With a tremolo set in a 'floating' position String tension = Spring Tension.
Bridge rests in a neutral position.
Increase the number of tremolo springs, bridge is pulled back and tuning sharpens.
So we loosen the screws of the spring claw.
Reduce the number of springs, bridge moves 'nutwards' and tuning flattens.
So we tighten the screws of the spring claw.
This maintains the balance between String tension and Spring Tension
I wonder though - what are the other practical effects of reducing or increasing the number of tremolo springs?
I've noticed that with my Strat, when I bend strings they tend to return slightly flat.
A quick depress of the tremolo arm sharpens the string back to pitch.
(Assuming a well cut nut, good tuning machines and no string trees) this is apparently due to the string 'hanging' at two points
1. the non locking saddles and
2. the break point on the upper surface of the baseplate.
The phenomenon still exists but is genuinely less obvious on my Gotoh FST tremolo, where the strings do not touch the baseplate - the only point of contact is at the saddle.
If I were to use less springs, the bridge will move nutwards more easily when I bend a string. Will that reduce the string hanging at the saddles and so the tendency to return flat after a string bend? If so, that should improve tuning stability right...?
Since spring tension remains constant, I wonder - is there an effect on tone, when one increases or reduces the number of tremolo springs? (with the tremolo still 'floating')
Finally - 'noiseless tremolo springs' like these
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SSB-Silent-Springs-x3-NOISELESS-tremolo-guitar-bridge-upgrade-strat-floyd-rose/152354440552?epid=1959651070&hash=item2379084568:g:LA8AAOSw6dNWTf6jI just wrap PTFE tape around my springs - is that just as good?
Expert opinions very much appreciated.
Comments
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
More springs gives a greater spring constant, so the force trying to bring the bridge back to the rest position is greater for a given movement away from it.
A well-cut nut and lubrication in the grooves and under the string tree is more effective than adding springs to try to solve tuning problems though.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
More springs = stiffer trem feel, fewer = lighter feel. The only tuning issue which is a side effect of (say) two springs, is that palm muting is likely to push the bridge down, causing the tuning to sharpen.
What I don’t understand however, is the fact that irrespective of the number of springs used, theIr tension should equal that of the strings.
A set of 10-46 at concert pitch = 102.5lb of tension. Therefore, the springs are also exerting that same 102.5lbs.
So with fewer springs, why is the tremolo more easy to move? (in either direction)
(Edited earlier post)
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
This does help overcome any minor friction at the bridge screws, which is probably why it gives slightly better tuning stability - but the nut is more usually the cause of trouble.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
There is no definitive way to set up such a trem - Jeff Beck, Hank Marvin, SRV and Clapton will set up in a different manner
But even then, he said he prefers a fully blocked 5-spring trem to a hardtail - and they do sound different, the springs still add some resonance.
The only way to 'fix' that is to do what I saw on a 70s Strat once... the whole cavity - block, springs and all - filled with casting resin :-O. Needless to say it got left like that...
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
There are correct ways to set it up for tuning stability regarding top nut and the 6 mounting wood screws - But floating a bit or floating more, flat like EC with no movement at all and the wood block, or flat with 5 springs and still some option of down pitch movement, are all a matter of taste
Under these circumstances, bending individual strings would not cause the bridge to pull forwards and flatten the other strings. So effectively, a hard tail.
So what further advantage does blocking a Tremolo with a block wood confer?
You are right with 5 springs and baseplate flat, then string bending won't pull the bridge forward - However there is a finite point on the set up of this with the 5 springs/claw adjustment, where the trem can still go down in pitch, but won't move under regular string bending - You'll need to adjust accordingly to find this 'sweet spot' - Depends if you actually want any trem down pitch movement