Please take note that some adjustments (mainly neck relief and intonation) are more accurate if performed with the guitar in playing position rather than laying on a bench due to some potential neck bending produced by gravity. In practice this is infinitesimal and I've seen countless reputable luthiers setting up guitars on a bench with perfect results but, if you want the maximum precision possible, thats the way to go.
I'm going to save this to my 'need to know' playlist for future reference. My jackson JS32 Randy Rhoads doesn't have a retainer bar on the headstock though, so I'll have to skip that part.
Dude. thank you. You probably wont notice this comment. But you literally changed my life with this video. I no longer have to pester my brother to do it for me. Also he never did it this thoroughly. It makes me so proud that I can do this myself now. It took me a good while to find that fine sweet spot and get it perfect but my float is perfect and my guitar is a fine piece of work now. Blessings to you brother for this upload. I liked and now subscribed. You are my first subscription ever on you tube. Word. Keep it metal.
Wow thanks! That was one of the nicest comments I've ever received! Glad you found this video helpful. At the end of the day that's the ultimate goal of this little channel. Enjoy your guitar!
Definitely needed this. I have an Ibanez RG series Floyd rose bridge guitar and honestly I have not restringed the poor thing in 3 years due to the fact I’ve been avoiding learning to do it and not wanting to just pay to get it restrung and adjusted. Finally have the guts to give it a shot now thanks to this video! Bought new strings and they are a new gauges. Perfect video
I messed up the.... everything... on my Schecter with a Floyd Rose when I changed the string gauge. This video was a huge help in getting it back into top shape and sounding great. Best guide I found by far. Thanks for sharing it!
Life saver. I took all my strings off to clean the fretboard and i fucct it up. The new strings basically pulled the floyd rose all the way out. I got confused and have been searching thru hours of videos trying to find a tutorial on how to fully string the guitar from scratch instead of one at a time. You are a legend, and have a spot on my donations list whenever i become a billionaire 🤙
I have been a Floyd user for 25+ years and have seen a lot of Floyd setup vids - without question this is one of the "best", most complete ones out there. A few things and comments: - THANK YOU for reminding me about properly adjusting the retainer bar....honestly, this is one thing that I have often been omitting when setting up my own Floyds. Indeed, properly setting up the break angle on Floyd's with locking nuts can be crucial to consistently staying in tune. I also will run a pencil along the grooves of the locking nut itself - likely not needed as the locking nut is the whole point, but still it's something I do anyway; :) - I am one of the "ball end on the tuner" Floyd guy's....I always have been and have never ever encountered any issues with damaging the tuning peg or other string issues. For me, on the rare occasions I break a string, like most Floyd's it will happen at the bridge/saddles. So I make sure I do have extra length on the bridge string end - I run them to the end of the fine tuner mechanism and then another inch or so. But since going to NYXLs [10s or 9.5] I have yet to break any strings though I am not a severe whammy abuser like Vai - just a touch of Satch/Lifeson style whammy :) - Excellent tip about oiling the pivot points - I use WD40 and a toothpick as well; I would also suggest people to do the same lubrication on the fine tuning screws. Add a tiny bit on each fine tuner and just work it back and forth; - Really useful stuff on intonation and truss rod adjustment! Well-done! Maybe stress that people need NOT OVERTIGHTEN the locking nuts! Just tighten until they are secure and a hair more only. - I think you only forgot a couple small things - to properly stretch out the new strings at some point before clamping everything down for good and also to set the fine tuner adjustments to about halfway on each string to allow for maximum range of fine tuning when needed. Neck's will and always move, at least slightly. And doing the intonation while in a playing position. - Your use of a towel and a wooden block to support the Floyd bridge is great....try to google a product called TremoLok. It's crazy to me that that appears to not be made anymore. I still have mine from 25 years ago and it is a godsend to support Floyd bridges during string changes. Just a simple piece of strong "L" shaped hard plastic with dense soft foam underneath to protect the guitar finish. Honestly, IMO a brilliant invention that needs to come back on the market! - Great original music! But maybe upload a version with voiceover? Terrific work again! Cheers and SUBBED! Stay safe! TREMOLOK images and link on gearpage: www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/to-the-floyd-rose-folks-here-are-a-couple-old-gadgets-i-managed-to-track-down.1351452/ Looks like someone has resurrected the idea of the original Tremolok! www.shredneck.com/shredneck-tremblock/ www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/All_Hardware_and_Parts_by_Instrument/Electric_Guitar_Parts/Electric_Guitar_Bridges_and_Tailpieces/Electric_Guitar_Tremolo_Parts/ShredNeck_TremBlock.html
Wow, thaks for your message! I'm really glad you liked the video and that has been helpful! The retainer bar must be the most ovelooked and most helpfull adjustment on a FR equipped guitar, thanks for noticing it. Your tip of leaving some string in the tuner in case it brakes at the bridge is awesome, luckily I havent had problems breaking strings (I think 3 o 4 strings broken in 20 years wich I think is pretty good) but this advise is awesome, thanks!! Im glad you liked the music! sadly I know that voiceover videos could potentially appeal to more people but I'm not a native english speaker and my accent is absolutely terrible so is something that isn't going to happen any time soon haha. Thanks A LOT for subscribing and all your support, I really apreciate it and it means a lot to me! Cheers!!!
Dont worry, several have commented the same, if it didn't came with the bar from the factory probably it's designed to not need one. If you are in doubt just check that the strings rest over all the nut like shown in the video
@RocketJuan Why not? You need to explain your reasoning if you expect anyone to take you seriously at all. I have been using tiny amounts of WD40 in key areas on all my guitars for decades with zero negative effects. If your experience has shown otherwise, explain yourself and perhaps your advice might be considered. I'm the first guy to admit when he's proven to be wrong or shown better ways to do things.
