Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Stratocaster Tremelo Spring Patterns

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Stratocaster Tremelo Spring Patterns

    Appreciate some clarification here...when looking at the rear trem cavity of a Stratocaster, we have all seen a variety of spring patterns...usually 5 in a line, 3 in a line, the 'V' (3 spring) pattern on the newer 2 point bridges, & occasionally a single spring serving as a ground conductor if the trem is blocked.

    My question(s)...is the number of springs & choice of spring pattern primarily based on individual trem arm tension preferences and/or does it also have something to do with maintaining accurate pitch?

    Lastly, I have heard that the black Fender trem springs have less inherent tension than the silver ones...is this correct?

  • #2
    Originally posted by overdrive View Post
    Appreciate some clarification here...when looking at the rear trem cavity of a Stratocaster, we have all seen a variety of spring patterns...usually 5 in a line, 3 in a line, the 'V' (3 spring) pattern on the newer 2 point bridges, & occasionally a single spring serving as a ground conductor if the trem is blocked.

    My question(s)...is the number of springs & choice of spring pattern primarily based on individual trem arm tension preferences and/or does it also have something to do with maintaining accurate pitch?

    Lastly, I have heard that the black Fender trem springs have less inherent tension than the silver ones...is this correct?
    I personally change spring patterns, quantities, types, etc soley based on feel or tension. I do not believe any of this has an affect on accurate pitch just feel.

    Comment


    • #3
      That's what I suspected in terms of how many springs to use...so basically, that 3 spring V shape pattern used on the newer Stratocasters has nothing to do with maintaining accurate pitch, just the manufacturer being 'cost-effective'. Like why use 5 springs when you can easily get by with two less & nobody (other than myself) will question it anyway. Gotta love those MBA bean-counters & their penny-pinching impact(s) on the production process.

      Comment


      • #4
        I forgot to mention old springs and even cheap springs can affect accurate pitch but other than that no.

        Comment


        • #5
          i think the amount of springs do affect the tension, when a customer wants a tight bridge almost fixed, ill put as many srings as i can get in there, and if they want a nice loose trem, where they can divebomb freely, ill put 2 to 3 springs usually straight.
          I think pitch and accuracy comes down to the adjustment of the claw that the springs are attached to

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by overdrive View Post
            Like why use 5 springs when you can easily get by with two less & nobody (other than myself) will question it anyway. Gotta love those MBA bean-counters & their penny-pinching impact(s) on the production process.
            Because 50 years ago people used heavy gauge flatwound strings on their guitars, so you needed the 5 springs to counter the string tension.

            But 5 springs is too stiff for today's light gauge strings, and people use their vibratos differently now.

            This is the same reason why Strat pickups have staggered magnets with the G higher and the B lower. That worked for the strings use back then, but not with modern strings.
            It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure. — Albert Einstein


            http://coneyislandguitars.com
            www.soundcloud.com/davidravenmoon

            Comment


            • #7
              The only times I use 5 springs are for those who want to be like SRV with 12's or if someone needs the tremolo locked down. Other than that I usually set up the tremolo with 3. Backplates can be problematic with accurate pitch. They contact the springs on many strats which causes tuning problems.

              Comment

              Working...
              X