Guitar Forum by DBZ Guitars > Floyd Rose Intimidation

Biblico

Nov 21 2009, 03:07 AM

Once I get my Bird of Prey, it will be my first guitar with an Original Floyd Rose, and the first thing I'm going to do is switch the strings to 10 gauge DR Black Beauties because I like the extra tension in standard E.

However, I feel intimidated by this because I hear people saying that it takes hours to intonate.

Here are my options:
Option 1 - Pay the guitar techs at Guitar Center every time I need to intonate

Option 2 - Give the guitar techs the finger (joking) and learn how to do this

I decided to look at youtube tutorials, and I found a video saying that if I block the bridge, it becomes relatively easy to intonate. The video advised me to buy a tremolo stopper (which run for $20) but also said I could tape up some guitar picks.

My question:
Is this tremolo stopper worth it? I don't mind paying the $20 if it's going to permanently make my life that much easier, but if there's another easy method that doesn't require the blocking of the bridge, I'm all open ears.

Thanks for the advise.

GregCrowe

Nov 21 2009, 03:29 AM

Find a buddy who knows Floyd's inside and out or pay a tech to do it and make sure you watch and learn while he does it. Floyds really are easy to work with, just time consuming. This is something everyone really needs to learn how to do themselves. If you can intonate a non-Floyd guitar, you can easily intonate a Floyd'd guitar, just takes longer. I shove a rag under the trem while loosening and tightening each individual saddle again and again until you finally get it right. Lastly, make sure the intonation adjustments are the LAST adjustments you do to a Floyd. Get the Floyd leveled and the string height(action) set exactly where you want it before messing with the intonation. I actually found on my DBZ that getting the Floyd level was the hardest part, ultra-sensitive to any adjustment and even stretching the strings out.

darkentity

Nov 21 2009, 03:35 AM

QUOTE (Biblico @ Nov 21 2009, 04:07 AM)

Once I get my Bird of Prey, it will be my first guitar with an Original Floyd Rose, and the first thing I'm going to do is switch the strings to 10 gauge DR Black Beauties because I like the extra tension in standard E.

However, I feel intimidated by this because I hear people saying that it takes hours to intonate.

Here are my options:
Option 1 - Pay the guitar techs at Guitar Center every time I need to intonate

Option 2 - Give the guitar techs the finger (joking) and learn how to do this

I decided to look at youtube tutorials, and I found a video saying that if I block the bridge, it becomes relatively easy to intonate. The video advised me to buy a tremolo stopper (which run for $20) but also said I could tape up some guitar picks.

My question:
Is this tremolo stopper worth it? I don't mind paying the $20 if it's going to permanently make my life that much easier, but if there's another easy method that doesn't require the blocking of the bridge, I'm all open ears.

Thanks for the advise.

Hey, just go with youtube vids. Thats how I learned. Heres the one I found really helpful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1c-7-VMY_w
And about that trem stopper: If you play metal, its good to experiment with the trem going both ways. I never had problems with any bridge and I own 4 guitars with the licensed floyd and they are all going both ways, but I guess that a matter of preference.

Slanderous666

Nov 21 2009, 03:54 AM

QUOTE (Biblico @ Nov 21 2009, 04:07 AM)

Once I get my Bird of Prey, it will be my first guitar with an Original Floyd Rose, and the first thing I'm going to do is switch the strings to 10 gauge DR Black Beauties because I like the extra tension in standard E.

However, I feel intimidated by this because I hear people saying that it takes hours to intonate.

Here are my options:
Option 1 - Pay the guitar techs at Guitar Center every time I need to intonate

Option 2 - Give the guitar techs the finger (joking) and learn how to do this

I decided to look at youtube tutorials, and I found a video saying that if I block the bridge, it becomes relatively easy to intonate. The video advised me to buy a tremolo stopper (which run for $20) but also said I could tape up some guitar picks.

My question:
Is this tremolo stopper worth it? I don't mind paying the $20 if it's going to permanently make my life that much easier, but if there's another easy method that doesn't require the blocking of the bridge, I'm all open ears.

Thanks for the advise.