I bought a guitar with a Floyd Rose a few years ago. Your video helped me dial it in perfectly. It sat neglected for the last year and the damn thing was still in tune when I finally started playing it again last week. Cleaning it up and putting new strings on and found your video again. A million thank you's from me!
Hey man. You’ve being my messiah. I got angry at myself for getting a Floyd Rose. I didn’t have problems with tuning when I got it. The challenge happened after changing strings. I watched several videos online but couldn’t tune it for countless hours. I abandoned the guitar for about 2 months. I saw this video and within 15 mins the guitar was tuned like magic. What really helped was adjusting the springs at the back and the bar near the nut. God bless you.
This is genuinely the most useful tech video I have seen on guitar. I paid a ridiculous amount for a Jackson Kelly KE2. My tech saw that, and has been charging me about 180 bucks every other month or so to change strings and adjust the bridge etc. This meant the world to me
I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I always been a Les Paul guy and switch to a 7 string Schecter with a Floyd Rose. I decided to change the strings and do some conditioning maintenance only to discover that they sent it to me with the strangest string gauge combination. I was going to have to buy individual stings in order to match. I should have learned this long time ago, but some of us avoid the technical stuff. Shame on me. Kind of like learning to change a tire. You rock and save the day! Regardless of your other content I am you #1 fan and subscriber! LOL Cheers!
It's really awesome to hear that. I'm glad to help and hope you enjoy your new guitar! It's great to be able to mantain and even improve your own instruments and I'm glad I can help to acomplish that. Thanks A LOT for your support!! Cheers!
Speaking of custom string gauges, if you need some, check out stringjoy.com. Their email customer support will build a set according to your needs, or help you pick a non-custom set. Theyve got acoustic, bass, and electric sets for 6-9-strings. Id also recommend their string conditioner, it’s a natural anti-rust agent, cleaner and lubricant all in one. It keeps the gunk off the strings for way longer, so it means I can put off buying new strings for a while.
Thank you for this video! I changed from 10's to 9's on my Ibanez JEM555-BK and I've always had trouble adjusting things with the Floyd Rose. This video made it so much easier!
Bro, thank you so much for this video. it's detailed but very easy to understand. changing gauge or even just restring is tiring in FR type. now i know i miss a lot of small step, or step to step order.
Finally, can't thank you enough bro. This video was PERFECT, absolute best setup video, all the other vids I've seen make it so complicated and over explain everything. Nice, simple, straight to the point. 👌
@@user-kf7kg3lf9w Not if you want to clean the fretboard and body. He did a full cleaning and setup. If it's just strings, then yes, one at a time is probably best, and if you are changing string gauges, then blocking the tremolo will probably help. Also, some people suggest tuning it in playing position, while others just do it flat on the workbench.
Thanks! 👍🏻 I have a Floyd Rose on a late 80’s - early 90’s Fender HM Strat. A friend of mine had a late 80’s Kramer with a Floyd Rose so when I picked up that guitar I have with a Floyd Rose I knew the basics but you’re video should help me to dial everything in. A few years ago I bought some kind of kit that amounts to attaching some parts to the Floyd Rose tremolo to make it easier to adjust.
Thank you! PHENOMENAL VIDEO! I can now save $70 taking my guitar to the store. You definitely put everything into one video and demystified this process.
I do mine similar but kinda different. I start my blocking the trem in the proper angle and tighten the claw a tad to ensue no matter what gauge im changing to, the trem won't move. I keep the trem blocked at the proper angle for the entire setup and when I'm done I'll back it off until the blocker easily slips out. Trem at perfect angle and tuning is perfect at well. This saves time with that tune-detune stuff I'll use a special trem bar clamp I designed for saddle adjustment.
Thank you for this! I picked up a second hand ESP from a charity shop and this is my first guitar with a Floyd Rose system, so this is new ground for me. Very helpful!
On the point. You made understand why I need to do this and that. I’ll now do something radical. Change from 10 to 8 gauge on my Jem. Wish me luck. I’ll need it...
I've been considering buying a guitar that has a floyd rose (and have kinda been discouraged as well upon seeing all the work that would be needed to change string gauge and tuning) and ended up on this video while looking for a tutorial on adjusting string gauge. I have to say it is a superbly made piece of content and covered just about ANY question I would ever need while being succinct and showing every step of the way. Truly an amazing video, a big thank you for sharing your knowledge with us :D
I play on fixed bridge guitars but this video gives me confidence on changing strings if I move to a Floyd rose setup. Kudos on detailing all the steps. No extra fluff. Just straight to business. 👍
I've seen many many of videos of topic like this, this is so far the one I was finally not getting lost while watching! lol. Great video and million thanks!
I just did this on my Schecter Hell Raiser before I saw this video. I pretty much did all of the things in the video, but was not near as smooth sailing. I had seen a couple of videos, but not anything as good as this one. With a few simple tools and this video I think anyone can get this done. After finishing, my guitar plays so much better with the new strings, same size as video, and the adjustments. What a difference. Thanks so much!
@@flonkas I actually bought two hell-raiser's at an estate sale. One white, and one dragon burst. They are great guitars, but do way more than my skills will ever see. The set-up can be done by a novice with some UA-cam help.
You can do a wooden or brass block to block the FR. Tune it then release the block. If the tremolo is not flat then just tighten/loosen the claw until it is flat and in tune. Use the block a few times until you get the claw perfect.
