How to Add a Floyd Rose Tremolo to Your Guitar

Patreon Support Page www.patreon.com/bePatron?c=58...
I will be giving a guitar away that might resonate with fans of Prince and fans of Cloud Guitars. EMG Pickups, Schaller Hardware...own a beautiful custom guitar! "Lets Build A Guitar" and give it away! Would you consider partnering with me through Patreon to make some dreams happen?
To nominate someone you think we should consider as a potential recipient: Send their name and reason why you are nominating them to [e-mail]
Let's give this world something to smile about and fight for JOY! I have been building guitars for 13 years. Some of my guitars are played by professional musicians, including musicians who played with our Minnesota's Own Prince Rogers Nelson (Prince).
I think it would be creative and bring some joy to the world if I found ways to give some guitars away. For this to work, I will need patron support through Patreon. The more support, the more guitars to give away and I will film it for your pleasure! I've gotta pay for parts somehow :) _____________________________________________________________________
HOW YOU CAN HAVE A SAY IN WHO GETS A FREE GUITAR! This is where you will be able to share your nomination and why you think they should be / need to be considered as a recipient. As a supporter, you will also help design guitars with your vote...how cool is that?!!! Follow this Link to the Patreon Page! www.patreon.com/user?u=47277258 _______________________________________________________________________
How You Can SUBMIT YOUR GUITAR BUILD STORY and Pictures: Please Send a guitar building story of 300 to 600 words and your pictures for consideration to be used on the Lets Build a Guitar Vlog! SEND to [e-mail] Lets Build A Guitar and Fight for Joy my Friends! Custom Built * Custom Played GSA Filming / Xander Guitars My
Patreon Support Page www.patreon.com/bePatron?c=58...

[@sheldonkorpett1708]

Another great video. I really enjoy watching the process.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Thank you again Sheldon….The encouragement helps me to Keep going!

[@rfdunbar]

I just purchased one of those monster router bits as well. Haven't had a chance to try it yet but will be starting a build very soon. And thanks for sharing your mistakes! Happens to the best of us and it gives us all an opportunity to learn.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

I appreciate the encouragement. Hate making mistakes…but I guess it’s part of the learning - you are correct! I haven’t tried this one out yet either.

[@juansolo1617]

Glad you like the Floyd Rose. I hate that all the major manufacturers dumped them on most models except for the elite models. Jackson seems to have went with string-thru bodies even on their pricey guitars, really pushing string-thru. That kinda sucks... I don't whammy but I like to use tremolo vibrato. Need a floating bridge, even if it's like the Ibanez Talman (really nice floating bridge).

[@dongentry5895]

Great Video, gave me the confidence to give it a shot!!

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Awesome best of luck to ya!

[@benmunson5361]

I bought a Jackson Floyd Rose Guitar from you once :) Love the videos Steve

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

You certainly did!!!!!!! And I really liked that guitar. For being a fairly inexpensive guitar- that thing played well! Thanks for checking in Ben!

[@McAwesomeMcAwesome]

Glad i could finally catch up to your building process! I actually have exams for 3 weeks so its hectic but I can't go wrong with some youtube and guitar making:)

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Hey .... Good Look on the Exams! I know that can mean a bit of a fried brain, so the occasional break is a GREAT THING! Hang in there bro! Let us know how the exams go!

[@McAwesomeMcAwesome]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 Thanks for the encouragement I usually play some classical guitar to relax my brain and fry my fingers haha

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

@@McAwesomeMcAwesome That the way to do it! Play your g'tar on the MTV! Are you old enough to know that reference? haha have a great day!

[@McAwesomeMcAwesome]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 hahaha I don't think so even if I was I don't think I'd get references of foreign televesion since mtv here is in greek

[@bigdbearkiller5115]

you do not have to put shielding paint in a pocket for a floyd rose.the only thing you HAVE to shield is a pocket for a single coil pick up and make sure to ground your shield. shield is not actually what it does. it actually attracts signals you don't want and the ground wire bleeds them off to ground, and that's a fact jack.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Yes thank you…I’m actually aware of that. I did it for the aesthetic reasons on this one.

