knew to do the magic part and it would bring everything back in tune. That was awesome!!

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Hey Chris! Good news indeed :) Victor...

[@christophert7251]

Fret Friend UK Is setting the intonation the same on a guitar that is tuned to E flat? I have two guitars, one is tuned to E and the other is tune to E flat. I purchased the guitar 20 some odd years ago and it was originally tuned to E and I changed the tuning to E flat.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

It will likely need a slight adjustment but not in all cases. Dropping a semi-tone can mean the guitar is still correctly intonated. That said, it also may not be :P

[@jbrisson007]

I have seen lots of my fellow techs make this mistake some still do this, I see it and hear it.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

I always check in playing position before I release the guitar back to the owner! Strange thing; I set intonation and tuning on my own Fender American Standard Telecaster this morning while it was flat on the bench. Then when I checked in playing position, it was still in perfect tune with perfect intonation! Like I said, there is no 100% correct way to set these things...

[@philsargeant3479]

Watched your video last night finally sorted the tuning out on my Ibanez Jem thanks great video 👍👍👍

[@mrcommonsense9145]

Wooden paint stirrer wrapped in a piece of felt, hands down the best thing to support the trem. 100% no body damage.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

You mean a stick? LOL I find that different guitars need different methods of blocking / stabilising the tremolo. What works for one does not necessarily work for the other. I tend not to damage bodies either (y)

[@mrcommonsense9145]

NG One Seven for want of a better expression ye, just seem to suit, perfect you can get them in different thickness they will support the trem level and wrapped in felt wont leave any mark/scratch, anything at all on the finish. I think your great btw but if i passed one of my prs or vigiers to someone and they wedged a driver or metal bar against the body id be a bit annoyed shall we say.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Yes, I understood what you were talking about! It's not for me. I use the block method. It's what I've always done. I have never marked a guitar body using the block method or the screwdriver method but for the future, I will place some material between the screwdriver and the finish. Thank you :)

[@crazyboyant79]

Surprised you didn't show the truss rod adjustment.... Folk could benefit from seeing that doing too. Good vid

[@bonnierogers4103]

Victor,,,thaaaank yoooou!!!!!! Very much!! I'm going to watch the video Step by step when setting the Floyd Special on my Mitchell hd 400,, guitar center brand.

[@EarthnikNews]

Wow what a process. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@mikemullenix1377]

Oh i used my tc electronics bh250 bass head as my tuner. It has a strobe type tuner built in. Plus it has a mute switch and also a headphone output so i dont drive folks crazy

[@kingkezz9188]

Earned my sub. Thank you for the informative video and great camera positions.

[@Moun0oooo]

I just changed a Floyd Rose... watching your vid... thanx

[@gcrauwels941]

Thanks a bunch for this . Straight forward and comprehensive .

[@treebs7424]

Thank you for the video after watching this I will definitely do my own maintenance and not leave it at a shop

[@hetfield30]

Awesome video!! Thanks for the knowledge. You just saved me money, by doing it myself.

[@Ears14U]

@3:05 That block is made out of Lolly-sticks. Popsicle sticks or candy apple sticks found in produce or I've found them in Walmart's arts/crafts section.That appears like a total of 3 at the center to make that tool for the correct width.

[@sumankurapati7984]

My heart stops every time u turn that bloody High E string

[@crunchchannel9391]

A couple problems i see, first you have to remember when a set of .009s when in tune to A440 (standard tunning) the strings pull about 90lbs of string pull so if you pretend there are 2 kids on a teeter totter the strings are a 90lb kid so the springs have to match that tension you need another 90lb kid to get the teeter totter to float or be level. SO now you have 180 TOTAL lbs of pull on the center pivot point which are your lag bolts that he adjusted with the lowE and highE were strung up he was adjusting those to rasie the action you have t be careful doing this because cheap tremolos dont have as good of hardened steel as higher end tremolos have and cranking those screws under tension can trash the knife edge were the bridge pivots on and you will cause stability issues. The knife edge will bur and grind flat spots in the knife edges and there the whole bridge is pretty much no good for floating. Second if you look closely the 2 main pivot bolts the low E side is starting to collapse when you have that much tension on the bolts the tremolo pivots on the wood has to hold all that tension and after time soft body woods causes the bolts to tilt twards the nut the low E side has the most tension and its usually the first side to fail.