Used to set the floyed rose up in an hour and half in my 20s. Did it about once a month back then. Now Im 54 and its been a long time. So I thought a refresher vid would help and it certainly did! Made the same mistake I made about 15 years ago though 🤕... I forgot those little tabs that lock the strings in will fall out when loose Grrrr... Had a hell of a time figuring out what direction to reinslall those buggers lol... Full success other then that! Thanks Brother!
never noticed the hugegap on my washburn, the strings dont even look like they touch the bottom of the trough of the nut.....it doesnt have the bar to press down tho :( does it really make a huge difference if the strings are locked down in front of it?
I was going from stock strings to 10s, but with the earnie ball skinny top heavy bottom, so the low e is 52. I was tuning and retuning and readjusting the springs for 2 hours before my new high e snapped so here i am crying myself to sleep. Thanks for the tutorial btw its pretty easy to follow
Just spent alot of today setting up my Jackson with the help of this. Only thing I didn't have to adjust was the intonation, which was perfect since I got it last year. It was worth saving this video in my 'need to know' playlist.
Congratulations! Thank you very much for the video! I have a 1987 Ibanez RG 550 with Floyd Rose. I used all the instructions in the video and the guitar is fantastic! Now I will make the adjustments myself when necessary! Again Thank you very much!
I just got my Floyd set up for drop d and had issues with it staying in tune and not being fully floating, and this is my first Floyd, and the guy working on it is great but he did forget to do the bar on the headstock so I’m gonna take it back and see what difference it makes, thank you
I have decided not to pay someone to change out the strings on my PRS SE Floyd this time. As a matter of fact, I had even decided to go from 9s to 10s before I went online and found this channel. I couldn't believe that you were doing that same thing!! I'm sure that I'm not the only one who feels intimidated by the Floyd Rose tremolo system the first time around,lol. But after watching this video and taking my time, it's really not so hard. Thank You, Good Sir for walking me through this Labor of love!!!
As I was examining how to restring my first Floyd Rose guitar, this video was most helpful. Mine didn't come with a tremolo and while that seems obvious, yes it was my problem, so I couldn't get the bridge lifted properly. With that indentation designed into the guitar, it's critical to be able to do that. Ran to Guitar Center, they had none in stock, but lent me one. So great! Thank you!
I was thinking of buying the Synyster Gates Strings that just came out but they’re 10-52 and my strings now are 9-42 so I was a little panicky about that but now with this tutorial I feel more confident if I do buy those strings. Thanks!
Thank you. Nicely done. I watched someone adjust the bridge at a shop once and they placed a block in the back that kept the bridge parellel to the body. Then they tuned the guitar and tightened the springs slowly and evenly. When the block fell out the bridge was set. A minor tuning and all was good. Seems a lot less tedious than going back and forth tuning and adjusting. I don't know if they sell the blocks or it has to be made. Much faster your way if you don't have one. Thanks again. I enjoyed your video. Now I need to learn how to file a fret without over doing it. I'm not looking forward to that on my guitar that needs it.
This is a very cool tutorial and it really hits my taste! If you want to be a real friendly guy to your knife edges, you would remove the string tension by taking each time the tremolo springs off before adjusting the posts. As shown you do this after you adjusted the strings - springs balance and the neck adjustment.
Just got my first Floyd guitar, actually ended up with 3 in one day so being my first Floyd guitars this was definitely needed knowledge. Very helpful thanks!
Thank you soooo much! Master class! A true expert don't have to cloak knowledge in obscure arcane cryptic "BS"....amazing video! You changed my Floyd Rose nightmare into a fun change of strings!!
Lots of guitar techs don't have a clue how to properly setup Floyd's. I love the term 'sweet spot' you use as that's what happens. The springs and strings will just all of a sudden 'balance'. You can get some of the worst Floyd's to work well if you can find this spot.
Thank you for pointers I got a used guitar and I play with 11-50 Guage strings and the new guitar with a floyd rose had 9 Guage on it with your help I successfully changed to 11 guage
Awesome video and very well done with the setup. It was around the truss rod adjustment that I lost faith in my abilities on this one lol. I'll be taking it to someone who can do this much easier than me, as I finally have a really good quality guitar and want to keep it that way
You have saved me!! Was getting in a right state after stripping, cleaning and restringing my RG. Would not tune properly and I was losing the plot with it. Thanks a bunch :-)
Great, great video!! I just bought a new Charvel with a Floyd Rose that came with .009’s and I wanted to put .010’s on it. I wouldn’t have known how to do it, but This video guided me through the process really well!!! THANK YOU!! BTW, your original background music was fantastic!!👍
I was stuck tuning my Floyd Rose for about an hour lmfao then I finally understood one of the major steps on tuning it from your video preciate it man 🙏🙏
Hi there. your tutorial saved my Ibanez JS100 which has a really tricky double locking trem system. Thanks very much for sharing such great knowledge. Subscribed! !
I always check my final intonation with the guitar hanging from the strap in playing position, not laying on a table. Do the table first, then dial it in hanging off the strap. And if you're doing a lefty guitar, check it as a lefty would play it. Doing it hanging for righty will actually be different!!!! Most techs don't know that!
Looking at this, I'm glad I bought a fixed bridge electric guitar, and changing all the strings is much easier. But this is an excellent tutorial in case I need it in the future.
@@graffitibobFloyd Rose or an Ibanez floating bridge is so worth it if you’re playing 80s hard metal. And for those signature sounds and tone, you need heaps of patience and loads of time.
I've only owned one fixed bridge in my entire life. Floyd Rose does come with a bit of a learning curve as far as setting it up. But, once you get it, you are golden!!! There are so many things you can do with a Floyd Rose that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do! And tuning stability? Rock solid.
I agree this is way too much trouble, and I find I really don't need the whammy. BUT a couple of sweet guitars I bought have the Floyds and it is good to have the functionality so I'm going to learn it for when I need it, and otherwise stick to fixed bridges.