[@bottomtiercollector]

Thanks for the info!

[@PhantomMelody1876]

I need this

[@dpajc056]

Some tips: another way to remove the studs is to put a dovel in and then put the post and screw it in so the dovel will push against guitar body and lift the stud out. Floyd rose special is really the cheapest model out there, try using at least Floyd rose 1000. I like the models that have one edge flat instead of rounded so it gives you room to fit a post that isn't 100% in the right spot. It would've saved you here 😅

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Hey thanks for the tips!

[@p-47m16]

I have a squire tele and I am planning to put a floyd in it and this will be a big help.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Glad to help! You should send me a pic when it’s done!

[@p-47m16]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 I will also how should I contact you and would you like to see my tele in its current state, I have done a lot of mods to it and I plan to 100% redo the electronics and tunners and all that this week.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

@@p-47m16 Yeah absolutely....My email is listed in the description below my new video if you look down underneath on a computer or phone.

[@claudevieaul1465]

I would've put in a ground wire on one of those bridge posts . On EMGs you don't need one, but you know guitarists love swapping bits and pieces out 😜 Might be converted to passive pickups, and *thèn* you will definitely need a ground wire.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Sure makes sense, but This guitar is for me and EMGs are what I want….but yeah I get ya!

[@negovei1]

Hi and thanks for the video, Do you have one on how to cut the locking nut? Cheers!

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

I don’t have that one yet! Maybe a good video suggestion for the future.

[@Spaceman-jo5mz]

Great informative video!!👍 I’ve run into an issue with my Jaguar bridge replacement ….post are not the same width apart as original Jag bridge post. I need to plug and red-rill the post holes for new roller bridge. Side note & Question: Where can I purchase the flexible drill bit extension and the 99 degree adapters? Didn’t know those were available….been needing them for a while!

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

I love that drill extension. I bought mine at a local hardware store….I would think you could find one online.

[@hhattingh]

Is there a term for the inlays running through the body? Skunk stripe for neck etc. I want to get rid of a Floyd and fill cavity by doing an inlay similar to this body.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

I guess I’m not sure if there is an official name! I’ve just referred to them as racing stripes….what you’re looking to do would work! It’ll take some effort and time, but should work!

[@ThusSpakeTheNightFerret]

Hello from a fellow Minnesota guitar builder!

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Hello!!! Where are you located?

[@ThusSpakeTheNightFerret]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 I’m in Hanover.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

@@ThusSpakeTheNightFerret We use to live between Cokato and Annandale ... I remember being out on our acreage Mowing Lawn one late after noon about 11 years ago and turned my mower around in time to see a funnel cloud skirt just north of us and later hearing that it hit Hanover.

[@ThusSpakeTheNightFerret]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 It’s a great area. Very quiet in the evenings. We’ve been here since 2013 so fortunately we missed the tornado. 🤣

[@guysperk9950]

Thanks for the Altar Boys album cover they are one of my favorite bands

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Awesome! Yeah always liked them!

[@jonballen1550]

When you measure out 25-1/8" for the floyd, are you measuring from the top or bottom of the nut?

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Measuring from the front of the nut parallel with the fretboard to the Line drawn between the posts/holes on the bridge!

[@marksmith-hs9li]

Fantastic video,this is what I intend to do soon. ? Could I do this with just hand tools.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

I would say yes….but a router is a huge benefit!

[@clutch2827]

Is StewMac stuff made out of gold? Over 100 dollars for those templates?!

[@kevinbrown1833]

I have a samick guitar that has a tremolo bridge. I want to route it for a left handed floyd but theres nothing to rest the arm on underneath. Is that space necessary or am i fine to continue routing the rest to fit the floyd?

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

I would need to see some pictures, but maybe you have it done by now?

