Not my words but those of Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter in this month's Guitarist magazine when asked about his favourite vibrato systems...
"I'm a big fan of the stratocaster because it's got a lot of play. There are probably going to be people that won't like me for saying this, but use all 5 springs, please. Leo did that for a reason. If you haven't done it, do it. And if you have done it, you're already there. I think it's an excellent system."
Rather frustratingly he didn't elaborate further (or wasn't asked).
So... what's the thinking here? I've only ever used strat trems with 3 springs.
Using 5 would mean less movement possible on the bar, higher tension - but better tone or stability tuning wise?
...she's got Dickie Davies eyes...
Comments
just because you do, doesn't mean you should.
I think the Fender 6 screw trem is the best if it's set up right but I'm a 3 spring man
As for "when am I ready?" You'll never be ready. It works in reverse, you become ready by doing it. - pmbomb
The vibrato springs were intended to balance with the string tension load of what we now call Medium gauge.
Ernie Ball custom gauge strings were introduced in 1962. Before then, to create a lighter set, guitarists shifted every string across by one and added a plain banjo string for high E.
IMO, Jeff Baxter advocated a Stratocaster with a stiff set up to encourage tasteful/musical application of wobble and discourage stunt techniques. (Just a hypothesis, folks.)
"I'm a big fan of the stratocaster because it's got a lot of play. There are probably going to be people that won't like me for saying this, but use all 5 springs, please. Leo did that for a reason. If you haven't done it, do it. And if you have done it, you're already there. I think it's an excellent system."
A lot of crap - When Leo invented the Strat he never intended for it to be played the way it is today, often with lighter strings - As such set it up for you and your own style - SRV, Hank, Jimi, Beck and Eric for starters employ a totally different set up and I don't see any of these as wrong
Balance it up with strings, claw distance and as many/tenser/lighter springs as you need. Jeff "Bunk" Skaxter has a dogma because he likes to have an opinion. Some people do that.
Believe in a God who sits on a cloud, has a massive beard and hates homosexuality. Makes as much sense.
Or are we saying that once the tension is set so that the balance is where you want it, the number or type of springs affects the feel of moving the bridge from that point?
I've been adding springs to all my guitars, even the non-trem ones and they all sustain for days.
My preference is 2 springs, although in a moment of sheer madness I went to 3 a while back and barely noticed the difference. It's been traumatic ....