Good ol Blackie Ibanez RG with shark fin inlays and a floatee. That was my first good decent guitar after the wal-mart Washburn in a box 😸🤙🤌 Thanks for the video man! I just finally got a floating bridge on a Jackson and all these tips are coming back to me!
I went from 10's that came on my new Schecter to 9's which is my preferred Gauge and after changing all of them all I had to do was screw the Trem claw in a few times and re-tune . Once I found the sweet spot the intonation and neck relief were spot on ? This was thorough but it not this complicated for every Guitar with a Floyd ...
Is great to hear that you dont need more adjustments. Not always is needed a full setup but is a good practice to check everything just in case. 9's require less tension so some guitars may need to loosen the truss rod to compensate, also the intonation is likely to require some minor adjustment after changing string gauge.
Hey man! I saw at around 7:23 that you said to remove spring tension before adjusting the truss rod. How did you go about removing the string tension in this situation before adjusting?
I have a question. You mention the need to adjust the string retainer bar. I would think that if you were going to a heavier gauge, the lower strings are noticeably thicker which would push them down tighter to the nut. In your video, you tighten it down quite a bit which suggests that it wasn't adjusted properly for the previous gauge. Did you raise it artificially high to illustrate the point? Also, great backing tracks and production. Thanks for sharing!
Great tutorial and I learned a lot but one thing I would like to mention. Since new strings tend to go flat after changing them, I like to bring all of the fine tuners right back to the top. This avoids the hassle of loosening the locks at nut to make the adjustments. Anyways, I appreciate the video. Thanks.
Just gotta stretch them out as you tune them, tune it, pull on it, repeat until pulling on the string no longer makes it go flat, then move on to the next string.
@@aeromancerclash8615 One of the best things I found is to rigorously work the string back and forth all the way down the neck, from the body to the nut (try not to cut yourself). We do this for two reasons, 1. To take up the slack in the winding's of the wound strings 2. To also take up the slack from the post winding's at the post. Also check the flat side of old clamps on the nut, sometimes they flip around where the grooves from wear and tear, settle on the wrong string and create tuning issues.
Please take note that some adjustments (mainly neck relief and intonation) are more accurate if performed with the guitar in playing position rather than laying on a bench due to some potential neck bending produced by gravity. In practice this is infinitesimal and I've seen countless reputable luthiers setting up guitars on a bench with perfect results but, if you want the maximum precision possible, thats the way to go.
yup look at tuner in playing position and then in a flat position....it goes sharp when laying flat
I'm going to save this to my 'need to know' playlist for future reference. My jackson JS32 Randy Rhoads doesn't have a retainer bar on the headstock though, so I'll have to skip that part.
Yeah, but Divebombs and ultra crazy vibrato techniques no fingers can do on their own
Ya unless your bridge pops out of place
Unless your bridge pops out of place
Dude. thank you. You probably wont notice this comment. But you literally changed my life with this video. I no longer have to pester my brother to do it for me. Also he never did it this thoroughly. It makes me so proud that I can do this myself now. It took me a good while to find that fine sweet spot and get it perfect but my float is perfect and my guitar is a fine piece of work now. Blessings to you brother for this upload. I liked and now subscribed. You are my first subscription ever on you tube. Word. Keep it metal.
Wow thanks! That was one of the nicest comments I've ever received! Glad you found this video helpful. At the end of the day that's the ultimate goal of this little channel. Enjoy your guitar!
I'm living the van life. I rocked my Ibanez out and it sounded better than it has ever sounded. Thank you again brother. God Bless You.
Edit. My wife noticed it also. How it sounded different, more soulful. And my 2 year old passed out to the melodic metal. Thanks again man.
Definitely needed this.
I have an Ibanez RG series Floyd rose bridge guitar and honestly I have not restringed the poor thing in 3 years due to the fact I’ve been avoiding learning to do it and not wanting to just pay to get it restrung and adjusted. Finally have the guts to give it a shot now thanks to this video! Bought new strings and they are a new gauges. Perfect video
Awesome to hear that your axe gonna get some love! Kudos for the decision to do it and good luck with that! It's easier than it looks. Cheers!!
its been 2 years now did u learn yet?
I messed up the.... everything... on my Schecter with a Floyd Rose when I changed the string gauge. This video was a huge help in getting it back into top shape and sounding great. Best guide I found by far. Thanks for sharing it!
Life saver. I took all my strings off to clean the fretboard and i fucct it up. The new strings basically pulled the floyd rose all the way out. I got confused and have been searching thru hours of videos trying to find a tutorial on how to fully string the guitar from scratch instead of one at a time. You are a legend, and have a spot on my donations list whenever i become a billionaire 🤙
I have been a Floyd user for 25+ years and have seen a lot of Floyd setup vids - without question this is one of the "best", most complete ones out there. A few things and comments:
- THANK YOU for reminding me about properly adjusting the retainer bar....honestly, this is one thing that I have often been omitting when setting up my own Floyds. Indeed, properly setting up the break angle on Floyd's with locking nuts can be crucial to consistently staying in tune. I also will run a pencil along the grooves of the locking nut itself - likely not needed as the locking nut is the whole point, but still it's something I do anyway; :)
- I am one of the "ball end on the tuner" Floyd guy's....I always have been and have never ever encountered any issues with damaging the tuning peg or other string issues. For me, on the rare occasions I break a string, like most Floyd's it will happen at the bridge/saddles. So I make sure I do have extra length on the bridge string end - I run them to the end of the fine tuner mechanism and then another inch or so. But since going to NYXLs [10s or 9.5] I have yet to break any strings though I am not a severe whammy abuser like Vai - just a touch of Satch/Lifeson style whammy :)
- Excellent tip about oiling the pivot points - I use WD40 and a toothpick as well; I would also suggest people to do the same lubrication on the fine tuning screws. Add a tiny bit on each fine tuner and just work it back and forth;
- Really useful stuff on intonation and truss rod adjustment! Well-done! Maybe stress that people need NOT OVERTIGHTEN the locking nuts! Just tighten until they are secure and a hair more only.