[@JoeR203]

Can you do a Steinberger GM2 body with a Floyd Rose route? I'd like to get the Sophia 2.92 tremolo system because it has the full range tuners needed for a headless guitar.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

I’ve never done a headless, so I would have to research before I could give a solid answer.

[@JoeR203]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 Cool. I've been chatting with Chinese manufacturers who make the Steinberger copy and asking if they can route for a Floyd, but I'm not so sure they understand what I'm saying because they refer to every trem route as a "Floyd Rose". I've even sent them pictures of guitar bodies showing the required cavities. But I still get the feeling they'd screw it up.

[@deanallen927]

Are you talking about 25" from the headstock side of the nut, or the fingerboard side of the nut?

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Hey sorry it took so long to get back to you. 25 inches from the nut face on the fret side of the nut to the line that goes between the post holes.

[@ivankrushensky]

Thank you for posting this. My son just inherited an old Ibanez from my brother, but it has no hardware. We're planning on adding a Floyd Rose to it. Do you have any videos on adding a locking nut where there used to be a standard nut? I'm trying to figure a good way to make up for the overhang of the locking nut, so it's sitting on something. I don't have a ton of tools to cut out an intricate piece to fit in there, so I was considering some kind of epoxy. Other than that, we will be all set.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

I do have a video in which I used a simple jig for routing for the nut. However with most necks you will have a little overhang of the FR nut on the top side...unless you routed deeper and wider and then glued in a piece of wood, I don't think there is any way of getting around it.

[@ivankrushensky]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 I was thinking of using some sort of epoxy since its an odd shape, and then painting it black since the face of the headstock is black. It's tricky though because the truss rod adjustment access is also right there.

[@nistgo]

Awesome! Now, can you come to PR and do it to my cheap Epiphone?!?

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Well hey it would be a fun trip! 😜

[@bryancabrera-qz5yl]

I have a question Can you still add a Floyd rose tremolo bridge even though you don’t have a backboard?

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

What do you mean by backboard? I might need pictures.

[@1spaceman604]

how hard would it be to convert a epiphone prophecy v to a floydrose and not the tune o matic?

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

If you have experience using a router….not bad….however if you aren’t interested in do 80’s dives like Van Halen, you should consider a top mount Tremolo. Schaller use to to make a great one, but there are some other brands out there.

[@1spaceman604]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 richie faulkner v build

[@JBmusicart]

I am convinced that it would be better to install post receivers then use the floyd rose frx top mounted. Thoughts?

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

I like the counter sunk personally because I can get the best lowest action without any fret buzz….I’ve done this on three guitars and I have without a doubt had the best action on those three. Particularly meaning my string height at 21st fret is barely higher than the first fret! However I have a buddy that prefers a higher action. So I guess we each have our preferences.

[@JBmusicart]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 awesome, to route or not to route...

[@negovei1]

How about the specs ( link ) to the router bit with multiple heads? Thanks!

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

www.amazon.com/KOWOOD-Flush-Router-Flutes-Length/dp/B08ZXJZS1B/ref=gp_aw_ybh_a_53?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5JQ5XM9ADHHSXQ42V5XD

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Here you go! I still haven’t tried it out but I’m looking forward to it!

[@negovei1]

Thank you!

[@lmlm2500]

Why not use clamps to avoid putting holes in the guitar?

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

That’s a good question and perhaps I didn’t explain that….the holes the screws are used to hold down the template are the holes that will be bored out later for the bridge post. Also clamps get in the way of the router.

[@lmlm2500]

fair enough.@@letsbuildaguitar9230

[@Icybones000]

Measure twice cut/drill once.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Right! Absolutely agree! The problem however wasn’t measuring wrong….I measured multiple times….the problem was actually getting the bit to be in the exact place it needed to be as it bores into the wood. It needs to be so precise. This is why I started using a drill bit guide. But totally get ya!!! I measure and remeasure and remeasure…but still have the incredible ability to get it wrong!😀

[@crimefighters]

What is the brand of the flexible drill extension? Thx

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

That’s a very good question. I’m on vacation away from home for another week before I would be able to check. I bought it through a Bomgaars hardware store. Not sure if that will help at all.