[@safiulalamantar7287]

thank you sir

[@newman1971]

Always hated this job! Top video dude

[@johnpole9334]

hi I have a cort guitar with their branded Floyd rose rose..mine goes flat and sharp while pushing the bar down and up simultaneously...my studs don't move at all this guitar is new so why is this happening any solution please let me know.

[@davidsolomon5612]

When did u remove the two extra springs? While action adjustment, I could see only ur elbow and shoulder. Otherwise it's ok

[@chucklez4078]

My biggest question, is how do i know where exactly to adjust the saddle to. I stripped one and im replacing it now with the new one. So i dont know exactly how to adjust it? is that part of intonation? very frustrated.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

You try it and if it's wrong, you move it: that's the way it's done! Victor...

[@chucklez4078]

@@FretFriendGWaL I figured it out, took about 45 minutes, come to find out im using way too light of strings, on a downtuned guitar, additionally fucking up the entire set up of the floyd rose. Im going to set it up for one gauge of string, and be done with it. I honestly dont use it anyways, this will be the last guitar with fr for me most likely.

[@hawklynn7914]

Question what is the amount of neck relief you have ? how are you measuring it?

[@FretFriendGWaL]

You measure it with a feeler gauge with a notched straighrt edge on the neck. The rlief is the gap between the fretboard and the notched straight edge. I have around 0.2mm to 0.25mm relief at the 6th fret. Victor...

[@dariusangel4777]

Dude, your the fricken' man. I honestly dont think i could've gotten my Jackson together without this video man. Thanks my brotha!

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Cheers buddy :)

[@LilYeshua]

I watched another video on how if the tuning suddenly goes flat then the two screws in the back of the neck holding the nut aren't snugged down properly. If the tuning suddenly goes sharp when you tighten the nut clamps the the string tree must be adjusted so that the string follows the nut countour.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

A loose lock-nut will certainly cause tuning issues but it is not the only reason that a Floyd will not hold tune. I thought it would be obvious to check the locking nut screws anyway and the string tree should just have enough adjustment to just bend the strings ever so slightly. If I didn't mention this in my video, it never occurred for me to mention it. Oops!

[@captainf1027]

I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR SOME CRAFTSMEN, BUT MATE A PIECE OF AL ,OR A SCREWDRIVER. I HAVE A 1982 KRAMER FLOYD ROSE SIGNATURE SERIES ,I FELL OFF ME CRAPPER.I TALKED TO PEOPLE IN YOUR CONTINENT ON 15 & 11 METER BANDS IN THE MID 60'S TO THE LATE 70'S ON MY YAESU FT-101-EE & FL-2100 B WITH A 6 ELEMENT BEAM AND GP 5/8 WAVE ONMI.GOOD LUCK FRIEND

[@FretFriendGWaL]

I addressed the screwdriver/metal bar issue under the tremolo a gazillion-billion times even as an edit on the video description! Yes, I know it is wrong to do it that way and I stopped using metal under a tremolo years ago! Cheers :)

[@mcdomalegora9933]

Thank you for making the video sir 😍😍

[@Greghc48]

Excellent video. A friend just asked me to work on his BC Rich guitar with Floyd Rose hardware. I’ve got no experience with these, but will use your video as my guide. Thank you!

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Don't use a metal strip under the tremolo as you may mark the body. I have altered my methods since I shot this video. I now use a stack or paper business cards. Regards, Victor...

[@felixrodriguez5050]

Thank you so much, I just started playing seriously again after over a decade away and was going through hell setting up my new Jackson. I was wondering how different the process of adjusting a FR is when going down 3-4 gages of string? THANKS IN ADVANCE!

[@BlutigeTranen]

What are the ODDS. I came here to watch a video and start to learn how to set up a FR. End of the video and I finally realize... you're setting up the same guitar as me! Mine's midnight blue, only difference!