- I think you only forgot a couple small things - to properly stretch out the new strings at some point before clamping everything down for good and also to set the fine tuner adjustments to about halfway on each string to allow for maximum range of fine tuning when needed. Neck's will and always move, at least slightly. And doing the intonation while in a playing position.
- Your use of a towel and a wooden block to support the Floyd bridge is great....try to google a product called TremoLok. It's crazy to me that that appears to not be made anymore. I still have mine from 25 years ago and it is a godsend to support Floyd bridges during string changes. Just a simple piece of strong "L" shaped hard plastic with dense soft foam underneath to protect the guitar finish. Honestly, IMO a brilliant invention that needs to come back on the market!
- Great original music! But maybe upload a version with voiceover?
Terrific work again! Cheers and SUBBED! Stay safe!
TREMOLOK images and link on gearpage:
www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/to-the-floyd-rose-folks-here-are-a-couple-old-gadgets-i-managed-to-track-down.1351452/
Looks like someone has resurrected the idea of the original Tremolok!
www.shredneck.com/shredneck-tremblock/
www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/All_Hardware_and_Parts_by_Instrument/Electric_Guitar_Parts/Electric_Guitar_Bridges_and_Tailpieces/Electric_Guitar_Tremolo_Parts/ShredNeck_TremBlock.html
Wow, thaks for your message! I'm really glad you liked the video and that has been helpful! The retainer bar must be the most ovelooked and most helpfull adjustment on a FR equipped guitar, thanks for noticing it. Your tip of leaving some string in the tuner in case it brakes at the bridge is awesome, luckily I havent had problems breaking strings (I think 3 o 4 strings broken in 20 years wich I think is pretty good) but this advise is awesome, thanks!!
Im glad you liked the music! sadly I know that voiceover videos could potentially appeal to more people but I'm not a native english speaker and my accent is absolutely terrible so is something that isn't going to happen any time soon haha. Thanks A LOT for subscribing and all your support, I really apreciate it and it means a lot to me! Cheers!!!
@@InspiringTracks Wonder why my 2017 Ibanez RG652AHM RG don't come with a string bar ?
Dont worry, several have commented the same, if it didn't came with the bar from the factory probably it's designed to not need one. If you are in doubt just check that the strings rest over all the nut like shown in the video
@@InspiringTracks Yeah guess it's re-designed for it coz the strings rest perfectly over the nut
@RocketJuan Why not? You need to explain your reasoning if you expect anyone to take you seriously at all.
I have been using tiny amounts of WD40 in key areas on all my guitars for decades with zero negative effects. If your experience has shown otherwise, explain yourself and perhaps your advice might be considered.
I'm the first guy to admit when he's proven to be wrong or shown better ways to do things.
I bought a guitar with a Floyd Rose a few years ago. Your video helped me dial it in perfectly. It sat neglected for the last year and the damn thing was still in tune when I finally started playing it again last week. Cleaning it up and putting new strings on and found your video again. A million thank you's from me!
Hey man. You’ve being my messiah. I got angry at myself for getting a Floyd Rose. I didn’t have problems with tuning when I got it. The challenge happened after changing strings. I watched several videos online but couldn’t tune it for countless hours. I abandoned the guitar for about 2 months. I saw this video and within 15 mins the guitar was tuned like magic. What really helped was adjusting the springs at the back and the bar near the nut. God bless you.
That backing track is very reminiscent of Bad Horsie!
Great video, btw!
I thought it was a version of bad horsie until I realized it wasn't.
This is genuinely the most useful tech video I have seen on guitar. I paid a ridiculous amount for a Jackson Kelly KE2. My tech saw that, and has been charging me about 180 bucks every other month or so to change strings and adjust the bridge etc. This meant the world to me
I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I always been a Les Paul guy and switch to a 7 string Schecter with a Floyd Rose. I decided to change the strings and do some conditioning maintenance only to discover that they sent it to me with the strangest string gauge combination. I was going to have to buy individual stings in order to match. I should have learned this long time ago, but some of us avoid the technical stuff. Shame on me. Kind of like learning to change a tire. You rock and save the day! Regardless of your other content I am you #1 fan and subscriber! LOL Cheers!
It's really awesome to hear that. I'm glad to help and hope you enjoy your new guitar! It's great to be able to mantain and even improve your own instruments and I'm glad I can help to acomplish that. Thanks A LOT for your support!! Cheers!
Speaking of custom string gauges, if you need some, check out stringjoy.com. Their email customer support will build a set according to your needs, or help you pick a non-custom set. Theyve got acoustic, bass, and electric sets for 6-9-strings. Id also recommend their string conditioner, it’s a natural anti-rust agent, cleaner and lubricant all in one. It keeps the gunk off the strings for way longer, so it means I can put off buying new strings for a while.
This video belongs in the guitar UA-cam hall of fame. Thanks so much man.
Lol thanks!!! Glad you liked it!!!
Best non verbal set up I've seen so far.. Thanks!!!! Lot of useful, easy to understand information.
Thanks, glad you liked it!!
Thank you for this video! I changed from 10's to 9's on my Ibanez JEM555-BK and I've always had trouble adjusting things with the Floyd Rose. This video made it so much easier!
Awesome to hear that, I'm glad to help!!!
Bro, thank you so much for this video. it's detailed but very easy to understand. changing gauge or even just restring is tiring in FR type. now i know i miss a lot of small step, or step to step order.