[@crimefighters]

I live in Canada so not so much😀 When you have a chance post the brand. Most get terrible reviews, and thank you!

[@santiagodeponce9390]

But bridge saddles move because of intonation

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Yes of course….and the range is limited so it needs to be within the pocket that it’s supposed to be.

[@danialm8122]

You love tele style right sir? Then i will subscribe.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

I do like tele’s! Thank you!

[@b.scottfarthingsworth]

why paint the recess? It looked better natural

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Simply because I like it and it’s mine!😜

[@mitchjacobs4360]

Front pup router all the way thru guitar???!!!

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Yes absolutely! It’s mounted from the back just like the Prince cloud. Also leaves space to active pickup batteries if going that route. Mounting from the back leaves a clean front. I specifically use this with the EMG SAx pickups!

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

It’s a technique Dave Rusan used on Prince’s Cloud guitar. Once I started doing it, I was sold.

[@hardrockindaddy]

Thanks Paul for this video, I bought a Sophia 2:92 for a Strat, but now realize I have to route the body for a Floyd Rose. I also love the video at the end, I like your shirt. I watch NYSTV here on KZbin every Saturday night. I love The Word, Jesus Christ is returning with a sword, and the gates of hell will not prevail. Blessings to you and your family.

[@TAGSlays]

Tremolo

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Hey thanks! Never noticed that one!

[@TAGSlays]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 Great video, thanks!

[@DVEX1000]

Jackson's are made for modern times. Fender isn't looking to make their products better or come up with new technology or designs. They seem to market their products to beginners in which they make the claim that the older generation music is the easiest to play. So this is one reason the tone and everything has remained the same. As a musician, one who respects music, this mentality holds back the evolution of many genres and sub genres of music and costs the innovative artist more money to customize their sound and look. Fender and Gibson should look to the future instead of patting themselves on the back for the past. Jackson guitars are a company that is getting better each year because they get involved with industry and look for way to upgrade their product to today's standards. Can't knock them for that.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@DVEX1000]

@letsbuildaguitar9230 Just venting a lil frustration. Lol. Thanks for being a good sport. I was a professional welder / fabricator for 35+ yrs, but have limited experience with a router. Bought a Floyd Rose for my limited edition BC Rich. I'm going to have to take it to a shop.

[@jimmyhumphrey_5975]

Good information but over thought. Get to the details. You are over explaining. I literally got tired and fell asleep and had to rewatchand speed forward through the docudrama. Your technical aspect spot on but lost interest twice. Sorry people are looking for direct information especially people that are learning.

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Yep I get that. There’s a lot of that out there….I’m not trying to get a 100000 followers. I’m connecting with a niche of those wanting to slow down and take a building journey with me….it’s not for everyone but for some I’ve made fantastic connections with, it’s what some of us go for. I appreciate your feedback truly…but it’s not what I’m doing.

[@jimmyhumphrey_5975]

@letsbuildaguitar9230 I think you misunderstood me I'm not questioning motive. Some of us that are fairly new with guitar building need straight on information that's not over thought and to much information. If you streamlined it some people like myself would stay attentive.

[@gadda-da-vida]

idk about that one bud, hes videos are excellent.

[@gadda-da-vida]

@@jimmyhumphrey_5975 i just built my first guitar last month. now I'm putting a floyd rose in my new dean mlx, and this video helped out so much, i learned a lot from it. this type of video is exactly what I'm looking for myself as a i am still extremely new to guitar building, so idk what yer talking about. i just wouldn't go on comment something like this if yer like the only one that seems to feel this way haha. idk

[@fluidalchemist68]

dude, do you have instagram?

[@letsbuildaguitar9230]

Yep under Steve Stahl

[@fluidalchemist68]

@@letsbuildaguitar9230 found you :)