[@barriehercock8612]

I didn't realise at first ,mines the same black , needed to have strings replacing and not knowing anything about Floyd rose took it to a local dealer and he wanted £25 to replace the strings ,good job I saw Victor's video, I can now manage to do it myself now

[@steveo_o6707]

Question: I have had my guitar restrung and setup professionally, but they still go out of tune easily, can you give me a hint on why?

[@georgecharleston2597]

If the springs in the back look like this: / - \ Then make them look like this: - - - If not then make sure you check intonation and stretch out the strings properly?

[@samhain6953]

I always use low tack painters tape around my work area. Paint mixer beneath the Floyd

[@Walamonga1313]

I already set it perfectly...but some of my strings buzz when fretting above the 12th fret. Would that need the string action to be raised or would that be a truss rod adjustment?

[@FretFriendGWaL]

If you have any amount of relief and strings are buzzing, you likely have one or two high frets. If that is the case, they either need lightly tapping back into the slots (if they have become unseated) or they need levelling and crowning. You only need one high fret to cause string buzz. Action needs to be around 1.7mm above the 12th fret on the low E string and around 1.5mm on the high e string. You can safely set it around 2mm if you don't need it low. If you are still getting buzz, I would guess you have a high fret or 2...

[@Walamonga1313]

Fret Friend UK Alright, thanks. I'll check that out.

[@dankfamous1]

It's a Miracle wow 😉 thumbs up 👍🏼 great job and skill you have thank you 😊

[@FretFriendGWaL]

High praise indeed! Give praise to the One who deserves it, I am just a guitar tech that cares about his work. Thank you, Victor...

[@dankfamous1]

NG One Seven thank you you your humble reply

[@MrBrar-fc9kl]

Thank you sir making the video

[@JustinMcNabbIreland]

Springs in the back, i decided to take one out and only have 2 in there in the hope it would make the strings a bit easier to bend on the low string and to use heavy vibrato more easily. Is this a good idea or are 3 springs better for tuning purposes?

[@FretFriendGWaL]

It does not matter. I set my guitars up with 2 springs if I can. Victor...

[@bigdimig5368]

Hey, i tightened the springs as much as i could but the bridge is still pointing to the sky The tune keeps dropping, and as i tune it back up again the bridge raises even more, then the tune drops yet again, and so forth What am i missing please?

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Have you loosened the strings before tightening the spring claw? If yes, add another spring or buy tighter springs! Victor...

[@bigdimig5368]

@@FretFriendGWaL Will do, thank you for the reply

[@INDSTRCTBLE]

Excellent video! Couple suggestions. 1. Use something other than a screwdriver across the top of the body of the guitar (like a gallon paint can wood strip supplied free at Home Depot for mixing up the paint...they are as large as that screwdriver and flat) as that screwdriver can/will damage the body/finish of the guitar...especially with 5 springs pulling down on the screwdriver. 2. Use a spring puller/hook (available at Stew Mac) so you don’t slip the screwdriver off the spring claw (like you did several times) and possibly gouge/damage the body/finish.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Thanks! I already addressed these issues in earlier comments. I no longer use such barbaric methods ;)

[@wolfpack78811]

I thought you weren’t supposed to adjust bridge height with tension on the bridge because you will ruin the sharp pivot points?

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Yeah, that's not good advice IMO. It's fine to alter under tension. I've always done it...

[@nasanction]

You should release the tension before turning the height adjusters. I just replaced the Floyd Rose in my guitar because of this very issue.

[@Slicklickz]

@@FretFriendGWaL I would never adjust those screws on a cheap licensed Floyd copy under spring tension as the quality of the metal is poor.It's less critical on titanium or hardened steel, but I still loosen the springs.

[@daviderodv]

Hey man awesome video great info I just have a question,this is is something you skipped on the video, but how do you remove the block from the back of the tremolo without losing the tention, is there another video in which you explain this more in detail? Again thanks

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Hi... You loosen the claw springs until the tremolo is level again meaning the tremolo returns to the correct position when strings are in tune. Regards, Victor... PS: Maybe I will make a better video when I have time...

[@daviderodv]

hey, thanks for the response, I tried to do that but the strings went out of tune, I also take the 2 additional springs and tune it again and the tremolo keeps going forward instead of backwards like you mentioned in the video, do you have any tips? in how to avoid that? Again thanks for the info

[@FretFriendGWaL]

More springs or tighten the claw!