Finally, can't thank you enough bro. This video was PERFECT, absolute best setup video, all the other vids I've seen make it so complicated and over explain everything. Nice, simple, straight to the point. 👌
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!!
Best FLoyd Rose setup video i have ever watched. Excellent work!
Wow thanks!!!!
It's not the right way. You should be doing 1 string at a time. That's pretty basic too
Indeed. Just got my first Floyd Rose Guitar and was scared of the setup. But thanks to you
@@user-kf7kg3lf9w Not if you want to clean the fretboard and body. He did a full cleaning and setup. If it's just strings, then yes, one at a time is probably best, and if you are changing string gauges, then blocking the tremolo will probably help. Also, some people suggest tuning it in playing position, while others just do it flat on the workbench.
Brilliant. Just what I needed to attempt my 1980s floyd rose overhaul.
This is the only video taught me how to tune floyd rose setup, all other ones are just stuff everyone knows.. thumbs up
Wow thanks!! I'm really glad to help!
Thanks! 👍🏻 I have a Floyd Rose on a late 80’s - early 90’s Fender HM Strat. A friend of mine had a late 80’s Kramer with a Floyd Rose so when I picked up that guitar I have with a Floyd Rose I knew the basics but you’re video should help me to dial everything in.
A few years ago I bought some kind of kit that amounts to attaching some parts to the Floyd Rose tremolo to make it easier to adjust.
Thank you! PHENOMENAL VIDEO! I can now save $70 taking my guitar to the store. You definitely put everything into one video and demystified this process.
I do mine similar but kinda different. I start my blocking the trem in the proper angle and tighten the claw a tad to ensue no matter what gauge im changing to, the trem won't move. I keep the trem blocked at the proper angle for the entire setup and when I'm done I'll back it off until the blocker easily slips out. Trem at perfect angle and tuning is perfect at well. This saves time with that tune-detune stuff I'll use a special trem bar clamp I designed for saddle adjustment.
Ha. I just made the same comment!!!😂
Thank you for this! I picked up a second hand ESP from a charity shop and this is my first guitar with a Floyd Rose system, so this is new ground for me. Very helpful!
On the point. You made understand why I need to do this and that. I’ll now do something radical. Change from 10 to 8 gauge on my Jem. Wish me luck. I’ll need it...
Thanks!! Never tried 8s on any guitar, maybe you'll need to use only two springs. Good luck and let me know how they work!
I've been considering buying a guitar that has a floyd rose (and have kinda been discouraged as well upon seeing all the work that would be needed to change string gauge and tuning) and ended up on this video while looking for a tutorial on adjusting string gauge.
I have to say it is a superbly made piece of content and covered just about ANY question I would ever need while being succinct and showing every step of the way. Truly an amazing video, a big thank you for sharing your knowledge with us :D
Wow thanks! Glad you liked the video and good luck with your new FR guitar! The take a little bit more work but are a lot of fun!
I play on fixed bridge guitars but this video gives me confidence on changing strings if I move to a Floyd rose setup. Kudos on detailing all the steps. No extra fluff. Just straight to business. 👍
I've seen many many of videos of topic like this, this is so far the one I was finally not getting lost while watching! lol. Great video and million thanks!
Thanks a lot!!!
I just did this on my Schecter Hell Raiser before I saw this video. I pretty much did all of the things in the video, but was not near as smooth sailing. I had seen a couple of videos, but not anything as good as this one. With a few simple tools and this video I think anyone can get this done. After finishing, my guitar plays so much better with the new strings, same size as video, and the adjustments. What a difference. Thanks so much!
That's awesome, glad you found this video useful!
The hellraiser is a gorgeous guitar, you got the dark cherry one?
@@flonkas I actually bought two hell-raiser's at an estate sale. One white, and one dragon burst. They are great guitars, but do way more than my skills will ever see. The set-up can be done by a novice with some UA-cam help.
Just bought my first Jackson USA, I have not gone for FR guitars because it was intimidating but it this video was so thorough. Thank you for this
You can do a wooden or brass block to block the FR. Tune it then release the block. If the tremolo is not flat then just tighten/loosen the claw until it is flat and in tune. Use the block a few times until you get the claw perfect.
Used to set the floyed rose up in an hour and half in my 20s. Did it about once a month back then. Now Im 54 and its been a long time. So I thought a refresher vid would help and it certainly did! Made the same mistake I made about 15 years ago though 🤕... I forgot those little tabs that lock the strings in will fall out when loose Grrrr... Had a hell of a time figuring out what direction to reinslall those buggers lol... Full success other then that! Thanks Brother!
HUGE UP for the string bar adjustment so many forget how important that is!
Thanks! It makes your life waaay easier
never noticed the hugegap on my washburn, the strings dont even look like they touch the bottom of the trough of the nut.....it doesnt have the bar to press down tho :(
does it really make a huge difference if the strings are locked down in front of it?
Mine dont have one. Just bought bran new.
I was going from stock strings to 10s, but with the earnie ball skinny top heavy bottom, so the low e is 52.
I was tuning and retuning and readjusting the springs for 2 hours before my new high e snapped so here i am crying myself to sleep. Thanks for the tutorial btw its pretty easy to follow
Lmao same, my new high e has snapped 2 times already 😢 don't know what I'm doing bad
You’re my hero THANKSSSSSSS did my own set up after being afraid for years thanks to this vid
Just spent alot of today setting up my Jackson with the help of this. Only thing I didn't have to adjust was the intonation, which was perfect since I got it last year. It was worth saving this video in my 'need to know' playlist.
Excellent tracks here to jam with while I intonated my Jackson. Just set up and love the jam in your videos. Keep it up my friend. Love it!