I would recommend any guides really as like greg said its easy just time consuming. About the tremolo stopper the 20$ item seems to be a rip off. I myself use an eraser when working on an FR(got tired of it so switched to hardtail/vintage trem guitars), I've seen people use a 9volt battery or pencils or as greg says he uses a rag which would work well also. Really don't think the 20$ item is worth it.

winter raven

Nov 21 2009, 03:15 PM

QUOTE (Biblico @ Nov 21 2009, 03:07 AM)

Once I get my Bird of Prey, it will be my first guitar with an Original Floyd Rose, and the first thing I'm going to do is switch the strings to 10 gauge DR Black Beauties because I like the extra tension in standard E.

However, I feel intimidated by this because I hear people saying that it takes hours to intonate.

Here are my options:
Option 1 - Pay the guitar techs at Guitar Center every time I need to intonate

Option 2 - Give the guitar techs the finger (joking) and learn how to do this

I decided to look at youtube tutorials, and I found a video saying that if I block the bridge, it becomes relatively easy to intonate. The video advised me to buy a tremolo stopper (which run for $20) but also said I could tape up some guitar picks.

My question:
Is this tremolo stopper worth it? I don't mind paying the $20 if it's going to permanently make my life that much easier, but if there's another easy method that doesn't require the blocking of the bridge, I'm all open ears.

Thanks for the advise.

I learned how to work with floyed rose trems by watching and helping someone. Of course, just make sure they know what they are doing. Save your money and good luck!

RyRy

Dec 20 2009, 04:28 PM

It's a skill worth learning trust me, your wallet will thank you later.

JKMV14

Dec 21 2009, 09:07 AM

Here are two posts i made in two other threads about floyds. Once you are familiar with the process of setting up a floyd, time is the only hindering factor. It usually takes me about 2 hours to set mine up, 3 at most. If you are changing gauge, then it will probably take closer to 3 hours. I say save your money...you can use almost anything to block the bridge...i use a 9V batter occasionally...whatever fits. Good luck.

QUOTE (JKMV14 @ Oct 16 2009, 01:18 AM)

With the trem, all you have to do is block the bridge (fix it so that it is level even when the strings are off. a small block of wood, a stack of cards, or something like that would work). Then you just put the new strings on and tune them to whatever tuning you want. Next your going to want to tighten the screws in the back just a little bit (maybe a few 1/4 turns each). Then unblock the trem and it will most likely get pulled by the strings a little (or a lot). Next all it is is just a balancing act. Tighten the scews in the back a little bit (not too much). Then tune the strings back. Just keep doing that until the bridge is level and the strings are perfectly in tune (or as close as you can get it).

Once you get that done, it will be time for the fun part: intonation!

QUOTE (JKMV14 @ Sep 25 2009, 07:11 AM)

Intonation really isn't that complicated. It is a little bit harder with a trem, but still not that hard. Here is a few threads that might help you:

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=602241

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=614226

Basically all you have to do is, once the new strings are on and the bridge is level and the strings are in-tune (and b4 you lock the nut), you match the 12th fret harmonic to the 12th fret note. If the notes don't match, then you loosen the string and unscrew the small allen screw underneath the string with a 2.5 mm allen wrench (once you tune it back, the other strings will go back to their original state).

If the fretted note is sharper, pull the saddle back (make string longer); If it is flatter, then push the saddle in (make the string shorter). Once you make the adjustment and tighten the screw, tune the string back to what you want and tune the rest of the strings (which should be pretty close to what you had before). Then just start over on the next string. The instructions in the second thread i posted are probably better than mine, but hopefully it makes sense.

Once the strings are intonated, just tune them one last time, lock the nut, fine tune, and you are ready to rock 'n' roll!

Why take your guitar to a shop if it is something you can easily learn to do yourself?? It saves money and time. I had to take mine up to get set-up a few months ago (problem with it i didn't know how to fix). It took like 4-5 weeks for them to set it up. It didn't cost me much, but it is something i could have had done in a few hours. So i highly recommend you learn to do it yourself. You have all the tools to help you.

Good Luck.