[@danielparks6319]

Can you please help me with my guitar, the action is super high and I have the pegs all the way down and it’s still super high idk what wrong 😐

[@FretFriendGWaL]

You need to take it to someone who is qualified to fix it. Maybe the neck needs resetting. I cannot diagnose a problem from such limited information. You need to take it to someone who knows what they are doing. Regards, Victor...

[@kwakester]

Thanks for the tutorial. What do you do if intonation of a string is still sharp but you can't move the saddle any further back towards the bridge (it's reached it's stop)? This has happened to me on the low E string of two guitars.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

You have to file some metal from the saddle on trhe side of the tremolo block so you can adjust it a little more than normal...

[@craiglewis905]

Nice example. They can be a major pita.

[@Neil1979]

I’m wondering if you can take a neglected Floyd Rose and clean it in an ultrasonic cleaner? Anyone know?

[@atakdragonfly1675]

There's no reason you couldn't

[@craigmchugh9978]

How do you know how many springs to add? I have a hybrid set of strings I'd like to put on. The thinnest being 10 and the thickest being 60.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Experience and feel! Sometimes I only use 2 springs. 3 is normal and maybe 4 for really heavy gauges but there is no exact rule on this. The more springs you use, the harder it is to use...

[@craigmchugh9978]

Thank you, I was going to try 3 and see how that went, I asked someone and they said maybe try adding another where the heavier strings are.

[@beano1eye]

I have a old Charvel neck thru...When the floyd is set flush with the body and I restring, the strings are bottoming out hard at the lower frets, truss adjustment doesn't improve it, I have to raise the bridge 5mm off the body to get a decent action, any tips people? thnx

[@morbidangel47]

The bridge doesn't have to be perfectly flush with the body in order to operate correctly. As long as it's floating parallel to the body of the guitar, you're fine. The action should be set to wherever is comfortable for you. I usually set mine around 4/64" at the 17th fret.

[@BIGHEARTM1967]

Very well done👍👍

[@andyholley6127]

I thought the truss rod was supposed to be the last thing adjusted in a set up. Once the guitar is tuned up and everything as desired?

[@FretFriendGWaL]

It makes no difference if you are using the same gauge strings! Where I can, I always do the set-up / intonation / action with the old strings on. Then I re-check everything once the new strings are on (in case I made a mistake). Nothing leaves here without being checked 'again' after the set-up...

[@dacvader2]

No, it should always be the first thing done.

[@jbrisson007]

Clue, Set up Floyd rose with guitar in playing position, the deck of guitar vertical or it will never fall level or intone will not work out.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

I always do final setup in playing position! Thanks...

[@metalmadness9760]

for keeping the bridge stable when restringing and tuning couldn't you just balance the floyd rose, then use a shredneck tremblock to keep the bridge stable? Any help would be appreciated

[@FretFriendGWaL]

There are a few ways; I have changed my method slightly. I now use a short steel rule between the body and tremolo with a business card (or business cards until the height is correct) inbetween so as not to mark the body. Works on most but you have to level it a different way for some guitars. There is no set method so whatever works for you is advised. Regards, Victor...

[@creepyaxe]

I use a 9 volt battery

[@edwinpringle7342]

Just change one string at a time and you won't have any problems.

[@chrstopherthomas6952]

Thank you Sirr.

[@bobravenscraft5376]

There are a couple different ways. I use Wilkinson. Not extreme metal but ezpz

[@adrianneedham9620]

Thanks for your videos. I have a Washburn KC42V, about 25 years old, with a very similar Floyd rose licensed tremolo. I have stripped the whole Floyd down and it is currently soaking in a WD40- type solution as some of the locking nuts etc were ceased and covered in gunk. These videos have given me confidence to rebuild it. Thanks buddy. Should I become unstuck and need you to set up the guitar where are you based. Is it NG17 as in Sutton/Mansfield as your channel suggests. PS I'm NG9. Thanks buddy

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Hi Adrian! Excellent! Yes, I am in Kirkby in Ashfield. Look forward to it. Victor...