Thanks, glad you liked the video and the tracks!!
Congratulations! Thank you very much for the video!
I have a 1987 Ibanez RG 550 with Floyd Rose.
I used all the instructions in the video and the guitar is fantastic!
Now I will make the adjustments myself when necessary!
Again Thank you very much!
Really great to know that. I'm glad to help! Cheers!!
I just got my Floyd set up for drop d and had issues with it staying in tune and not being fully floating, and this is my first Floyd, and the guy working on it is great but he did forget to do the bar on the headstock so I’m gonna take it back and see what difference it makes, thank you
thankyou your video is older than the music nomad tutorial video for FR, but that string retainer thing is an addition to my knowledge, cheers..
Will be using the toothpick trick to put chapstick in the pivot point between the knife edge and the "cone" of the bridge post. Great idea.
Hands down the best guitar setup videos on the internet. Thank you.
By far the best video ever on Floyd Rose.Thanks! SO nicely and easily explained straight to the point.
Wow you really did a thorough job showing how to adjust, good job!
I have decided not to pay someone to change out the strings on my PRS SE Floyd this time. As a matter of fact, I had even decided to go from 9s to 10s before I went online and found this channel. I couldn't believe that you were doing that same thing!! I'm sure that I'm not the only one who feels intimidated by the Floyd Rose tremolo system the first time around,lol. But after watching this video and taking my time, it's really not so hard. Thank You, Good Sir for walking me through this Labor of love!!!
Thank you so much i really need this, getting tomorrow my first Edge Bridge Ibanez
As I was examining how to restring my first Floyd Rose guitar, this video was most helpful. Mine didn't come with a tremolo and while that seems obvious, yes it was my problem, so I couldn't get the bridge lifted properly. With that indentation designed into the guitar, it's critical to be able to do that. Ran to Guitar Center, they had none in stock, but lent me one. So great! Thank you!
Awesome, I'm glad to help!!! And also great for the Guitar Center employees, cool guys!
Best explanation ever seen. Thanks
Glad you found it useful!
I was thinking of buying the Synyster Gates Strings that just came out but they’re 10-52 and my strings now are 9-42 so I was a little panicky about that but now with this tutorial I feel more confident if I do buy those strings. Thanks!
Thank you. Nicely done. I watched someone adjust the bridge at a shop once and they placed a block in the back that kept the bridge parellel to the body. Then they tuned the guitar and tightened the springs slowly and evenly. When the block fell out the bridge was set. A minor tuning and all was good. Seems a lot less tedious than going back and forth tuning and adjusting. I don't know if they sell the blocks or it has to be made. Much faster your way if you don't have one. Thanks again. I enjoyed your video. Now I need to learn how to file a fret without over doing it. I'm not looking forward to that on my guitar that needs it.
Thanks a lot bro! I didn't know what I was doing wrong, any other video I watched didn't explained the steps as well as you did
Glad to hear that. Thanks for your comment!!
This is a very cool tutorial and it really hits my taste!
If you want to be a real friendly guy to your knife edges, you would remove the string tension by taking each time the tremolo springs off before adjusting the posts. As shown you do this after you adjusted the strings - springs balance and the neck adjustment.
So glad I found this, my Jackson has 12 gauge tuned for c standard and I’ve been wanting to switch it back to 9-42 for standard tuning for a while now
Just got my first Floyd guitar, actually ended up with 3 in one day so being my first Floyd guitars this was definitely needed knowledge. Very helpful thanks!
Just bought some thicker strings to downtune my Ibanez prestige to Dadgad (but down to C#). This was awesome to follow along! Great video man!
Best tutorial video for floyd rose adjustments there is ! Thanks a lot
This might be the best Floyd Rose tutorial I've seen so far on uTube. 👍
Thanks for the video & effort! 😃
I messed up my new guitar. This video helped me fix it. Thanks for posting!
Glad to help!!!
Thank you soooo much! Master class! A true expert don't have to cloak knowledge in obscure arcane cryptic "BS"....amazing video! You changed my Floyd Rose nightmare into a fun change of strings!!
Best floyd setup video ive seen on youtube thanks man helped alot.
I'm glad you found it useful!! Cheers!!
Lots of guitar techs don't have a clue how to properly setup Floyd's. I love the term 'sweet spot' you use as that's what happens. The springs and strings will just all of a sudden 'balance'. You can get some of the worst Floyd's to work well if you can find this spot.
Thank you for pointers I got a used guitar and I play with 11-50 Guage strings and the new guitar with a floyd rose had 9 Guage on it with your help I successfully changed to 11 guage
Awesome video and very well done with the setup. It was around the truss rod adjustment that I lost faith in my abilities on this one lol. I'll be taking it to someone who can do this much easier than me, as I finally have a really good quality guitar and want to keep it that way
Finally get it!! You re the best man! perfect video with awesome backtrack for this work . Thank you . take care bro ;)
Thanks a lot!!
You have saved me!! Was getting in a right state after stripping, cleaning and restringing my RG. Would not tune properly and I was losing the plot with it. Thanks a bunch :-)
Great to hear that. Glad you found it useful!
Great, great video!! I just bought a new Charvel with a Floyd Rose that came with .009’s and I wanted to put .010’s on it. I wouldn’t have known how to do it, but This video guided me through the process really well!!! THANK YOU!! BTW, your original background music was fantastic!!👍
Thanks!! Glad the video was helpful and that you also liked the music!
I was stuck tuning my Floyd Rose for about an hour lmfao then I finally understood one of the major steps on tuning it from your video preciate it man 🙏🙏
That's awesome, glad you liked it!
Hi there. your tutorial saved my Ibanez JS100 which has a really tricky double locking trem system. Thanks very much for sharing such great knowledge. Subscribed! !
