8 Steps to Float Your Strat Trem | Helmers How-Tos

In the debut episode of our Helmer’s How-Tos DIY series, guitar-guru Dave Helmer shows you how to dial-in whammy-bar action with a few everyday tools, a set of precision-milled blocks, and a little help from gravity.

[shaindaman]

“ It May feel like it’s ready to come out but don’t pull it out, just leave it in, let it fall out” words to live by.

[Glicksman]

I had my Strat bridge set flush to the body for a while but decided to float it like Leo intended. I did it the old school way. I backed off (unscrewed) the two screws that hold the claw that the springs are connected to a ways and re-tuned to pitch. Then I gradually screwed the screws back in and re-tuned, etc., etc., until it was as i wanted it. For me, 1/2 step up is fine. It took a little time, but I got it right without any fuss at all. I don't "dive-bomb." I like a little musical vibrato here and there, a little pre-upbend and such. With the nut properly lubed, it stays in good pitch when I use it.

[guloguloguy]

THANK YOU! FOR THESE HELPFUL TIPS, AND TUNE UP PROCEDURES.

[mauriciogambini]

Thanks for sharing. I've watched many videos about it, and I consider this definitely one of the best !

[danielbreaux]

Really helpful intro into how to do this the first-time on some guitars i am building that unfortunately have tremolo holes!

[docjeffry]

Thank you for the vintage setup! Very nice!! Now, do you have a video on locating the holes as my project is not predrilled. TY

[precbsfender]

I've been playing Stratocasters since 1968, I prefer a stock 5 spring tremolo set up, never once have I ever had issues.

[Joejoe-ntgc]

Great tutorial man!!
Much better to watch than the other guys using some wierd octave stuff hahaha

[marlinhall]

Sweet video, Dave! This is right up my alley cuz I want my Strat bridge floating. I like to dial in my up-pull so that when I grab the wang bar, I go up a half-step on the open B string. Keep those videos coming!

[nasticanasta]

Taught myself back when I was 18, there isn't a trem I cannot make work, even the dreaded Westone (St. Louis Music) "Bendmaster".
Back off the 6 screws on the 6 point trem till the screw head is completely flush, don't leave any wiggle room.
I have never measured, and I never used a block, it doesn't take but 2-3 tunings to get it all set . As for broken strings? lol I don't, I cannot remember the last time I broke any string

[hikupmusicofficial]

will this work with flyod rose type bridges

[fortyyearfitness]

You look like you should be making a video titled “8 steps to make a root beer float”

[philliphanford]

Beck and Henderson set up so the G string will go up a major third, A string dives an octave. Right? Who else would we be trying to emulate with a floating bridge?

[lancelucifer]

Same for Floyd's. Thanks for makin the vid about one of the most mind numbing awefull task thatguitar players have to do.

[sparkyguitar]

Suggestion. Add a Hipshot Tremsetter to keep your setting where you put it initially. Mine was easy. I have a deluxe plus Strat since 96. Bought used. When these were new Fender included a Tremsetter in thr package. I stopped and bought 1 on my way home when I picked up my guitar, set the Fender Floyd Rose bridge up a bit, reset the intonation and been whammying since 96. Never needed to ever touch this part of this guitar since then. I've always said best Strat Fender ever made. Deluxe Plus with Fender Floyd Rose bridge.

[Toraboramusic]

Trouble is, with a floating bridge, when you bend a string up, say the 3rd G string and hit another string - the second fretted string is out of tune. Nightmare if you play a lot of blues and bend a lot of strings

[Cinestudi]

Can someone explain why the four inter screws are left not as tight? I see thats a common thing but no one gives the explination

[dtworzguitar]

Put a prs trem on it, I did on 2 of my strats and omg they work fantastic😉

[Pokey]

i could NEVER get these things to stay in tune whilst using the bar

[midnitelitecompany]

“8 tips to float your strat trem, and 20 reasons not to bother” should be part 2