[@STAY-GOLD-VINYL]

What would cause my floyd rose equipped guitar to take so long to tune? Would adding an extra spring enable more stable tuning. Seems like my strings are stretching but they are old strings. Also what cause a guitars tuning to raise pitch after i pull it from its case after not playing for a few days. Ahh the guitar troubles never stop haha

[@Romulus00001]

"What would cause my floyd rose equipped guitar to take so long to tune?" it takes long to tune. "Would adding an extra spring enable more stable tuning." - no but doing it right would, i don't need to retune the guitar for weeks and when i need to it's because of an old string. " Seems like my strings are stretching but they are old strings. " because old strings "stretch" . they actually get microfractures in them, which causes the other strings to go up in pitch. "Also what cause a guitars tuning to raise pitch after i pull it from its case after not playing for a few days." - the regular tuning issues that will rise with floyd rose, is that the springs on the back will react to temperature. if it's cold it'll pull harder on the strings raising the pitch. but do not tune it when you first pick it up, because it actually will warm up when you are holding it and that in turn means it can go down in to tune - and if you retuned it to fix it, you've now got an untuned guitar again (or you spend the time tuning that it takes for it to warm up), so just let it warm up first... do scale practices or something for a moment, THEN check the tuning, after screwing around for 5 minutes or so and the cavity has come up to your body temperature.

[@juanvaldez5422]

@@Romulus00001 Temperature of the spring...lol

[@Nvd1987]

thanks but this is too complicated maybe if i have multiple floyd rose guitar i can experiment on one to get better but for now i'm just going to get a tech to do it. awesome video though!>

[@Greghc48]

And... maybe a dumb question... but could you do the tuning adjustment this way? Start by getting your intonation set up as you did. Once done, then “detune” each string by 2 half steps. Then, remove the bridge block, and finish the tuning with fine adjustment screws. Assuming that the additional tension would bring the strings from “detune” to near pitch. That way, you would not have to adjust the spring screws...?? Just wondering if that method would achieve the same end without changing the spring fastener screws. Thoughts?

[@FretFriendGWaL]

My way is the correct (and best) way. Your method would just not work. The idea is to have the fine tuners in the centre of travel when the tremolo is floating. Having that information should show you where your idea is flawed. Regards, Victor...

[@Greghc48]

Fret Friend UK thx!!

[@mariadipky8535]

Cool

[@lostgroovemusic8494]

Cool nice video just one question is it ok to use 10 to 52 gauge strings skinny top heavy bottom strings on a set up on a floyd Rose guitar

[@holyjaguar]

You can use any gauge you want/or the nut /saddles can hold,as long as you use the block,and "magic" final adjustment,just do what the video shows,and keep the trem. parallel to the body

[@baruchlevine1]

thanks !

[@MagicMahoney]

Thank you very much for this video, about to replace the strings on my first Flyod Rose trem guitar. Wish me good luck XD

[@eldarjanelopezon180]

Thanks for this

[@mrdarkadia]

Perfect video except for the action part, never touch the action screws with the floyd under tension. You can fuck up the "blades / knifes" (idk the word in English for this) of the floyd wich can cause instability to the tuning when you use the floyd, the floyd will not correctly go back in position if you abuse this too much. Not hating as i said this video helped me a lot :)

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Hi... This was already mentioned by Ido Tavori a few comments before yours (below). I'm glad you find this video helpful and thank you for your comment. Victor...

[@Swizzlestik]

You are actually wrong, it doesnt hurt the knife edge.

[@johnnyroastbeef84]

Not on a German Floyd (original) they are hardened steel from what a dude said that has done it on his since the 80's. If you think about it- in tune you have equal string and spring tension.

[@malmstring]

That is what I have learned also.

[@malmstring]

I have seen examples of both. Sometimes it won't affect anything, sometimes it creates a pit/groove in the floyd studs.

[@calvinto4120]

Nice video, thanks....let me understand how setup with more details.

[@KevinMuswagon]

What is that thing called that you use to measure the truss rod adjustment of the neck at 23:02 and where can I get one?