That's great! I'm glad you found it useful!
I go back to this every time I forget/feel like Im not gonna be able to do this perfectly. Great tutorial!
That's awesome, glad you found the video useful!
Gotta love that ruff cut of Bad horse in the background.. Via the bomb
Great and compact video with all the information needed! Thank you very much :)
Thanks!
Thanks brother. Easy to understand. Very straight forward video tutorial.
Glad you liked it!
I always check my final intonation with the guitar hanging from the strap in playing position, not laying on a table. Do the table first, then dial it in hanging off the strap. And if you're doing a lefty guitar, check it as a lefty would play it. Doing it hanging for righty will actually be different!!!! Most techs don't know that!
Yeah, for maximum precision that's the way to go
The best tutorial i have seen!
Thanks!!
Nice. Thanks! One backing track reminded me of overkill.
Glad you liked it!
Great tutorial mate.
Love the Seiko tuner. I had one of those 30 years ago.
Most helpful video I’ve ever seen
Glad you think so!
Looking at this, I'm glad I bought a fixed bridge electric guitar, and changing all the strings is much easier. But this is an excellent tutorial in case I need it in the future.
indeed. floyd rose is a pain +10000. NOT WORTH IT. getting a normal bridge and a whammy pedal…
@@graffitibob Tuning stability of flyod rose are better
@@graffitibobFloyd Rose or an Ibanez floating bridge is so worth it if you’re playing 80s hard metal. And for those signature sounds and tone, you need heaps of patience and loads of time.
I've only owned one fixed bridge in my entire life. Floyd Rose does come with a bit of a learning curve as far as setting it up. But, once you get it, you are golden!!! There are so many things you can do with a Floyd Rose that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do! And tuning stability? Rock solid.
I agree this is way too much trouble, and I find I really don't need the whammy. BUT a couple of sweet guitars I bought have the Floyds and it is good to have the functionality so I'm going to learn it for when I need it, and otherwise stick to fixed bridges.
Best video so far you explained everything I needed to know
Good ol Blackie Ibanez RG with shark fin inlays and a floatee. That was my first good decent guitar after the wal-mart Washburn in a box 😸🤙🤌 Thanks for the video man! I just finally got a floating bridge on a Jackson and all these tips are coming back to me!
I went from 10's that came on my new Schecter to 9's which is my preferred Gauge and after changing all of them all I had to do was screw the Trem claw in a few times and re-tune . Once I found the sweet spot the intonation and neck relief were spot on ? This was thorough but it not this complicated for every Guitar with a Floyd ...
Is great to hear that you dont need more adjustments. Not always is needed a full setup but is a good practice to check everything just in case. 9's require less tension so some guitars may need to loosen the truss rod to compensate, also the intonation is likely to require some minor adjustment after changing string gauge.
Hey man! I saw at around 7:23 that you said to remove spring tension before adjusting the truss rod. How did you go about removing the string tension in this situation before adjusting?
I started with a very complicated way but damn ur presenting way made it so so simple wow thanks bro
Learned a lot today ...thank you x1,000,000!
Awesome to hear that. I'm glad to help!
Best tutorial by far
Thanks!!!
Thank you for this! The instructions were well layed out and fluid/easy to follow. Took away any confusion I had :)
That's great! Glad you found it useful!
that's a nice and comprehensive tutorial
Thanks I’ll check my string tree. That explains why I have to fine tune after locking the strings.
Great Video ! I'm new to this setup and I found most of the questions I had in mind. Many thanks for sharing. RnR
thank you so much. floyd rose set up was always a nightmare for me but now i finally can do it. thumbs up
Thanks! I'm really glad to hear that!!
Man...is the best video aboud floyd/edge tremolos, thanks for sharing...
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!!
hands down best video out there on the topic \m/
Wow thanks! Glad you liked it!
And remember.....There's no shame if you need to call in to work to stay home and restring your Floyd Rose
I have a question. You mention the need to adjust the string retainer bar. I would think that if you were going to a heavier gauge, the lower strings are noticeably thicker which would push them down tighter to the nut. In your video, you tighten it down quite a bit which suggests that it wasn't adjusted properly for the previous gauge. Did you raise it artificially high to illustrate the point? Also, great backing tracks and production. Thanks for sharing!
Great tutorial and I learned a lot but one thing I would like to mention. Since new strings tend to go flat after changing them, I like to bring all of the fine tuners right back to the top. This avoids the hassle of loosening the locks at nut to make the adjustments. Anyways, I appreciate the video. Thanks.
I haven't experienced this with Floyd equipped guitars, yes with hardtails/non locking systems. Anyway is a good tip! Thanks!!
Just gotta stretch them out as you tune them, tune it, pull on it, repeat until pulling on the string no longer makes it go flat, then move on to the next string.
@@aeromancerclash8615 One of the best things I found is to rigorously work the string back and forth all the way down the neck, from the body to the nut (try not to cut yourself). We do this for two reasons, 1. To take up the slack in the winding's of the wound strings 2. To also take up the slack from the post winding's at the post. Also check the flat side of old clamps on the nut, sometimes they flip around where the grooves from wear and tear, settle on the wrong string and create tuning issues.
Dude you’re amazing! Thank you for ALL the details so many tutorials pass by. Thank you
What a fantastic tutorial 👏
Best tutorial video thank you greetings from Turkey
Thanks!! I'm glad you liked it!!
Thank you for doing this. Your tutorial has been super helpful for me!
Glad it was helpful! cheers!!!
I have a fender tremelo but it floats. Thanks for helping me with adjusting the springs
Here you got a full tutorial on how to setup Strats and their tremolo system, floating or not. Check it out. ua-cam.com/video/S4WhvgF8PaU/v-deo.html