[@FretFriendGWaL]

You mean at 23:08? That's is not a measuring tool. It's a notched straight edge for checking to see how level (flat) the neck is; it has notches / grooves that enable you to flat the flatness of the fingerboard. Just type 'guitar straight edge' on eBay. Make sure you get the correct size (most common is Fender (25.5 inch scale / Gibson 24.75 inch scale). They come with 2 x scale lengths...

[@FretFriendGWaL]

I'm assuming you are in the USA; Here you go man; www.ebay.com/itm/FENDER-GUITAR-NECK-STRAIGHT-EDGE-Notched-LUTHIERS-TOOL-/260985028017?hash=item3cc3eb7db1:m:m_-VTf8GA7AAE4NhFxjmfDw

[@MAVERICKHAWK5M55]

Thanks for the tutorial, however what I've learned is to never intonate a guitar laying down! Always intonate/tune a guitar in playing position. The strings gravity is why you should intonate/tune in playing position!

[@FretFriendGWaL]

I always intonate and tune up properly in the playing position! I just get it close lying flat. Victor...

[@jorgeabaezp9365]

So... Is it a myth that if you turn the posts in order to raise/lower action while the guitar has string tension, it will damage the knife edges on the floyd?

[@FretFriendGWaL]

In my experience, yes! I have never damaged bridge posts or klnife edges by raising / lowering under tension. How else are you supposed to do it? Regards, Victor...

[@0ZZM0SIS.]

Why cant you over tighten the little screws for adjusting intonation

[@FretFriendGWaL]

What??? Because they will strip...

[@inferiarogue]

you're incredible !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you so much so much so much !!!!!!!!!!

[@james159ish]

Thanks vic

[@Alexbajoquinto]

you know its a good spring when you got to fight it to put it on the trem claw

[@XxlildramaxX]

Is this set up the same with most tremolos?

[@MrBrar-fc9kl]

Sir i have garg 250 p guitar and its bridge setting tell me a little about it please

[@FretFriendGWaL]

I do not know what that is! Maybe you could try Google?

[@christrull7081]

thanks buddy

[@Greghc48]

The guitar bridge I’m working on is slightly different. The strings pass through the bridge tubes, and are held in place via the string barrel, vs the way described in your video. My guitar is a 1989 BC Rich NJ Series - with the same configuration as your guitar. I’m planning to use your technique for set up. Have you seen a guitar bridge as I’ve got?

[@FretFriendGWaL]

No I have not...

[@Greghc48]

Fret Friend UK I finally found out what my bridge is. It’s called a “fast loader” floyd rose bridge. It’s not a locking style, rarely used it seems... due to complaints that the guitar cannot stay in tune during “deep dives” with the tremolo bar. The guitars are noted as “single locking” instead of double locking at the nut and bridge. There are a couple of you tube videos re: my configuration. Thx again for your help and suggestions.

[@artisanwest9730]

I do appreciate this video instruction but would offer some suggestions. Use a guitar tuner so we can see what is happening. You can hear if the sound is slightly sharp or flat but most of us can't. Also have an amp on so we can hear the sound of the guitar better. Finally, when doing the action adjustment, mention that the measurement is in millimeters. I do have a question. Why do the fine adjustments with the screw driver under the tremolo? Once the screwdriver is removed, wouldn't the pitch change? ....guess I needed to watch the last three minutes.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Errr.... yeah... watch the whole thing! I do use a tuner and I get your point but I'm too busy to show everything. Regards, Victor...

[@dariusmichael6167]

Man I'm such an asshole some times. I'm sitting here critiquing this video, complaining about the way he explained, or did certain little things. Then I read the comments, and saw how many people were helped by this video, and felt like a total douche bag. I'm very particular about everything I do especially when setting up my floyd rose, but I'm calling myself out for being a snobby jerk off. This video is bigger than my opinion, it obviously gave a bunch of dusty guitars new life, and the gift of music to a bunch of people.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

I did not allow your original post and I'm sure you know why! Big of you to man up and admit you were a jerk though. Cheers...

[@2hi2dye]

Hey! no big deal, that's like 90% of KZbin comments anyways....

[@emerinahmetasevic]

I have guitar with floyd rose. Im gonna sell it. It drives me crazy setting up this thing.